Introduction

With Shrove Tuesday just around the corner, I want to share a special family recipe for Pączki – Polish Donuts. These soft, fluffy, jam-filled doughnuts are a staple in Poland during Tłusty Czwartek (Fat Thursday), a day dedicated to indulging in sweet treats before Lent begins.

This is the exact recipe we use at home, ensuring that every bite is light, airy, and perfectly golden. Unlike store-bought versions, homemade pączki have a fresh, delicate texture and are best enjoyed warm, dusted with icing sugar. The secret? A well-proofed dough, a hint of butter, and a touch of patience.

Whether you celebrate Shrove Tuesday, Fat Thursday, or Mardi Gras, this easy pączki recipe will bring a taste of Poland to your home. Time to get frying—let’s make some delicious Polish donuts!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

✅ No Waste – The recipe uses whole eggs, no leftover egg whites!
✅ Soft & Fluffy – Perfectly airy texture thanks to proper proofing.
✅ Crispy Yet Light – A touch of alcohol helps create a delicate crust.
✅ Authentic & Homemade – This is the exact recipe we use at home.
✅ Perfect for Shrove Thursday – A delicious way to celebrate with fresh, warm pączki!

👉 Love Polish food? Try more of my authentic Polish recipes!
👉 Craving more sweets? Explore my best dessert recipes here !

“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

The Tradition of Pączki for Fat Thursday (Tłusty Czwartek)

In Poland, Tłusty Czwartek (Fat Thursday) is a day of indulgence before Lent, much like Mardi Gras or Shrove Tuesday in other cultures. On this day, bakeries across Poland are filled with golden, fluffy Polish doughnuts (pączki), generously stuffed with fruit jam and dusted with icing sugar.

These homemade pączki are so much better than store-bought, with a light and airy texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re celebrating Shrove Thursday or simply craving a delicious dessert, this traditional Polish pączki recipe is a must-try!

Delicious Pączki Fillings – Beyond Raspberry Jam

While raspberry jam is a popular and widely loved filling for Polish pączki, traditional Polish bakeries often use róża (rose petal) filling—a truly special treat!

Rose Petal Filling – A Polish Classic

In Poland, one of the most traditional pączki fillings is róża, a fragrant rose petal jam made from wild rose petals (Rosa rugosa), sugar, and lemon juice. This unique filling has a delicate floral aroma and a slightly tart-sweet taste that perfectly complements the soft, fluffy dough. The jam is made by grinding fresh or dried rose petals with sugar to release their natural oils, creating a smooth, aromatic preserve that is commonly used in Polish pastries.

However, rose petal jam can be difficult to find in the UK and USA. Some specialty European food stores or online retailers may carry it, but if you want to try this authentic Polish flavor, you can also make your own at home using dried edible rose petals and sugar. If rose filling isn’t available, plum butter (powidła) or raspberry jam make excellent alternatives.

Other Delicious Pączki Fillings to Try

If you’re looking to experiment beyond raspberry jam and rose petal filling, here are some other fantastic options:

🥯 Plum Butter (Powidła) – A rich, thick spread made from slow-cooked plums, offering a deep and naturally sweet flavor. This is a traditional choice, especially for those who prefer less sugary fillings.

🍫 Chocolate or Nutella – For a more indulgent treat, fill your pączki with melted chocolate or Nutella for a creamy, decadent bite.

🍋 Custard (Budyń) – Polish vanilla or lemon custard is another popular filling, giving the doughnuts a creamy, pudding-like center.

🍏 Apple Cinnamon – Cooked apple puree mixed with cinnamon makes for a lightly spiced and naturally sweet filling.

🥜 Dulce de Leche (Kajmak) – A caramelized sweet milk spread that’s sticky, rich, and utterly delicious.

🫐 Blueberry or Blackcurrant Jam – These tart fruit jams add a refreshing contrast to the sweet dough.

🥥 Coconut Cream – A luscious coconut-based filling for a tropical twist.

What Flour is Best for Yeast-Raised Doughnuts? 🍩

For that classic, airy texture in yeast doughnuts, go for flour with 10-11% protein like All-Purpose Flour (10-12%) or Plain Flour (8-11%). These flours provide enough gluten to hold the structure but keep the doughnuts soft and light—not chewy like bread!

Recipe Card for Polish Donuts – Pączki:

A stack of golden-brown Polish pączki (doughnuts) filled with raspberry jam, dusted with powdered sugar, and placed on a rustic wooden surface.

Print Recipe