Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Berliner Doughnut

Traditional Berliner Doughnut Recipe


  • Author: Sarah White

Description

Make authentic Berliner doughnuts with this traditional German recipe for soft, jam-filled treats fried to golden perfection.


Ingredients

Scale

Pre-Dough:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons yeast (one package)

  • ¼ cup milk

Dough:

  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

  • ½ cup sugar

  • ⅔ cup milk

  • 1 egg

  • 2 egg yolks

  • 6 tablespoons butter (soft, but not melted)

  • ½ teaspoon fine salt

  • 3 tablespoons rum

  • 1 tablespoon vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frying:

  • 2 quarts vegetable oil, lard, or clarified butter

Filling & Decoration:

  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 small glass of your favorite jam or hazelnut spread (e.g., Nutella)

  • ⅛ cup powdered sugar (optional)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the pre-dough:
    In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of the flour with sugar and yeast. Warm the milk slightly (about 100°F/37°C) and add it to the mixture. Stir well, cover with a cloth, and let it ferment in a warm place for about 30-45 minutes until bubbly and risen.

  2. Make the dough:
    Once the pre-dough is ready, add the remaining flour along with lemon zest, sugar, milk, egg, egg yolks, butter, salt, rum, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until a soft, elastic dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes.

  3. First rise:
    Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1.5 to 2 hours until it doubles in size.

  4. Shape the doughnuts:
    Punch down the dough gently and roll it out to about ½ inch thickness on a floured surface. Using a round cutter (about 3 inches diameter), cut out circles. Place them on parchment paper or a floured baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 30 minutes.

  5. Heat the oil:
    In a deep heavy pot or fryer, heat your oil, lard, or clarified butter to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.

  6. Fry the doughnuts:
    Carefully place the doughnuts into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning gently until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding to keep oil temperature steady.

  7. Drain and coat:
    Remove doughnuts with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. While still warm, roll the doughnuts in granulated sugar until fully coated.

  8. Fill the doughnuts:
    Using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, fill the doughnuts with your favorite jam or hazelnut spread.

  9. Optional decoration:
    Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a classic finish.

Notes

Maintain consistent oil temperature to avoid greasy doughnuts.

Don’t let the dough overproof, or it may collapse when frying.

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for best results.

Keywords: Berliner Doughnut