Nothing compares to the irresistible taste of Easy Jam Doughnuts made from scratch. These classic Berliner-style doughnuts are incredibly soft, light, and fluffy, with a golden exterior coated in sugar and a sweet jam filling hidden inside. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of buttery dough and fruity jam, making them a timeless bakery favorite that’s surprisingly easy to recreate at home.

This traditional Berliner recipe uses simple pantry staples to create pillowy yeast dough that’s fried until beautifully golden and then filled with your favorite jam. Whether you choose strawberry, raspberry, apricot, or mixed berry preserves, these homemade doughnuts are guaranteed to impress family and friends. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon coffee, celebrations, or holiday baking.

Although yeast dough may seem intimidating, this recipe walks you through every step to ensure perfect results. From preparing the dough to frying and filling each doughnut, you’ll discover just how simple homemade Berliners can be. Once you try these fresh, warm doughnuts dusted with sugar, you’ll never want store-bought versions again.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and fluffy bakery-style texture
• Filled with your favorite fruit jam
• Classic German Berliner recipe
• Perfect for holidays and celebrations
• Easy step-by-step instructions
• Made with simple pantry ingredients
• Freezer-friendly
• Perfect with coffee or tea
• Family-friendly recipe
• Better than bakery doughnuts

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling

• 1 cup strawberry jam (or raspberry, apricot, or mixed berry jam)

For Frying

• Vegetable oil, for deep frying

For Coating

• 1 cup granulated sugar

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Flour

All-purpose flour creates a soft, fluffy dough. Bread flour can also be used for a slightly chewier texture.

Yeast

Active dry yeast works beautifully in this recipe. Instant yeast can be substituted using the same amount and mixed directly with the flour.

Milk

Whole milk creates a rich, tender dough. Warm the milk to about 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast properly.

Butter

Unsalted butter adds richness and softness to the dough. Make sure it is softened before mixing.

Jam

Strawberry jam is the classic filling, but raspberry, apricot, blackberry, lemon curd, chocolate spread, or vanilla pastry cream are all delicious alternatives.

Frying Oil

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Stand mixer with dough hook (optional)
• Rolling pin
• 3-inch round cutter
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Deep heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Kitchen thermometer
• Slotted spoon
• Cooling rack
• Piping bag with filling tip

How to Make Easy Jam Doughnuts

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, active dry yeast, and one teaspoon of the sugar.

Stir gently and let the mixture sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. If the yeast doesn’t foam, start over with fresh yeast.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• All-purpose flour
• Remaining sugar
• Salt

Add:

• Activated yeast mixture
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Softened butter

Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead by hand for 10–12 minutes or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for 8 minutes, until the dough is smooth, soft, and elastic.

Step 3: First Rise

Shape the dough into a ball.

Place it in a lightly greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.

Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1–1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape the Doughnuts

Punch down the risen dough to release the air.

Transfer it to a lightly floured work surface and roll it to about ½ inch (1.25 cm) thick.

Cut out rounds using a 3-inch cookie cutter.

Place the dough rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Cover loosely and let them rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

Pour about 2–3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot.

Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).

Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain the correct temperature throughout frying.

Step 6: Fry the Doughnuts

Carefully place 2–3 doughnuts into the hot oil without overcrowding the pot.

Fry for 1½–2 minutes per side, or until evenly golden brown.

Transfer the cooked doughnuts to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 7: Coat with Sugar

While still warm, roll each doughnut in granulated sugar until evenly coated.

The warmth helps the sugar stick beautifully to the outside.

Step 8: Fill with Jam

Fill a piping bag fitted with a long filling tip with your favorite jam.

Insert the tip into the side of each doughnut and gently pipe in about 1–2 teaspoons of jam until filled.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Expert Tips

Use a thermometer to keep the oil at 350°F (175°C) for evenly cooked doughnuts.

Avoid adding too much flour while kneading, as it can make the doughnuts heavy.

Allow enough time for both rises to achieve a light and airy texture.

Fill the doughnuts only after they’ve cooled slightly to prevent the jam from becoming too runny.

Fresh homemade jam adds wonderful flavor, but high-quality store-bought jam works perfectly too.

If you enjoy homemade breakfast recipes, our Greek Yogurt Bagel Bites are another easy make-ahead favorite. For dessert lovers, our Sponge Cake Recipe is a classic that’s perfect with coffee.

Recipe Variations

Raspberry Jam Doughnuts

Fill with seedless raspberry jam for a tangy twist.

Apricot Berliner

Use smooth apricot preserves for a traditional European flavor.

Chocolate-Filled Doughnuts

Replace the jam with chocolate hazelnut spread or chocolate pastry cream.

Lemon Curd Doughnuts

Fill with homemade lemon curd for a bright, citrusy variation.

Vanilla Cream Berliner

Pipe vanilla pastry cream into the center instead of jam.

Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts

Skip the jam and coat the warm doughnuts in cinnamon sugar.

Mixed Berry Doughnuts

Use a blend of strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry preserves for a fruity filling.

Mini Berliner Bites

Cut the dough into smaller rounds for bite-sized party treats.

What to Serve With Easy Jam Doughnuts

These classic jam-filled doughnuts pair wonderfully with:

• Fresh coffee
• Cappuccino
• Latte
• Hot tea
• Hot chocolate
• Fresh fruit
• Greek yogurt
• Whipped cream
• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh berries

Storage & Reheating

Store unfilled doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Filled doughnuts can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Freeze unfilled doughnuts for up to 2 months.

Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until warm.

For the freshest taste, fill the doughnuts just before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using milk that’s too hot, which can kill the yeast.
• Not allowing enough rising time.
• Overcrowding the frying pot.
• Frying at the wrong oil temperature.
• Adding too much flour during kneading.
• Filling the doughnuts while they’re too hot.
• Overfrying, which can make them dry.
• Skipping the sugar coating while they’re still warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

These Easy Jam Doughnuts bring the taste of a traditional German bakery right into your kitchen. Their soft, airy texture, sweet fruit filling, and crisp sugar coating make them perfect for holidays, weekend baking, or any time you’re craving a homemade treat. Once you master this classic Berliner recipe, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

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