Berliner
There’s something truly magical about making Berliner. These delightful German donuts have a special place in my heart, evoking warm memories of cozy family gatherings and festive occasions. I can still recall the sweet aroma wafting through the kitchen as my grandmother prepared them from scratch, her hands expertly shaping the dough and filling them with luscious jam. Each bite of these fluffy treats brings back those cherished moments, and I can’t help but smile. Whether you’re making them for a holiday celebration or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, Berliner are sure to bring joy to your table.
Recipe Snapshot
35 mins
25 mins
10 mins
Medium
220 kcal
3 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
10 g
Skillet, Frying Pan, Food Processor, Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl
Why This Berliner Shines
They’re Light and Fluffy
One of the standout features of Berliner is their light and fluffy texture. Achieving that perfect rise is crucial, and when you bite into one, the dough feels ethereal. It’s the result of a well-kneaded dough and proper rising time, which gives these donuts that signature lift. You’ll find that they’re not just sweet; they’re airy and comforting, making them ideal for any occasion.
Perfectly Sweet Filling
What sets Berliner apart is the delightful surprise inside. Traditionally, they are filled with raspberry jam, but you can customize them with any jam or filling you adore. The combination of the sweet, jammy interior and the soft exterior is pure bliss. When you sink your teeth into one, the burst of flavor is a moment worth savoring!
A Fun Project
Making Berliner can be a fantastic project to share with family or friends. The process of mixing, kneading, and forming the dough is therapeutic and gives you a sense of accomplishment. Plus, there’s something incredibly rewarding about creating these treats from scratch and watching them puff up in the oil. It’s a fun way to connect with loved ones and share a delicious end result.
Versatile for Any Occasion
These donuts are not just for special occasions; they’re perfect for any day you want to treat yourself or your family. Whether it’s a weekend brunch, a holiday gathering, or even just a simple weekday afternoon, Berliner bring a touch of celebration to any moment. Their versatility makes them an excellent addition to various events.
Great for Sharing
When I make Berliner, I always make a large batch because they’re so easy to share. They’re a wonderful treat to bring to gatherings, parties, or even to surprise coworkers. Seeing the smiles on people’s faces as they enjoy these treats is one of the best parts of baking. Plus, they’re best enjoyed fresh, so making a big batch means you can spread the joy!
The Experience of Frying
Frying the Berliner is a unique experience. Watching them bubble and puff up in the hot oil is mesmerizing. Just be sure to keep a close eye on the temperature to achieve that perfect golden brown color. The moment they come out of the oil, and you coat them with sugar, is like a little piece of heaven. Plus, the aroma that fills the kitchen is simply irresistible!
Main Ingredients for Berliner
Creating Berliner requires a few simple yet essential ingredients that work harmoniously together. Each plays a critical role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. The combination of high-quality all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and milk provides the foundation for the dough, while butter adds richness. Raspberry jam or your favorite filling gives that irresistible sweetness, making every bite a delightful surprise. Here’s a closer look at the key players:
- All-purpose flour: 4 cups – The backbone of the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
- Sugar: 1/3 cup – Adds sweetness and helps with browning during frying.
- Instant yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons – Essential for leavening, ensuring the dough rises beautifully.
- Lemon zest: 1 1/2 teaspoons – A hint of citrus enhances the flavor profile, balancing sweetness.
- Kosher salt: 1/2 teaspoon – Enhances all the other flavors in the dough.
- Milk: 1 cup, room temp, plus more as needed – Helps to create a soft and tender dough.
- Egg yolks: 3 large, room temp – Enrich the dough, contributing to its softness and color.
- Unsalted butter: 5 tablespoons, softened at room temp – Adds richness and moisture.
- Pure vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon – Infuses lovely flavor into the dough.
- Raspberry jam: 1 cup – The delicious filling that makes Berliner special.
- Granulated sugar: About 1 cup – For coating the donuts after frying.
- Cinnamon: Pinch – Enhances the sweetness of the sugar coating.
- Powdered sugar: About 1/2 cup – For a final dusting, adding sweetness and aesthetics.
- Neutral oil: For frying – Essential for cooking the donuts to perfection.
How to Make Berliner
Making Berliner is a delightful journey that ends with sweet, fluffy donuts. You’ll love the process, from mixing the ingredients to frying them golden brown. Follow these steps closely for the best results!
- Start by measuring the all-purpose flour, sugar, instant yeast, kosher salt, and lemon zest into the bowl of a stand mixer. Stir these dry ingredients together until well combined. This initial mixing ensures that the yeast and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for a successful rise.
- Next, add the milk, egg yolks, unsalted butter, and pure vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer and knead the dough on medium speed for about 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dough is soft, supple, and no longer sticky to your fingers. If it feels too sticky, feel free to add a bit more flour.
- Once the dough is kneaded, shape it into a ball and lightly spray the mixing bowl with some oil. Place the dough ball back in the bowl, cover it loosely with plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 45 to 60 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. This resting period is essential for developing the gluten structure and gives the Berliner their fluffy texture.
- After the dough has risen, gently punch it down in the center to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into equal pieces. I recommend weighing the dough pieces to about 80 grams each if you want to get precisely 15 Berliner. Each piece should be uniform for even cooking.
- Roll each piece into a smooth ball using the palms of your hands. Place them on a lined baking sheet, ensuring there’s space between each for rising. Once formed, cover the dough balls with a clean towel or loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 to 60 minutes until they are puffy and nearly doubled.
- While the dough is rising, prepare your frying oil. In a deep pan, heat enough oil to have at least 2 inches deep. Keep the oil temperature between 350 and 365 degrees Fahrenheit. If the oil is too cool, the Berliner will soak up the oil and become greasy. A thermometer can be super helpful here!
- Once the oil is hot, carefully drop a few of the dough balls into the oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 2 minutes on one side, or until golden brown, then flip them to cook the other side for another 2 minutes. It’s important to keep an eye on the temperature, as uneven frying can lead to burnt outsides and raw insides.
- After frying, remove each Berliner and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before filling. Repeat the frying process for the remaining dough balls.
- When they are cool enough to handle, it’s time to fill the Berliner. Use a piping bag fitted with a filling tip and fill each donut with your choice of raspberry jam. Insert the tip into the side of the donut, and squeeze gently to fill.
- For the finishing touch, mix granulated sugar with a pinch of cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Roll each filled Berliner in the sugar mixture until well coated. Finally, dust the tops with powdered sugar for that classic look. Serve them warm for an unforgettable treat!
Things Worth Knowing
- Donut Temperature: Ensure your oil stays at a consistent temperature between 350-365°F for perfectly cooked donuts.
- Rising Time: Don’t rush the rising process; allowing the dough to rise fully is key to achieving that fluffy texture.
- Filling Technique: Use a piping bag with a filling tip for easy and mess-free filling.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
Customization Ideas
There’s always room for creativity when it comes to making Berliner. Here are some fun ideas to customize them!
- Variety of Fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fillings like lemon curd, chocolate, or even a creamy custard!
- Glaze Options: Instead of rolling them in sugar, dip your Berliner in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finish.
- Fruit Zest: Adding different citrus zests like orange or lime to the dough can enhance the flavor beautifully.
- Spiced Sugar: Mix in other spices like nutmeg or cardamom to the sugar coating for an extra flavor kick!
- Filling Variations: Try using seasonal jams or fillings to match the occasion or your personal preference.
- Decorative Toppings: Top with sprinkles or crushed nuts for added texture and visual appeal.
Pairing Suggestions for Berliner
When it comes to serving Berliner, the possibilities are endless. Here are some delightful ideas:
- Afternoon Coffee: Serve warm Berliner alongside your afternoon coffee or tea for a perfect pick-me-up.
- Brunch Delight: These donuts make a fantastic addition to any brunch spread, alongside fresh fruits and pastries.
- Festive Treats: For special occasions, consider serving them on a tiered stand as part of a dessert table alongside other sweets.
- Picnic Treats: Pack Berliner for a picnic; their sweetness pairs beautifully with fresh juices or sparkling water.
- Holiday Gifting: Wrap them up in pretty boxes for thoughtful homemade gifts during the holiday season.
- Family Gatherings: These donuts are perfect for sharing, making them a great addition to family gatherings or parties.
FAQ
Conclusion
Making Berliner is a delightful culinary adventure that leads to sweet, fluffy donuts filled with your favorite jam. The process is a wonderful way to connect with loved ones and create delicious memories. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you won’t regret the joy it brings to your table!
Berliner
Equipment
- Skillet
- Frying Pan
- Food Processor
- Wooden Spoon
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup Sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons Instant yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 cup Milk room temp, plus more as needed
- 3 large Egg yolks room temp
- 5 tablespoons Unsalted butter softened at room temp
- 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract quality
- 1 cup Raspberry jam or jam/filling of choice
- 1 cup Granulated sugar (about 1 cup)
- pinch Cinnamon
- 1/2 cup Powdered sugar (about 1/2 cup)
- Oil for frying choose a neutral tasting oil with a high smoke point like avocado or canola
Instructions
- Start by measuring the all-purpose flour, sugar, instant yeast, kosher salt, and lemon zest into the bowl of a stand mixer. Stir these dry ingredients together until well combined. This initial mixing ensures that the yeast and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for a successful rise.
- Next, add the milk, egg yolks, unsalted butter, and pure vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer and knead the dough on medium speed for about 10 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the dough is soft, supple, and no longer sticky to your fingers. If it feels too sticky, feel free to add a bit more flour.
- Once the dough is kneaded, shape it into a ball and lightly spray the mixing bowl with some oil. Place the dough ball back in the bowl, cover it loosely with plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 45 to 60 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. This resting period is essential for developing the gluten structure and gives the Berliner their fluffy texture.
- After the dough has risen, gently punch it down in the center to release the air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into equal pieces. I recommend weighing the dough pieces to about 80 grams each if you want to get precisely 15 Berliner. Each piece should be uniform for even cooking.
- Roll each piece into a smooth ball using the palms of your hands. Place them on a lined baking sheet, ensuring there’s space between each for rising. Once formed, cover the dough balls with a clean towel or loosely with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30 to 60 minutes until they are puffy and nearly doubled.
- While the dough is rising, prepare your frying oil. In a deep pan, heat enough oil to have at least 2 inches deep. Keep the oil temperature between 350 and 365 degrees Fahrenheit. If the oil is too cool, the Berliner will soak up the oil and become greasy. A thermometer can be super helpful here!
- Once the oil is hot, carefully drop a few of the dough balls into the oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 2 minutes on one side, or until golden brown, then flip them to cook the other side for another 2 minutes. It’s important to keep an eye on the temperature, as uneven frying can lead to burnt outsides and raw insides.
- After frying, remove each Berliner and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before filling. Repeat the frying process for the remaining dough balls.
- When they are cool enough to handle, it’s time to fill the Berliner. Use a piping bag fitted with a filling tip and fill each donut with your choice of raspberry jam. Insert the tip into the side of the donut, and squeeze gently to fill.
- For the finishing touch, mix granulated sugar with a pinch of cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Roll each filled Berliner in the sugar mixture until well coated. Finally, dust the tops with powdered sugar for that classic look. Serve them warm for an unforgettable treat!
Notes
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
- Freezing: You can freeze unfilled donuts for up to two months. Just make sure to cool them completely before wrapping.
- Pairing: Enjoy with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Variations: Experiment with different fillings to create your own unique flavors!
