1. Prepare the Dough:
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, the remaining sugar, and salt.
- Add Eggs and Yeast Mixture: With the mixer running on a low speed, add the eggs and yeast mixture to the flour. Mix until the dough starts to come together.
- Incorporate Butter: Gradually add the butter pieces, continuing to mix until the dough is smooth, elastic, and pulls away from the sides of the bowl, about 5-8 minutes.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area until doubled in size, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
2. Shape the Doughnuts:
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness.
- Cut Out Rounds: Using a 2-inch round cutter, cut out dough rounds and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Second Rise: Cover the dough rounds with a towel and let them rise again until puffy, about 30 minutes.
3. Fry the Doughnuts:
- Heat Oil: In a deep fryer or large pot, heat at least 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry Doughnuts: Fry the doughnuts in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook for about 1 minute on each side or until golden brown.
- Cool: Transfer the fried doughnuts to a wire rack set over paper towels to drain and cool slightly.
4. Fill and Finish:
- Fill the Doughnuts: Fit a piping bag with a narrow tip and fill with your choice of jelly or jam. Insert the tip into the side of each doughnut and gently squeeze to fill with jelly.
- Dust with Sugar: Sift confectioners’ sugar over the filled doughnuts before serving.
Conclusion:
Jelly doughnuts are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a brunch, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, homemade jelly doughnuts are sure to impress. This recipe, with its step-by-step instructions, is designed to guide you through the process of creating these delicious pastries, ensuring they turn out perfectly every time. Remember, the key to the perfect doughnut is patience during the rising times and careful temperature control while frying. Enjoy the process of making these sweet, filled delights and the joy they bring to those who get to taste them.