Paczki

Ingredients

• Powdered sugar - For dusting
• Vegetable oil - For frying
• Jam or custard for filling - 1 cup
• All - purpose flour - 4 1/2 cups
• Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Butter - 1/2 cup, melted
• Eggs - 3
• Active dry yeast - 2 1/4 teaspoons
• Sugar - 1/4 cup
• Milk - 1 cup

Instructions

1. Warm the milk and dissolve the sugar in it. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Beat the eggs, butter, salt, and vanilla together in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture and stir until well combined.
3. Gradually add the flour, mixing well after each addition. Once all the flour is incorporated, knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.
5. Punch down the dough and roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut out circles with a doughnut cutter or a glass.
6. Place a spoonful of jam or custard in the center of half of the circles. Cover with the remaining circles and seal the edges.
7. Let the doughnuts rise for another 30 minutes.
8. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F. Fry the doughnuts, a few at a time, until they are golden brown on both sides.
9. Drain the doughnuts on paper towels and dust them with powdered sugar while they are still warm.