Jelly-Filled Donuts – Fluffy, Golden, and Bursting with Jam
There’s something undeniably joyful about a jelly-filled donut—the kind you bite into and find a soft, jammy surprise inside. Golden and crisp on the outside, fluffy and tender on the inside, and finished with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, these homemade donuts taste like your favorite bakery’s best…but fresher.
Whether for weekend brunch, special celebrations, or an indulgent dessert, these donuts bring a little magic to your kitchen.
❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
This donut recipe is simple but yields bakery-quality results. The dough is enriched with eggs and butter, making it wonderfully soft and pillowy. Frying gives it that signature crisp edge, while the fruit jelly tucked inside adds a sweet, tangy pop.
Even better? You can customize the filling and toppings to suit your craving—raspberry jam, strawberry jelly, lemon curd, or even Nutella!
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup whole milk (warmed to 110°F)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup fruit jelly or jam (raspberry, strawberry, or your favorite)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
🔁 Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Nutmeg adds a hint of warmth—optional, but recommended.
- Milk should be warm, not hot. Too hot can kill the yeast.
- Yeast: Use active dry or instant yeast; adjust proofing time if needed.
- Jam: Use seedless jam for easy piping. Thick or reduced-sugar varieties work best.
- Oil for Frying: Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable with a high smoke point.
👨🍳 How to Make Jelly Donuts – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and nutmeg.
In another bowl, whisk warm milk, eggs, and melted butter.
Pour the wet mix into the dry and stir to form a dough.
Step 2: Knead
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
Step 3: Shape the Donuts
Punch down the dough and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thick.
Use a 3-inch cutter to cut out circles.
Place on a floured tray, cover with a towel, and let rise again for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Fry
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry donuts in batches for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Fill
Once slightly cooled, use a piping bag or squeeze bottle to fill each donut with 1–2 teaspoons of jelly.
Step 6: Dust & Serve
Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature.
💡 Tips for Success
- Don’t overheat your oil—keep it around 350°F for even frying.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot for best results.
- Test-fry one donut to check the temperature before frying the rest.
- Use a skewer or knife to create a filling pocket if you don’t have a piping tip.
- Roll in sugar while still warm for a classic sugar-coated version.
🍽️ Serving & Pairing Ideas
These donuts pair beautifully with:
- Hot coffee, chai, or vanilla milk
- A dessert platter alongside:
🧊 Storage & Leftovers
- Room Temp: Best eaten the day they’re made, but store in an airtight container for 1 day.
- Reheat: Warm slightly in the microwave before eating.
- Freezing: Freeze unfried, shaped dough for up to 1 month. Thaw, rise, and fry as normal. (Not recommended after jelly is added.)
🥄 Final Thoughts
Jelly-filled donuts bring that perfect mix of nostalgic sweetness and pillowy perfection. With a homemade dough and fruity jam inside, they’re guaranteed to make any morning—or midnight snack—more special.
Tried these? Let us know how they turned out! Tag @ChefManiac or share your favorite jam combo in the comments. And for more sweet, shareable bakes, head over to the full dessert archive.
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