Happy Wednesday!
Mom and I are now a few days into our trip and it’s going so great….because of you guys! Thank you for showing up and just being overall awesome. I have tons of photos to share, but not the best Internet connection to share them with right now. I promise, soon!
In the meantime, I do have photos of these doughnuts. And they are a whole lot prettier than any photo of me holding my book, let me tell you that. I don’t know about y’all, but I’d much rather see photos of doughnuts than of myself any day. These are perfect plump, golden doughnuts filled with sweet raspberry jam…just like your favorite Dunkin Donut flavor {but better—and I love me some Dunkin Donuts!}. They are for the days when you just need a doughnut and nothing else will do. Or the days when you feel like a doughnut. Although on days that you feel like an actual doughnut, you are probably better off eating a salad. On days that you feel like a lettuce leaf, eat a doughnut! That’s my bit of wisdom for the day…take it or leave it.
Really though? Sometimes you just gotta eat the doughnut. Life’s too short not to.
The doughnut dough is a very easy pastry dough that can either be made in your KitchenAid or by hand. It’s one of the easiest doughs I’ve worked with because it’s not sticky at all! Instead, it’s smooth and elastic and incredibly easy to work with. You’ll see.
Then, the real fun part! Smooshing together the dough with the raspberry jam in the middle. You’ll want to smoosh extra good so they don’t come apart in the sizzling hot oil.
Mmmmm watching a homemade doughnut puff up and turn perfectly golden brown in a huge vat of oil has to be one of life’s greatest pleasures.
And then, there you go! Hot raspberry jelly doughnuts with a sprinkle of powered sugar. They are what dreams are made of.
For the ultimate breakfast of champions, consume while sipping a Dunkin Donuts coffee with cream and sugar, because try as I might, I can NEVER get my coffee at home to taste that good. It was a spiritual experience the other morning when I took my first sip of Dunkin Donuts coffee in Atlanta after just coming off my red-eye flight. I hadn’t had it in SO LONG and at that moment {that moment that still felt like 3am to my fuzzy California brain}, nothing…nothing! had ever tasted so good.
Love, love, love you guys!! See some of y’all in Birmingham tomorrow evening at 7pm! If anyone has a great Birmingham restaurant recommendation, we’d love to hear it.
Raspberry Jelly Doughnuts
adapted from Gourmet
yields about 2 dozen doughnuts
Ingredients:
1 cup milk
3 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 (1/4th oz) package dry active yeast
2 tbsp warm water
3 1/2 cups flour {I used bread flour but you could use all purpose, too}
2 tbsp vegetable oil + 10 cups for frying
2 eggs
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
raspberry jam for filling
powdered sugar for dusting
special tools: candy thermometer, rolling pin, biscuit cutter OR glass jar
Directions:
Place milk in a small saucepan on the stove and heat until bubbles appear all around the sides of the pan. Remove milk and let cool until it’s lukewarm.
While the milk is cooling, combine the yeast with the warm water and a pinch of sugar in a small bowl or glass measuring cup. Stir and let sit for five minutes — after five minutes, it should look almost creamy. That’s a sign the yeast works!
Place the yeast/water, flour, warm milk, salt, sugar, nutmeg, eggs and 2 tbsp oil in a large bowl of a Kitchen Aid mixer. Beat with a paddle attachment until dough forms and then switch to the dough attachment and continue mixing on high speed for five minutes. If you don’t have a dough attachment, stick with the paddle. And if you don’t have a KitchenAid mixer, knead by hand for 8-10 minutes until a smooth dough forms.
The dough should be very smooth and not sticky. Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a cloth and let rise in a warm spot for an hour and a half.
After rising, remove dough from the bowl and roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4″ thick. Cut circles of dough using the bottom of a glass jar or a biscuit cutter.
Place two teaspoons of raspberry jam in the center of one circle of dough. Place another circle of dough on top and FIRMLY SEAL EDGES TOGETHER! If you don’t crimp the edges to seal well enough, they will open up while frying!
Now, heat up the rest of the vegetable oil in a large heavy pot over medium/high heat. Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature of the oil — it should register at about 375 degrees F when ready for frying. If it’s too hot it will burn the doughnuts and if it’s too cool, the dough will absorb extra oil and take a longer time to fry.
When the oil is ready, carefully and gently drop in two doughnuts at a time. They should sizzle and little bubbles should instantly appear all around the edges of the doughnut. Fry for about five minutes per side. Flip doughnuts carefully in the oil using a spatula or big spoon.
Doughnuts are done when they are a deep golden brown color. You want the color to be brown — too light and they won’t be cooked through on the inside. Remove the doughnuts with a slotted spoon or spatula and place on paper towels to drain.
Repeat with remaining doughnuts until all doughnuts are fried and on paper towels.
Let doughnuts cool briefly, then sift powdered sugar over tops. Enjoy warm!
Time:
2 1/2 hours
Mia
September 26, 2012 at 3:35 amI’ve been waiting on this post since you spilled the beans last night. This begs to be made Sunday morning!!! Thanks 🙂
Visit Chs anytime!
Jessica Z.
September 26, 2012 at 3:40 amJust finished your book… loved it Jenna! Really took me back through your blog all these years! Hope you’re enjoying your book tour, and wish you were coming to NYC!!!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
September 26, 2012 at 3:45 amI am in the process of experimenting with making donuts. I have been missing out!
Jen
September 26, 2012 at 3:57 amDid you go back through your blog to help you write your book or just take it fresh from memory? Hopefully I can read it one day!
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance
September 26, 2012 at 4:21 amWhile I usually wouldn’t be a fan of doughnuts, I love how light and bite-size these are. They remind me of one of the best doughnuts I’ve ever had in New Orleans years ago. And using a favorite jam (mmm . . . blackberry!) is key!
Cory
September 26, 2012 at 4:31 amJenna,
If you are craving Mexican, I highly suggest Chuy’s. They are located right in The Summit and have some amazing green tomaillo sauce they slather on burritos. Now I’ve got a serious craving, and it’s 6:30 in the morning. 🙂 Safe travels!
amanda
September 26, 2012 at 4:35 amIn Homewood there are two good Greek places… Nabeel’s (more family style) and Dodiyos (more upscale feeling). For sushi there is a great place in Vestavia Hills, Sekisui. Davenports in Crestline Village for pizza or a french place I love love called Chez LuLu in English Village. Mexican: Zona Rosa or La Paz. Other places I’ve heard are good, but haven’t eaten at are Silvertron, Hot and Hot Fish Club and Dyron’s Low Country, Highland’s Bar and Grill or Bottega. Behind the Summit is Miss Myra’s BBQ if you just really want yummy food. I miss Birmingham sooo much. Wish I could be there tonight and then go eat at one of these places. Have fun in AL!
shelly (cookies and cups)
September 26, 2012 at 4:44 amOh lord. I didn’t need to know how to make these. I am in trouble 🙂
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama
September 26, 2012 at 4:46 amMy hubby thanks you! 😉
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
September 26, 2012 at 5:11 amOh wow Jenna, these remind me so much of being a kid! Up until the age of 10 I was alllll about the sprinkle donuts but after that, I randomly must have decided to give the jelly filled ones a chance and instantly fell in love. For me it was the Tim Hortons ones since we’re in Canada and don’t have Dunkin, but it’s a good job I didn’t know how to make them myself back then or I’d probably be enormous!!
Molly @ RDexposed
September 26, 2012 at 5:13 amAm I the only one that doesn’t love Dunkin Donuts coffee? What am I missing?
jenna
September 26, 2012 at 5:15 amEverything good in life. (kidding..sorta)
Molly @ RDexposed
September 27, 2012 at 4:58 amNext time I need coffee and there’s a DD around, I’ll give it another whirl. Will report back. 😉
Jenny
September 26, 2012 at 5:18 amRestaurant recommendation in Birmingham…Little Savannah. It’s amazing…the owners are so sweet, the food is outstanding, the building and neighborhood are classic Bham, and there is a big focus on local ingredients. I lived in Burmingham in 2009 and this was a big favorite for all of us!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape
September 26, 2012 at 5:36 amI’m so happy to hear your book tour is going well!!! These doughnuts look fantastic 😀
Kim
September 26, 2012 at 5:38 amYou should go to Flip Burger http://www.flipburgerboutique.com/
It’s incredible.
Kim
September 26, 2012 at 2:54 pmI second the Flip Burger idea. It is ideally located in The Summit Shopping Center too. See you tomorrow night!!!
DessertForTwo
September 26, 2012 at 5:53 amSo glad y’all are having fun!
Can I recommend Hot and Hot Fish Club? It’s to die for!
Jenna
September 26, 2012 at 6:00 amSounds like you book tour is going well! How fun! These look delicious !
Jill
September 26, 2012 at 6:04 amOooooh, I really, really love donuts. These look great!
Kris
September 26, 2012 at 6:08 amHi Jenna – These look so yummy! I’m not used to deep frying anything and this isn’t really related to your recipe, but what do you do with the leftover oil from frying? Thanks!
Heather @ Heather's Dish
September 26, 2012 at 6:28 amthese look like heaven!
so glad the book tour is going well – praying for safe travels for you two!
amy walters, aDESIGNdock
September 26, 2012 at 6:32 amThese are such pretty lil’ guys! Sweet.
Kristen | Popcorn on the Stove
September 26, 2012 at 6:51 amOh my goodness these look amazing!
elle | nutritionella
September 26, 2012 at 7:10 amJelly donuts remind me of my grandma. We used to bring her some every time we went to visit her as kids! These look incredible – I’ll have to give homemade jelly donuts a try!
Beth@ Tasty Yummies
September 26, 2012 at 7:40 amGahh! I would do anything to be able to eat these. Stupid gluten. They look amazing and so fluffy.
Heather
September 26, 2012 at 7:58 amI just had a flashback to my mom letting us pick out a donut from the grocery store bakery while she shopped in order to keep us quiet haha. Coffee and pastries are a match made in sugar heaven. Also, please extend your book tour to the Philadelphia area!!
kim@hungryhealthygirl
September 26, 2012 at 7:59 amThese look a.maz.ing. I’m very worried that if I made them they would all be consumed by one person in my family…ME! Glad your having fun on your book tour! Do you think that the book will be coming out on an audible version?
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe
September 26, 2012 at 8:02 amLast time I made homemade doughnuts, I did feel like a doughnut for approximately 3 days (the length of time it took me to eat what I was unable to give away). However, those painful memories will not stop me from making these little lovelies!
Emily
September 26, 2012 at 8:12 amGo to Hot and Hot!! No doubt. Or Highland’s.
Dana @ Conscious Kitchen Blog
September 26, 2012 at 8:21 amI don’t eat doughnuts very often so when I see one I usually can’t resist. This recipe has me wanting one of these doughnuts really bad! I’m going to have to try this recipe… and maybe a few variations of the filling!
allie@sweetpotatobites
September 26, 2012 at 8:21 ammmm yum – you are right – sometimes you just gotta have a doughnut!
Abby@ Totes Delish Blog
September 26, 2012 at 8:43 amI don’t usually spring for filled donuts, but these look tempting!
Averie @ Averie Cooks
September 26, 2012 at 8:49 amJenny they are absolutely gorgeous! One of my faves you’ve posted in awhile! The filling, oh, that filling….I love raspberry jelly!
joelle (on a pink typewriter)
September 26, 2012 at 8:53 amThis may be the recipe I use to christen my brand new KitchenAid!!!
Leslie Means @ Her View From Home
September 26, 2012 at 8:55 amLove this! And so cute!!
Caroline L.
September 26, 2012 at 8:57 amCoffee + donuts… my absolute vice. Thanks for encouraging me 🙂
Addy@ Six-Kick Switch
September 26, 2012 at 9:21 amOh my goodness these look so good!! I think this is definitely a weekend ‘to-do’…
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel
September 26, 2012 at 9:59 amYou’re kidding with this post right…??? jelly donuts are right up there at the top of my favorites, right next to chocolate frosted mmm.
Megan Q.
September 26, 2012 at 10:27 amHonestly, I’ve never liked jelly doughnuts..( I know!) But these look soooo yummy, I think I will have to try them out
Linda
September 26, 2012 at 10:33 amJenna, you’re amazing! This doughnuts recipe is so perfect for my next gathering. Hope to see you in SF next month!
megan @ whatmegansmaking
September 26, 2012 at 10:56 amI’ve never liked jelly doughnuts, but somehow I think I would like a homemade version! These look so good!
Bridget @ Champagne Frosting
September 26, 2012 at 12:03 pmI just saw a show where they made beignets on food network, they looked a little too complicated but I have been CRAVING them ever since!! This recipe makes doughnuts look very approachable, I totally have to try these! Jelly doughnuts are just amazing!!
Betsy
September 26, 2012 at 1:15 pmWish I could come to Birmingham for your signing! Are you sure you don’t want to make a drive up 65 to Nashville??
Amanda and Jenny seem to have covered most of the bases, but I should put in a shout out for one of the many amazing restaurants in the 5 points area. Frank Stitt has something of an empire in downtown Birmingham and it’s nothing short of amazing – a hometown gem for sure! Highlands Bar and Grill is the original and amazing (though pricey), and Chez Fon Fon next door is more casual and I think you’d love it – French bistro inspired! Including a Bocce Ball court out back! There’s also the pair of Bottega and Bottega cafe (one again pricier and more casual, next to each other, this time Italian inspired). And then there’s Hot and Hot Fish Club – GO GET THEIR SHRIMP AND GRITS!!! Chris Hastings, the chef, was on Iron Chef last summer and beat Bobby Flay 🙂 So, all of that is to say – there are some good options around the Summit if you want to stay close, but a trip to 5 points and some of the amazing restaurants there is well worth it! Enjoy my hometown!!
Kelsey
September 26, 2012 at 2:21 pmyou NEED to go to Dreamland BBQ if only for the Banana Pudding. I still think about it 3 years later. Amazing.
Julia {The Roasted Root}
September 26, 2012 at 3:13 pmOh they have the perfect fluff! I imagine the texture is just wonderful with the little bits of sugar on the outside and warm middle….and the tangy, sweet raspberry jam sounds amazing!
Suzanne de Cornelia
September 26, 2012 at 3:51 pmThese do look good, altho can’t even look at a donut up close and personal. When young, my brother and I would stop the Helm’s Bakery man who delivered to the door and charge a few dozen (esp jelly) to our parent’s account and then watch Sat AM cartoons and gobble bags of them before the folks got up. Mom would find out and insist we eat our ‘healthy’ oatmeal anyway–which sparked unattractive geysers. Hence: lifelong phobia for donuts. 😉
Emily @ Life on Food
September 26, 2012 at 5:06 pmHave so much fun on your trip! Is it just me…I didn’t know that is how you made jelly donuts.
Kristen @ notsodomesticated
September 26, 2012 at 5:31 pmYum!! I honestly don’t think I’ve ever had a homemade donut. I think that needs to change!
Kerr
September 26, 2012 at 5:47 pmThese look so good! And I felt pretty special since knew it was coming 🙂
Great to meet you last night! Enjoy the rest of your trip.
Emmy
September 26, 2012 at 6:29 pmHey Jenna,
I’ve lived in the ‘ham for over 8 years now, so just thought I’d throw some suggestions your way…..so glad you are coming to town!
Bottega Cafe – great high-quality food, good prices, fun and slightly upscale atmosphere without being stuffy
Chez LuLu – very cute cafe, super for something a bit lighter….casual, but cozy
Chez Fon Fon – if you are in the mood for something like croque madame, this is your place. Hamburgers and steak frites are the best in town.
Highlands Bar and Grille – what can I say? Consistently deemed the best in town. Corn muffins (freebies) and grits (appetizer) never disappoint.
Katie @ Katie Grows Green
September 26, 2012 at 6:35 pmThis recipe definitely has a holiday/family feel. I’m already looking forward to making these for my brother and cousins the morning after Thanksgiving.
And I agree with Betsy about driving on up to Nashville. Visit us fans in the Music City, right? Sign our books, ya? Haha – maybe next time around. Have a fun trip!
Stephie @ Eat Your Heart Out
September 26, 2012 at 7:09 pmI can’t even handle how wonderful these look. I have made something similar before and omg, there are few things better in this world.
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com
September 26, 2012 at 7:51 pmLOVE LOVE LOVE raspberry jelly doughnuts! Oh yum 🙂
Laurie {Simply Scratch}
September 27, 2012 at 6:26 amThese look amazing Jenna!!
Life's a Bowl
September 28, 2012 at 12:29 pmOh my holy sweetness, these look absolutely delicious!!! They remind me of my childhood, jelly doughnuts were my dad’s absolute favorite so we either had a choice of sprinkles or jelly filled, no exceptions 🙂
alexandra @ sweet betweens [blog]
September 28, 2012 at 6:43 pmthese. I will finally get over my fear of a) yeast and b) deep frying for these. beautiful golden fried doughnuts. they look spectacular!
marla
October 9, 2012 at 2:07 pmAn absolutely blissful donut creation Jenna!
Danielle
October 10, 2012 at 12:07 pmHave you tried baking them instead of frying? Just curious how they would come out. They look delish!!
tarah
August 10, 2013 at 9:20 amso i gotta know, has anybody ever tried to make a whole wheat donut? do you think they would work with this recipe?
Marie Shanahan
September 21, 2013 at 1:13 pmYou just might be my hero!! 🙂 Diabetes runs in my family, though, so I wonder what would happen if 100% whole wheat dough were used with 100% sugar free (homemade) raspberry preserves with some kind crumbled/candied with sugar free preserves/ walnut or almond topping.
(I know exactly what would happen: They’d be nowhere near as fun!! LOL..)
But a diabetic person would have a shot at bliss. So you are still my hero. 🙂 Thanks so much for the inspiration!
Sheri
September 7, 2014 at 12:04 amCan I make this dough in my bread machine? I’m sorry if this question has been answered already (my laptop has a bit of an attitude these days). Thanks much!
Jam on it! | this is why I'm doughy
December 6, 2014 at 12:10 am[…] had seen this recipe on pinterest for jelly doughnuts, and since I had the means to deep fry, I thought I’d give […]
Fran Farrugia
March 15, 2015 at 5:14 pmMade these after trying out several different recipes and I love them!!! Thanks 🙂