Berliner - German Jam Doughnuts

5 from 1 vote

Berliner - German Jam Doughnuts

These soft, fluffy, and incredibly delicious German Jam Doughnuts, also known as Berliner, are fried to a crisp, filled with jam, and dusted with icing suga

Prep Time2

Cook Time10

Total Time2 10

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: German

Diet: Halal, Vegetarian

Servings: doughnuts

Calories: 284kcal

Author: Ayla Clulee

Equipment

1 kitchen scale
1 measuring spoons
1 Measuring cups
1 cooking thermometer
1 Kitchen Aid stand mixer

Ingredients

4 cups strong white flour (bread flour) (500 grams)
2 ¼ teaspoon fast action dry yeast (7 grams)
6 ¾ oz semi-skimmed or full-fat milk (200 ml)
3 egg yolks (at room temperature)
⅓ cup caster or granulated sugar
2 ½ oz unsalted butter (softened at room temperature) (70 grams)
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
⅛ teaspoon salt
6 oz jam (300 grams)
1 ½ tablespoon icing sugar (for dusting)
vegetable, rapeseed or sunflower oil for frying

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preparing the Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm milk and dry yeast. Let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy.
Transfer the yeast mixture to a stand mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook attachment.
Add the sugar, vanilla bean paste, flour, salt, and vinegar to the yeast mixture in the stand mixer bowl.
Mix on low speed until a dough forms and then add the egg yolks.
Once the dough has come together, add the softened butter in very small portions piece by piece, and let it incorporate into the dough before adding more.
Let the mixer knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.

Proofing and Shaping the Doughnuts

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, covet it with cling film or a clean kitchen towel.
Let the dough rise for 1 hour, or until it doubles the size in a warm place.
Once the dough has risen, divide it into 12 equal pieces, each weighing approximately 70 grams (2 ½ oz).
Roll each dough portion into a ball and flatten it slightly to form a doughnut shape.
Place them on a baking paper-lined tray, lightly sprinkle with flour, and cover them with a clean kitchen towel or cling film.
Let them rise for another hour until they have doubled in size.
Remove the cover and allow them to rise for an additional 30 minutes, allowing a slight crust to form.

Frying and Filling the Doughnuts

Heat the oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 165°C (330°F).
Carefully place the risen doughnuts into the hot oil and fry for about a minute on each side or until they turn golden brown and puffy.
Do not overfill the pan; do it in 2 or 3 batches, depending on the size of your frying pan.
Remove the Berliners from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined wire rack to drain excess oil.
If you want your Berliners sweeter, allow them to cool down for 10 minutes, or until they are easier to handle, and then roll them in caster sugar.
Allow them to cool down to room temperature, and then, using a jam filler or a thin-nozzled piping bag, fill each Berliner with your choice of jam.
Dust them with icing sugar and serve while still warm and fresh.

Video

Notes

Ensure that the butter is soft enough to knead into the dough but not melted.
Avoid using skimmed milk, and make sure it is lukewarm before adding it to the dough!
Knead the dough until smooth and elastic for light and fluffy Berliners. Consider using a with a dough hook for the best results.
Let the dough rise well during both the first and second rises after shaping the doughnuts to enhance the flavor and structure of the dough.
Ensure the oil reaches a temperature of 165°C (330°F) by using a If you don't have one, perform a quick test with a wooden spoon. Dip the end of a wooden spoon into the oil, and if it bubbles within three seconds, the oil is ready for frying.
Avoid overcrowding the frying pan or pot. Fry the doughnuts in batches to maintain the right temperature and prevent them from sticking together.
While traditional Berliners are filled with jam, feel free to experiment with various jam flavors, custards, or even Nutella for different filling options.

Nutrition