Print
Polish Paczki
Prep Time
45 mins
Cook Time
6 mins
Total Time
51 mins
 
Polish Paczki is one of my daughter's favourite recipes. She looks forward to making them every year. This recipe is easy and absolutely delicious.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Polish
Author: Kim Beaulieu of Cravings of a Lunatic
Ingredients
For the Dough:
  • 1 and 1/2 cups warm milk 110 degrees is ideal, no warmer than that
  • 2 packages of active dry yeast Each package of yeast is 7 grams. If using jarred yeast you will need 14 grams total.
  • 1 tablespoon sugar for proofing the yeast
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup 1 stick of butter
  • 1 large egg room temperature
  • 3 large egg yolks room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon rum extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 and 1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
For the Toppings:
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Powdered Sugar
  • Cinnamon Sugar Mix one part granulated sugar, one part brown sugar, then a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg
Instructions
For proofing the yeast:
  1. Warm the milk in a saucepan using a thermometer to watch the temperature. Do not go over 110 degrees. Remove from heat. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar and 2 packages of active dry yeast. Stir briefly. Then set aside to allow it to proof. This will take about 5 to 8 minutes, just let it sit and if your yeast is good it will start to foam.
For the Dough:
  1. In a stand mixer combine the 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup butter, cream that with a paddle attachment.You want it fluffy before adding anything else. Once it is you can add the egg, egg yolks, rum extract and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
  2. Now alternately add the flour and yeast mixture to stand mixer bowl. I alternated 3 times and mixed slowly in while adding. Then turn the speed up to a medium speed for a minute or two, until the dough becomes blistered. Every time we make these we end up using the full 5 cups of flour. But I also start out with 4 and 1/2 cups to be sure if I need more or not.
  3. The dough is going to be very sticky, it's okay, don't let that freak you out. Spray a glass bowl with non-stick spray and then set the dough inside. I spray a piece of parchment with non-stick spray then lay that over the top of the dough, then I tightly cover the bowl with tinfoil, sealing the edges. Set the bowl somewhere warm and allow to rise for about 1 to 2 and 1/2 hours, it should double in size.
  4. Now punch it down, then wrap it back up and allow it to rise again for 1 to 2 and 1/2 hours.
  5. Now lightly flour your work surface. Turn your dough out onto the work surface. Roll out so the dough is 1/2 inch thickness. Use a biscuit cutter or glass to cut rounds. Place them on lightly floured pans, cover with a lint free cloth, and allow them to rise for another 30 to 60 minutes.
  6. Heat your oil to 350 degrees F.
  7. Drop pacski in the oil, flat side down, cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, then flip over and cook other side for 1 to 2 minutes. You want them to be golden brown.
  8. Scoop out of the fryer and lay on a paper towel, then dunk in desired topping. Place on a rack to dry.
  9. Repeat with 3 or 4 at a time so you don't over-crowd your oil. Continue until all the pacski are cooked.
  10. Serve with a big old sugary smile!
Recipe Notes

Recipe Source: About.com

Makes 2 Dozen Paczki

It helps to set up separate bowls of sugary toppings before frying the Polish Paczki.

You can also fill them with various fillings such as peach pie filling, apple pie filling, cherry pie filling, or jams, or even custard.