Authentic Polish Paczki Recipe

How to Make Authentic Polish Paczki

1. In a small bowl of an electric mixer, beat 12 large egg yolks (or 6 whole eggs) with 1/2 teaspoon of salt at high speed until thick and pale yellow, about 7 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, proof 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast in 1/4 cup of warm water (105-115°F) until foamy (about 5-10 minutes).
3. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened, and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Slowly beat in the softened yeast mixture until well combined.
5. Stir in 1/4 of the 4 cups of all-purpose flour until just incorporated.
6. Add 1/4 cup of rum or brandy and half of 1 cup of heavy cream.
7. Beat in another 1/4 of the flour.
8. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of heavy cream.
9. Beat in half of the remaining flour, then add the egg yolk mixture.
10. Beat for 2 minutes on medium speed.
11. Gradually beat in the remaining flour until the dough is slightly sticky but pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
12. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1-1.5 hours.
13. Punch down the dough to release the air.
14. Cover and let rise again until doubled in size, about another 1 hour.
15. Punch down the dough again.
16. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 3/4-inch thickness.
17. Cut out 3-inch rounds using a cookie cutter or glass.
18. Place 1 tablespoon of your favorite filling (such as fruit preserves, pastry cream, or lekvar) in the center of half of the rounds.
19. Brush the edges of the filled rounds with water.
20. Top with the remaining rounds and seal the edges firmly by pressing down with a fork.
21. Cover the paczki with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for about 20 minutes.
22. Heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
23. Carefully fry the paczki in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown on both sides (about 2-3 minutes per side).
24. Remove the paczki from the oil and drain on paper towels.
25. Sprinkle generously with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey before serving.