If you’re on the hunt for a decadent, playful treat that brings a smile to every bite, this Strawberry Jam Doughnuts Recipe is your golden ticket. Imagine soft, fluffy doughnuts with a perfectly sweet strawberry jam center, rolled in sparkling sugar, then topped with a delicate pink glaze and festive sprinkles—these doughnuts aren’t just dessert, they’re an experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a heartfelt homemade delight, this recipe combines classic flavors with a dash of whimsy to make baking absolutely fun and utterly rewarding.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are straightforward but carefully chosen to ensure the doughnuts are soft, flavorful, and utterly delightful. Each element plays a crucial role, from the slight tang of the yeast to the creamy richness of butter and milk, and of course, the luscious strawberry jam that steals the show.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for tender, fluffy doughnuts.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the doughnut’s flavor.
- ½ tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 cup whole milk: Brings moisture and richness helping to create a soft dough.
- ½ cup melted butter: Imparts a luxurious richness and tender crumb.
- 1 egg: Binds ingredients together and adds structure and color.
- 1 tsp vanilla: Adds a warm, aromatic note that elevates the doughnuts.
- 2 tsp instant yeast: The magic behind the dough rising to fluffy perfection.
- ½ cup strawberry jam: The heart of the doughnuts with sweet, fruity bursts.
- ½ cup granulated sugar for rolling: Provides a sparkling, crunchy coating.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Used to make the silky, pink glaze on top.
- 1 tbsp butter: Adds richness to the glaze for a smooth finish.
- ½ tsp vanilla: Infuses the glaze with subtle vanilla sweetness.
- 2-4 tbsp milk: Adjusts glaze consistency for just the right drip and shine.
- Pink food coloring: Gives the glaze a playful, romantic hue.
- Valentine’s sprinkles for decoration: A charming finishing touch to make each doughnut pop.
How to Make Strawberry Jam Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining all the dough ingredients—flour, sugar, salt, milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla, and yeast—in a stand mixer. Knead everything together until it forms a smooth, elastic ball that’s wonderfully soft to the touch. Cover and refrigerate the dough overnight; this slow chill helps develop flavor and makes the texture beautifully tender.
Step 2: Rise and Shape the Doughnuts
After chilling, remove the dough and let it rise for about 30 minutes at room temperature. Once puffed and airy, roll it out gently to about half an inch thick. Use heart-shaped cutters to cut the doughnuts, which adds a sweet, festive touch perfect for sharing or gifting.
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat your oil to 375°F. Carefully fry the doughnuts in batches of 3 or 4 for about one minute on each side. You’re looking for that ideal golden-brown color that promises crunch outside and pillowy softness inside. Drain the fried doughnuts on paper towels to soak up any excess oil without losing their crisp charm.
Step 4: Sugar, Fill, and Glaze
While the doughnuts are still warm, roll them in granulated sugar to coat them with an attractive, crystal-like crunch. Then, inject each doughnut with rich strawberry jam, letting that juicy center shine. Finally, finish off with the luscious pink glaze prepared by mixing powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, milk, and a splash of pink food coloring. Splash on your Valentine’s sprinkles for a joyful, festive finish.
How to Serve Strawberry Jam Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
To complement your strawberry jam doughnuts, dust them lightly with extra powdered sugar or add a few edible flowers for an elegant presentation. Sprinkles are not just decorative; they bring a fun pop of color and texture, perfect for celebrations or cozy treats that brighten up any table.
Side Dishes
Pair these doughnuts with a cup of rich coffee, a frothy cappuccino, or a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort combo. For brunch or teatime, fresh fruit like berries or a citrus salad can balance the sweetness and add a refreshing bite next to these indulgent doughnuts.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the heart-shaped doughnuts on a tiered stand for a charming display, especially delightful at parties. Pack them in colorful boxes with parchment paper to gift friends and family a sweet surprise. You can also serve them with dollops of whipped cream or alongside strawberry compote for an extra berry burst.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover strawberry jam doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Because they’re best fresh, try to enjoy them soon after making, but if you must store, avoid refrigerating as it can dry them out.
Freezing
Wrap each doughnut individually in plastic wrap and place them inside a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen doughnuts will maintain their flavor and texture well for up to one month. When you want a treat, just thaw them at room temperature.
Reheating
To enjoy your doughnuts fresh again, warm them up gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low-heat oven for a few minutes. This little step helps reinvigorate their soft texture and warm the jam inside, as if freshly fried.
FAQs
Can I use regular yeast instead of instant yeast in the Strawberry Jam Doughnuts Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to activate regular yeast in warm water first before adding it to the dough ingredients, which helps jumpstart the rising process.
How do I prevent the doughnuts from soaking up too much oil during frying?
Maintaining the oil temperature at 375°F is key. If the oil is too cool, doughnuts absorb more oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer and fry in small batches to keep the temperature steady.
Is it possible to use other jam flavors in this recipe?
Absolutely! While strawberry jam is classic and delicious here, raspberry, apricot, or blueberry jams all work wonderfully and bring their own unique twist to the doughnuts.
Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying?
You can, though they won’t have the same crispy exterior. Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or until golden. After baking, roll in sugar and fill with jam as usual.
How soon should I fill the doughnuts with jam after frying?
It’s best to fill them while they are still warm but cool enough to handle. This ensures the jam spreads smoothly without melting too much, giving you that perfectly juicy center.
Final Thoughts
Making this Strawberry Jam Doughnuts Recipe is like gifting yourself those moments of sweet comfort and joy that only homemade treats can deliver. It’s simple enough to do in your own kitchen, yet impressive enough to wow friends and family. So grab your ingredients, get your hands a little sticky, and dive into a baking adventure that ends in pure, strawberry-sweet bliss!
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Strawberry Jam Doughnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: Overnight + 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook + 30 min rise)
- Yield: Approximately 10 heart-shaped doughnuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these luscious Strawberry Jam Doughnuts, crafted with a soft, yeasted dough fried to golden perfection, filled with sweet strawberry jam, and finished with a vanilla glaze and festive Valentine’s sprinkles. A perfect treat for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp instant yeast
Filling and Coating
- ½ cup strawberry jam
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2–4 tbsp milk
- Pink food coloring
- Valentine’s sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a mixer, combine all dough ingredients (flour, granulated sugar, salt, whole milk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and instant yeast). Knead until a smooth ball forms, then cover and chill the dough overnight in the refrigerator to develop flavor and texture.
- Shape the doughnuts: After removing the dough from the fridge, let it rise for 30 minutes at room temperature until slightly puffed. Roll the dough out to about ½ inch thickness and use heart-shaped cutters to cut the dough into shapes.
- Fry the doughnuts: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Fry 3-4 doughnuts at a time for approximately 1 minute per side or until they turn golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Coat and fill: While still warm, roll each doughnut in granulated sugar to coat evenly. Using a piping bag or small spoon, fill each doughnut with about a tablespoon of strawberry jam by injecting it into the center.
- Prepare the glaze: Melt butter and whisk together with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough milk (2-4 tbsp) to reach a smooth, drizzle-able consistency. Add a few drops of pink food coloring and mix well.
- Glaze and decorate: Dip or drizzle each jam-filled doughnut with the pink vanilla glaze. Immediately sprinkle Valentine’s sprinkles on top for a festive finish. Allow glaze to set briefly before serving.
Notes
- Chilling the dough overnight improves flavor and dough texture for fluffier doughnuts.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 375°F to ensure even cooking and prevent greasy doughnuts.
- Fill doughnuts when warm for easier jelly injection and smoother texture.
- You can substitute strawberry jam with any berry or fruit jam of your choice.
- Serve fresh as doughnuts are best enjoyed on the day they are made.
