How to Make Berliners: A Step-by-Step Guide

Berliners, also known as jelly-filled doughnuts, are a delightful treat that originated in Germany. These fluffy, sweet pastries are perfect for any occasion and are surprisingly easy to make at home. Follow this step-by-step guide to create your own delicious Berliners, complete with measurements in both grams and ounces.

Delicious homemade Berliner Pfannkuchen, perfectly dusted with powdered sugar.

Ingredients

• 500 g (17.6 oz) all-purpose flour
• 50 g (1.8 oz) sugar
• 7 g (0.25 oz) active dry yeast
• 250 ml (8.5 fl oz) warm milk
• 60 g (2.1 oz) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 250 g (8.8 oz) fruit jam or jelly (your favorite flavor)
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

First, activate the yeast by combining the warm milk and sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. Next, mix the dough. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and the frothy yeast mixture. Mix everything together until a sticky dough forms.

Step 2: Knead and Rise

Then, knead the dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Now, let it rise. Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Shape the Berliners

After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into equal pieces (about 16-18 pieces) and shape each piece into a ball. Flatten each ball slightly with your hand.

Step 4: Second Rise

For the second rise, place the shaped dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they puff up.

Step 5: Fry the Berliners

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the oil to 175°C (350°F). Carefully fry the Berliners by dropping a few dough balls into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Fill and Dust

Finally, fill with jam. Use a piping bag fitted with a small nozzle to inject your favorite fruit jam or jelly into the center of each Berliner. Generously dust with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.

Enjoy Your Homemade Berliners!

Berliners are best enjoyed fresh and warm. Serve them with a cup of coffee or tea, and share the joy of these delicious German treats with your family and friends.

Interesting Facts About Berliners

Over time, this delightful pastry has been known by many names. Depending on the region, it is called Kräppel in Hesse, Küchli in Swabia, Pfannkuchen in Berlin, Bachenemais in Salzburg, Krapfen in Austria, Boules de l’Yser in Belgium, or simply Berliner! This treat is especially popular and traditional on New Year’s Eve and is enjoyed by many throughout Germany.