Jelly Filled Donuts Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a melt-in-your-mouth treat that rivals anything from your local bakery, you’ve just stumbled onto a gem. This Jelly Filled Donuts Recipe is one I absolutely adore because it’s comfort food at its finest—a fluffy, golden exterior giving way to a sweet, gooey jelly center. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could come together to create something so irresistibly good. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through each step to help you nail these donuts right in your own kitchen. Trust me, your mornings (or anytime cravings) will thank you!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Jelly Filled Donuts Recipe come together to form that classic donut dough—rich, slightly sweet, and wonderfully soft. I like to use good quality unsalted butter and fresh yeast to ensure the best flavor and texture.

• Active dry yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh; it’s what makes these donuts rise beautifully.
• Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough and helps activate the yeast.
• Milk (lukewarm): Lukewarm milk wakes up the yeast without killing it—too hot and your dough won’t rise properly!
• All-purpose flour: Gives the dough structure; start with 3½ cups and add more if your dough feels sticky.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the dough.
• Sour cream: My secret ingredient for extra moist, tender donuts.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Provides flavor and softness.
• Vegetable oil: For frying; use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to avoid a greasy finish.
• Jelly: Pick your favorite flavor—strawberry, raspberry, or even apricot all work wonderfully.
• Powdered sugar: For dusting, adds a pretty finish and a hint of sweetness.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Jelly Filled Donuts Recipe—switching up fillings or even doing a light glaze instead of the powdered sugar dusting. You should definitely make it your own, because a little personalization makes baking way more fun!

• Jam & Preserves: Hands down, raspberry and strawberry are my favorites, but you could also try blueberry or peach for a summer twist—I once made a batch with homemade blackberry preserve that was a huge hit.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substituting a gluten-free flour blend works if you’re careful about texture; it may take a couple tries, but the flavor still shines through.
• Chocolate Filling: Swap jelly for chocolate ganache or Nutella for a decadent change—my kids devour those faster than the jelly ones!
• Spiced Dough: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough to infuse warmth and extra flavor.

How to Make Jelly Filled Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Proof Your Yeast

Start by mixing your active dry yeast with sugar and lukewarm milk in a small bowl. This little step wakes up the yeast, so it’s important not to skip it. After about 15 minutes, you’ll see the mixture getting frothy—that’s your green light! If it doesn’t froth, don’t panic; just try with a new batch of yeast to avoid flat dough later.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Combine your flour and salt in the mixer bowl, then add the yeast mixture, egg, sour cream, and melted butter. Use the paddle attachment on a low speed for a few minutes. The dough should come together nicely and pull away from the sides of the bowl cleanly. I’ve learned this technique prevents the dough from becoming too dry or sticky.

Step 3: First Rise

Cover your dough with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rest in a warm place. This is when magic happens—the dough doubles in size. This usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. I like to pop mine in an oven with just the light on to keep it cozy.

Step 4: Shape the Donuts

After your dough has risen beautifully, gently punch it down to release the air bubbles. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out to about ½ inch thick. Use a 3-inch round cutter or a glass to cut out your donuts. Don’t worry about perfection here—rustic shapes are part of the charm!

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts a few at a time, turning once, until golden brown and crispy—about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and set down on a wire rack to cool. Remember: maintaining the oil temperature is key to avoid greasy donuts, so adjust your heat as needed!

Step 6: Fill and Dust

Take a sharp knife to make a small slit on the side of each cooled donut. Fill a piping bag fitted with a small round tip and carefully fill each donut with your chosen jelly. Lastly, dust them generously with powdered sugar for that classic, irresistible finish. I love watching the jelly burst out with every bite!

How to Serve Jelly Filled Donuts Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar because it lets the jelly filling shine through while adding a light sweetness. Sometimes, for a special treat, I’ll drizzle a bit of melted white or dark chocolate over the top to fancy them up—and my guests never complain!

Side Dishes

A classic pairing for these jelly-filled delights is a hot cup of coffee or tea. For brunch, I like serving them alongside fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt parfait to balance the sweetness. My kids love dunking them in cold milk—so nostalgic.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these donuts on a cake stand surrounded by fresh flowers and extra jelly-filled mini donuts for variety. Turning them into donut holes and skewering them on sticks makes them perfect finger food at parties too—super fun and cute!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover donuts keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I usually line the container with parchment paper to avoid sticking, which helps preserve their texture and keeps the powdered sugar intact.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these donuts successfully by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to a month and thaw quickly on the counter—perfect for prepping ahead of busy mornings or unexpected guests.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the donuts in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to refresh that soft, warm texture without losing the jelly’s lovely gooeyness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the exterior slightly crisp—it tends to get chewy otherwise.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Jelly Filled Donuts Recipe has become a personal favorite because it strikes the perfect balance—soft, tender dough with just the right amount of sweetness and a surprise jam center that makes every bite a delight. Whether it’s weekend baking or a special gathering, these donuts never fail to bring smiles around the kitchen table. Once you try them, you’ll see why I’m so passionate about sharing this recipe. So grab your mixing bowl and some jelly, and let’s make magic happen in your own kitchen!

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