Jelly-Filled Donuts with Powdered Sugar are a classic, indulgent treat that brings together soft, fluffy dough with sweet, fruity jelly and a dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these donuts offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

The airy, golden-brown exterior gives way to a sweet, jam-filled center that melts in your mouth. Making these donuts at home allows you to enjoy them fresh, warm, and customizable with your favorite jelly flavors. They are a nostalgic, comforting treat that is as fun to make as it is to eat.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures the magic of fresh, homemade donuts that are soft, pillowy, and bursting with jelly. The sweet powdered sugar coating adds a delicate touch, while the warm, gooey filling creates a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Making them at home allows you to experiment with different jams or fruit preserves, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying. The process of rolling, filling, and frying donuts is both therapeutic and rewarding, making it a special baking experience.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary, bakery-style treat. Jelly-filled donuts are a favorite across generations, offering a sweet, indulgent experience that is perfect for special occasions or weekend breakfasts.

The combination of fluffy dough, vibrant fruit filling, and powdered sugar topping creates a multi-sensory delight. They are versatile, fun to make, and impressively delicious, making them a standout addition to any homemade dessert repertoire.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes plus 1–2 hours rising time
Servings: 12 donuts
Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per donut
Course: Dessert / Breakfast
Cuisine: American / Bakery-Style

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup warm milk (110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Filling and Topping

• ½ cup fruit jelly or jam of your choice (strawberry, raspberry, or apricot)
• 1 cup powdered sugar, for coating

Cooking Directions

1. In a bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and yeast mixture. Knead until smooth and elastic.
3. Cover the dough and let it rise for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.
4. Roll dough on a floured surface to ½-inch thickness. Cut out circles using a donut cutter or glass.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
6. Fill a piping bag with jelly and inject into each donut. Roll donuts in powdered sugar while warm.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Activate Yeast
Combine warm milk and yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy to ensure the yeast is active.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and the foamy yeast mixture. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Donuts
Roll out the dough to ½-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or glass to cut circles. Optional: use a smaller cutter to make a hole in the center if desired.

Step 5: Heat the Oil and Fry Donuts
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry donuts in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Fill the Donuts with Jelly
Fill a piping bag or squeeze bottle with your chosen jelly. Insert the tip into the side of each donut and squeeze to fill.

Step 7: Coat with Powdered Sugar
While donuts are still slightly warm, roll or dust them in powdered sugar. Serve immediately.

How to Serve

Serve the donuts warm, dusted with powdered sugar. They are perfect for breakfast with coffee or as a sweet treat at brunch or dessert. Pairing with a side of fresh fruit or a simple glaze can enhance presentation and flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Ensure oil is at the correct temperature to avoid greasy donuts.
• Don’t overfill with jelly to prevent leaks.
• Use fresh, room-temperature ingredients for best dough rise.
• Roll dough evenly to ensure uniform frying.
• Drain fried donuts on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Variations

• Chocolate-Filled Donuts: Substitute jelly with chocolate ganache or Nutella.
• Custard-Filled Donuts: Fill with vanilla or pastry custard for a creamy alternative.
• Glazed Donuts: Drizzle with a simple sugar glaze instead of powdered sugar.
• Fruit Compote Filling: Use fresh fruit compote for a more natural flavor.
• Spiced Donuts: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store filled donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfilled donuts for up to 1 month. Thaw and fill with jelly before serving.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Deep frying pot or skillet
• Thermometer for oil temperature
• Rolling pin
• Donut cutter or round cookie cutter
• Piping bag for jelly filling
• Paper towels for draining

FAQ

Q1: Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes, store-bought yeast dough can be used, but homemade dough gives the best texture and flavor.

Q2: Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, bake donuts at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden, though the texture will be slightly different.

Q3: Can I use frozen jelly?
Use thawed jelly to ensure smooth filling.

Q4: How do I prevent donuts from being greasy?
Ensure oil is at 350°F (175°C) and do not overcrowd the pan.

Q5: Can I make mini donuts?
Yes, cut smaller dough circles and adjust frying time to 1–2 minutes per side.

Conclusion

Jelly-Filled Donuts with Powdered Sugar are a classic, indulgent treat that combines soft, fluffy dough with sweet, gooey fruit filling and a delicate sugar coating. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these donuts are fun to make and even more satisfying to eat. With homemade dough and your choice of jelly, this recipe allows for creativity while delivering a delicious, bakery-style result at home. They are a timeless, comforting treat that will impress family and friends alike.