Krofne sa Džemom (Serbian Jam Doughnuts)
Soft, fluffy, deep-fried doughnuts filled with sweet fruit jam, a beloved traditional Serbian pastry, especially popular during festive occasions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g All-purpose flour
- 250 ml Warm milk
- 7 g Active dry yeast
- 50 g Granulated sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 50 g Butter(melted and slightly cooled)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 l Vegetable oil(for frying)
- 200 g Fruit jam(your favorite kind, e.g., plum or apricot)
- 100 g Powdered sugar(for dusting)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center.
💡 Tip: Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined. - 3
Pour the yeast mixture, beaten eggs, and melted butter into the well. Mix until a soft dough forms.
💡 Tip: The dough should be slightly sticky. - 4
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
⏱️ 1.5 hours💡 Tip: A warm oven with the light on can be a good place for rising. - 5
Punch down the dough and roll it out to about 1.5 cm thickness. Cut out circles using a glass or cookie cutter (about 7-8 cm diameter).
💡 Tip: Keep the dough thickness consistent for even cooking. - 6
Place the circles on a floured surface, cover, and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 7
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 170-180°C (340-350°F). Carefully place a few doughnuts in the hot oil, ensuring they have space to expand.
⏱️ 3-4 minutes per side💡 Tip: Do not overcrowd the pot. - 8
Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
⏱️ 8 minutes total - 9
Once slightly cooled, use a piping bag with a narrow tip or a spoon to fill each doughnut with jam. Dust generously with powdered sugar.
💡 Tip: Fill them just before serving for the best texture.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the oil temperature is correct; too hot and they'll burn outside, too cool and they'll be greasy.
- ✓Use a good quality, thick jam that won't leak out easily.
- ✓For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of rum or vanilla extract to the dough.
🔄 Variations
- Fill with chocolate cream or vanilla pudding instead of jam.
- Roll the fried doughnuts in granulated sugar mixed with cinnamon.
- Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy note.