Easy Krapfen are soft, fluffy, jam-filled doughnuts that come from Central Europe. They are especially popular in countries like Austria and Germany, where they are often enjoyed during festivals and celebrations. You might also hear them called Berliner or jelly doughnuts. No matter the name, they are round, golden, and dusted with powdered sugar, with a sweet surprise hiding inside.
Krapfen are made from a simple yeast dough that is fried until puffy and light. After frying, they are filled with jam, custard, or chocolate. The outside is slightly crispy, while the inside is soft like a pillow. When you take a bite, the sweet filling oozes out, making every bite exciting and delicious. The best part? This Easy Krapfen recipe is simple enough for beginners and fun for kids to help make.
You Should Try the Easy Krapfen
You should try making Easy Krapfen because they are fun, tasty, and perfect for sharing. Imagine serving a big plate of warm, sugary doughnuts to your family on a cozy weekend morning. Everyone will smile the moment they see them.
This recipe is made with easy-to-find ingredients and clear steps. Even if you have never worked with yeast before, you can still make these successfully. Plus, homemade Krapfen taste fresher and softer than store-bought ones. Once you try them, you may never want to buy doughnuts again!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients you’ll need for Easy Krapfen
Here is everything you need to make Easy Krapfen:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
- ¾ cup warm milk not too hot
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 egg yolks
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup jam strawberry, raspberry, or apricot
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make Easy Krapfen
Step 1
First, warm the milk gently until it feels warm to the touch but not hot. Pour it into a bowl and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it looks foamy. This means the yeast is alive and ready to help your dough rise.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a small hole in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together with a spoon until a soft dough forms. Once the dough comes together, use your hands to knead it for about 8–10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and slightly stretchy. If it feels too sticky, add a little flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Step 3
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it doubles in size. This is when the magic happens! The yeast makes tiny air bubbles that make the Krapfen fluffy.
Step 4
After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it is about ½ inch thick. Use a round cutter or glass to cut out circles. Place the circles on a baking sheet and cover them lightly with a towel. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes. This second rise makes them extra soft.
Step 5
Next, heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully place a few dough circles into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot. Fry each side for about 1–2 minutes until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on paper towels to drain extra oil.
Step 6
Once they have cooled slightly, fill a piping bag with jam. Poke a small hole in the side of each Krapfen and gently squeeze jam inside until you feel it expand. Finally, dust the tops with powdered sugar. Serve warm and enjoy!
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Kitchen equipment you will need :
Before you start, make sure you have these kitchen tools ready:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Clean kitchen towel
- Rolling pin
- Round cookie cutter or glass
- Baking sheet
- Deep pot or heavy saucepan
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Piping bag or small spoon
- Cooling rack
Tips and Variation Ideas
Make sure your milk is warm, not hot, or it will kill the yeast.
Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place.
Do not rush the rising time. Fluffy dough needs patience.
Keep oil temperature steady for even frying.
What to Eat With Easy Krapfen
I like making easy Krapfen when I want a soft, sweet treat that feels special but still simple to prepare; they fry up golden on the outside with a fluffy center that’s perfect for filling with jam or a light cream. They’re great for cozy afternoons or weekend baking at home, and my daughter loves choosing her favorite filling and dusting them with powdered sugar. I usually serve them slightly warm with fresh fruit on the side, and for drinks we enjoy a creamy smoothie or a glass of fresh orange juice to keep everything light and balanced.
Commonly Asked Questions
Why does my dough need to rise twice ?
The first rise develops flavor and texture. The second rise makes the Krapfen extra fluffy before frying.
Can I freeze Krapfen ?
Yes, freeze them unfilled for up to 2 months for best results.
How long do Krapfen stay fresh ?
They taste best the same day but can stay fresh for 2–4 days if stored properly.
Can I make mini Krapfen ?
Yes! Just cut smaller circles and reduce frying time slightly.
Easy Krapfen
Course: DessertCuisine: Austria, GermanyDifficulty: Medium10
servings20
minutes15
minutes260
kcal2
hours5
minutesEasy Krapfen are soft, fluffy, golden doughnuts filled with sweet jam and dusted with powdered sugar. They are light on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or special celebrations.
Ingredients
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 1 packet
¾ cup warm milk not too hot
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 egg yolks
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vegetable oil for frying
1 cup jam strawberry, raspberry, or apricot
Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions
- First, warm the milk gently until it feels warm to the touch but not hot. Pour it into a bowl and sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it looks foamy. This means the yeast is alive and ready to help your dough rise.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a small hole in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together with a spoon until a soft dough forms. Once the dough comes together, use your hands to knead it for about 8–10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and slightly stretchy. If it feels too sticky, add a little flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it doubles in size. This is when the magic happens! The yeast makes tiny air bubbles that make the Krapfen fluffy.
- After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it is about ½ inch thick. Use a round cutter or glass to cut out circles. Place the circles on a baking sheet and cover them lightly with a towel. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes. This second rise makes them extra soft.
- Next, heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully place a few dough circles into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot. Fry each side for about 1–2 minutes until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on paper towels to drain extra oil.
- Once they have cooled slightly, fill a piping bag with jam. Poke a small hole in the side of each Krapfen and gently squeeze jam inside until you feel it expand. Finally, dust the tops with powdered sugar. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic for soft texture.
- Drain on paper towels to remove extra oil.
- Try different fillings like chocolate, vanilla custard, or hazelnut spread.
- Do not add too much flour or the Krapfen may become dense.
- Flip gently to keep their round shape.
