Peanut Butter and Jelly Doughnuts
Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy doughnut, only to discover a luscious swirl of creamy peanut butter and sweet blackberry jelly hidden inside. These Peanut Butter and Jelly Doughnuts are not just a delightful treat; they’re a nostalgic nod to childhood lunches, reimagined in the form of a delectable dessert. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch gathering or simply indulging at home, these doughnuts are sure to impress.
What Sets This Recipe Apart
What makes our Peanut Butter and Jelly Doughnuts truly unique is the combination of flavors and textures. The soft and airy dough is perfectly complemented by the rich peanut butter and tart blackberry jelly. The light dusting of powdered sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness without overwhelming the palate. This recipe is not just about flavor—it’s about creating a warm, inviting experience that brings back cherished memories. Plus, the satisfaction of making doughnuts from scratch is unmatched!
What You’ll Gather
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 3/4 cup seedless blackberry jelly, stirred
- Powdered sugar, for topping
Tools of the Trade
- Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Whisk: To mix the dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
- Doughnut Cutter: For shaping your doughnuts easily.
- Frying Pan or Deep Fryer: Essential for frying the doughnuts to perfection.
- Cooling Rack: To let the doughnuts drain and cool.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Doughnuts — Do This Next
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water with the active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a crucial step for ensuring your doughnuts are light and airy.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and kosher salt. In another bowl, combine the whole milk, smooth peanut butter, and the beaten egg. Mix until well combined. Once the yeast is activated, add it to the milk mixture and stir to combine.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Doughnuts
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness on a floured surface. Use a doughnut cutter to cut out your doughnuts, making sure to cut out holes in the center as well.
Step 6: Second Rise
Place the cut-out doughnuts on a floured baking sheet. Cover them with a towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes until they puff up.
Step 7: Fry the Doughnuts
In a deep frying pan or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the doughnuts into the hot oil, a few at a time. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and place on a cooling rack lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 8: Fill the Doughnuts
Once the doughnuts are cool, use a piping bag or a small spoon to fill each doughnut with the seedless blackberry jelly.
Step 9: Finish with Sugar
Dust the filled doughnuts with powdered sugar before serving. This adds a delightful sweetness and makes them look irresistible!
Seasonal Spins
- For a fall twist, substitute the blackberry jelly with apple butter.
- In winter, experiment with cranberry jelly for a festive touch.
- Try using hazelnut spread in place of peanut butter for a Nutella-inspired version.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spicy flavor.
Method to the Madness
The process of making these Peanut Butter and Jelly Doughnuts is as enjoyable as eating them. Start with activating the yeast to ensure a fluffy texture. The dough comes together beautifully, and the kneading process is therapeutic. Patience is key during the rising times, as this is when the dough develops its airy structure. Once fried, the satisfaction of filling the doughnuts with jelly is both rewarding and fun. Each step is a chance to savor the anticipation of enjoying these delightful treats!
Shelf Life & Storage
These Peanut Butter and Jelly Doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the unfilled doughnuts for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and fill with jelly before dusting with powdered sugar.
Top Questions & Answers
Can I make these doughnuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and frying.
What can I use instead of peanut butter?
If you have a nut allergy or prefer a different flavor, you can use sunflower seed butter or almond butter as a substitute for peanut butter.
Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying them?
While the texture will differ, you can bake the doughnuts at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until golden. They won’t be as crispy, but they will still be delicious!
How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
A good test is to drop a small piece of dough into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready for frying.
Serve with These
- Freshly brewed coffee – the perfect pairing for a sweet treat.
- Cold glass of milk – a classic companion for doughnuts.
- Herbal tea – for a more soothing experience.
- Fruit smoothie – a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
In Closing
There’s something magical about the combination of peanut butter and jelly, and when transformed into doughnuts, it becomes an unforgettable experience. These Peanut Butter and Jelly Doughnuts are not just a dessert; they’re an invitation to indulge in the simple joys of life. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, you’re bound to love every bite. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a treat that will delight your taste buds and warm your heart. Happy frying!
Peanut Butter and Jelly Doughnuts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Activate the Yeast - In a small bowl, combine the warm water with the active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Step 2: Prepare the Dough - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and kosher salt. In another bowl, combine the whole milk, smooth peanut butter, and the beaten egg. Mix until well combined.
- Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients - Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
- Step 4: Knead the Dough - Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Step 5: Shape the Doughnuts - Roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness on a floured surface and cut out your doughnuts.
- Step 6: Second Rise - Place the cut-out doughnuts on a floured baking sheet. Cover them with a towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
- Step 7: Fry the Doughnuts - In a deep frying pan or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the doughnuts into the hot oil, frying for about 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Step 8: Fill the Doughnuts - Once the doughnuts are cool, fill each with the seedless blackberry jelly.
- Step 9: Finish with Sugar - Dust the filled doughnuts with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freeze unfilled doughnuts for up to 2 months for longer storage.
