Name: German Berliner (Jam-Filled Doughnuts) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp); 1/2 cup lukewarm milk; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup raspberry or apricot jam; Powdered sugar for dusting; Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

Get ready to savor the irresistible charm of German Berliner (Jam-Filled Doughnuts)! Imagine biting into a cloud-like, golden doughnut with a burst of sweet jam hiding within and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar on top. These doughnuts are not just a treasured part of German culture—they’re a celebration in every bite and perfect to impress loved ones or treat yourself on a cozy afternoon.

German Berliner (Jam-Filled Doughnuts) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of German Berliner (Jam-Filled Doughnuts) lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each element brings something special: from richness and tenderness to the signature sweet and tangy filling that makes these beauties truly unforgettable.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, providing structure and just the right fluffiness for that classic doughnut texture.
Active dry yeast: Essential for leavening, this gives the Berliners their airy rise and soft bite.
Lukewarm milk: Helps activate the yeast and lends a mild richness to the dough.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and encourages a beautifully browned crust when fried.
Salt: A pinch enhances every flavor and brings out the best in both sweet and savory notes.
Unsalted butter: Softened for perfect blending, it enriches the dough for melt-in-your-mouth results.
Eggs: Two eggs give the dough structure, color, and tender crumb.
Raspberry or apricot jam: For the heart of the Berliner, this classic filling delivers juicy sweetness (try seedless for extra smoothness!).
Powdered sugar: A gentle dusting on top adds a whimsical finish and a touch of elegance.
Vegetable or canola oil: For frying to crisp, golden perfection without adding any unwanted flavors.

How to Make German Berliner (Jam-Filled Doughnuts)

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by activating the yeast in a bowl with the lukewarm milk—a few minutes is all it takes for those bubbles to appear, letting you know the yeast is alive and ready to bring lift to your dough. Then, bring together the flour, sugar, salt, butter, and eggs with the activated yeast mixture and knead until the dough is smooth, supple, and a little sticky. Kneading by hand is a bit of a workout, but totally worth it for the ultra-soft German Berliner (Jam-Filled Doughnuts) ahead!

Step 2: First Rise

Transfer the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for about an hour in a warm spot. The dough should double in size—this transformation is your ticket to achieving the pillowy lightness that makes these jam-filled treats impossible to resist.

Step 3: Roll Out and Shape

Once your dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it to a sturdy half-inch thickness and use a round cutter (about 3 inches works great) to punch out uniform circles. Arrange the rounds on a baking sheet and let them have a short second rise—30 minutes is all they need to puff up just right.

Step 4: Fry Doughnuts

Pour your frying oil into a heavy pot and heat it to 350°F (175°C)—using a thermometer here is a game changer for the perfect fry. Gently slip in each dough round, frying in batches so you don’t crowd the pot. Each Berliner needs just 2 to 3 minutes per side to achieve that perfect golden-brown color. Drain on paper towels so they stay crisp and luscious.

Step 5: Fill and Dust

Once the doughnuts are cool enough to handle, use a pastry bag with a narrow tip or a special doughnut-filling tool to inject each Berliner with your favorite jam. Be generous! Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar, and your German Berliner (Jam-Filled Doughnuts) are ready to delight!

How to Serve German Berliner (Jam-Filled Doughnuts)

Garnishes

Finish your doughnuts with a proud dusting of powdered sugar, or take it up a notch with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a scattering of finely grated lemon zest. If you’re a fan of extra sparkle, a touch of edible glitter turns these into party showstoppers!

Side Dishes

Serve German Berliner (Jam-Filled Doughnuts) with a steaming cup of rich coffee, hot chocolate, or a fruity tea. For brunch spreads, pair them with fresh fruit and maybe some whipped cream on the side for good measure.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the Berliners artfully on a cake stand, or arrange them in mini parchment bags for a festive, street-food touch. If you’re celebrating, toss a few festive sprinkles on top right after sugaring, or thread them on skewers for a quirky dessert kebab!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover German Berliner (Jam-Filled Doughnuts), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best eaten fresh, but they’ll keep reasonably soft—just add a little extra powdered sugar if they lose their initial sparkle.

Freezing

To freeze, skip the powdered sugar dusting and let your doughnuts cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature and dust with powdered sugar before serving to recapture that just-made allure.

Reheating

Gently rewarm German Berliner (Jam-Filled Doughnuts) in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as they can become a bit chewy. A quick warm-up will make them taste freshly fried!

FAQs

Can I make German Berliner (Jam-Filled Doughnuts) with a different filling?

Absolutely! While raspberry or apricot jam is classic, you can try custard, Nutella, chocolate ganache, or even lemon curd for exciting new flavors.

Do I really need a special tool to fill the doughnuts?

Not at all! A small piping bag fitted with a narrow tip works wonderfully. Even a squeeze bottle or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off will do the trick for filling your Berliners neatly and thoroughly.

How do I know if the oil is hot enough for frying?

The easiest way is to use a kitchen thermometer, aiming for 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have one, drop a tiny piece of dough into the oil—it should sizzle immediately and turn golden in about a minute.

Can I bake instead of fry German Berliner (Jam-Filled Doughnuts)?

Traditional Berliners are fried for their distinct texture, but you can bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 12–15 minutes. The texture will be more bread-like but still delicious—brush with melted butter before dusting with sugar for extra richness.

Why is my dough dense and not fluffy?

This usually means the dough was under-kneaded, the yeast wasn’t fully activated, or the rising time was too short. Make sure to knead the dough until it’s very smooth and allow it to rise until truly doubled in size for that signature fluffiness.

Final Thoughts

Bringing a batch of German Berliner (Jam-Filled Doughnuts) into your kitchen is pure joy, whether you’re making them for a party or just a personal treat. Give them a try and share the happiness—every bite is a little taste of German tradition and a whole lot of fun!

German Berliner (Jam-Filled Doughnuts) Recipe