Make soft, easy jam filled donuts at home with this quick recipe for busy families. Sweet, fluffy dough and your favorite fruit jam come together for the ultimate homemade treat

Who doesn’t love biting into a warm, pillowy donut with just the right touch of sweet jam? Homemade jelly filled donuts are an instant mood lifter, and the best part is you don’t need hours in the kitchen to make a batch your family will rave about. This recipe breaks down the steps so even the busiest cooks can whip up bakery-style treats, perfect for lunchboxes, brunch spreads, or a fun weekend project with the kids.

We are sharing tips to help you get the best results when making this recipe. If you don’t need the tips, scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and printable recipe card.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Jam Filled Donuts ⭐

Sweet, Customizable Centers

One of the best parts about these donuts is just how flexible they are. Strawberry jam, raspberry, apricot jelly—or whatever fruit filling you have on hand—each batch is a new adventure. If your kids have strong opinions (don’t they always?), let them pick their favorite jam for a personalized touch. That fruity burst inside each bite isn’t just tasty; it’s a cheerful surprise, like finding a toy in a box of cereal.

Light, Fluffy Texture Every Time

Forget dense or oily donuts—this recipe uses warm milk, just the right amount of yeast, and a splash of vanilla extract to create a dough that rises beautifully. The result? Each donut is airy and pillowy, with just enough chew to satisfy. They’ll remind you of your favorite bakery but with the added magic of homemade charm.

If you’re inspired to try your hand at other homemade donut treats, you might also love these fall-inspired Pumpkin Donuts Recipe for even more kitchen joy.

Perfect for Every Family Gathering

Whether you want a quick snack after school or a special sweet for brunch, these jam-filled donuts suit any occasion. They transport well in lunchboxes, make brunch tables look extra inviting, and can even double as a centerpiece for birthday mornings. Kids and grown-ups alike can’t resist that first warm bite—don’t be surprised if they vanish before you even finish dusting them with powdered sugar!

🧾 Ingredients

📌 Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with quantities and step-by-step instructions!

Active dry yeast
Warm milk
Granulated sugar
All-purpose flour
Salt
Egg yolks
Unsalted butter
Vanilla extract
Oil for frying
Fruit jam (strawberry, raspberry, or your favorite)
Powdered

🔪 How to Make Jelly Donuts at Home

Activate the Yeast:
Combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes, until it gets foamy.

Make the Dough:
Add egg yolks, softened butter, and vanilla to the yeast mix. Stir well. Mix in flour and salt until you get a dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 to 7 minutes, until smooth.

First Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover with a towel, and leave it in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.

Shape the Donuts:
Roll out the dough to about half an inch thick. Cut into 3-inch rounds using a biscuit or donut cutter. Place the rounds on a floured tray, cover, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.

Fry the Donuts:
Heat oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry 2 or 3 donuts at a time for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove them and place on paper towels to drain.

Fill with Jam:
Once the donuts have cooled, use a piping bag with a filling tip to add jam to the centers.

Dust with Powdered Sugar:
Sprinkle powdered sugar over the donuts before serving.

⭐ Tips and Tricks for Foolproof Jelly Donuts ⭐

Start With Fresh Yeast and Proper Rising

A good rise is the golden ticket for soft, airy donuts. Don’t rush this step.

Check your yeast: Use yeast that’s well within its expiration date to guarantee a good rise.
Warm milk is key: Think “warm bath” (about 110°F)—not too hot, or you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate.
Patience pays off: Let dough rise until it’s doubled in size. Don’t skimp on resting time! If your home is cold, let dough rise in a warm oven (turned off).

If you love learning the basics and exploring traditional donut styles, check out the classic Fastnacht Day Doughnut Recipe for more inspiration!

Control Oil Temperature

Oil that’s too hot burns the outside before the inside cooks. If it’s too cool, donuts soak up oil and get greasy.
Ideal temperature: Aim for 350°F to 360°F.
Test before frying: Drop in a small piece of dough. It should sizzle and rise to the top quickly.
Avoid crowding: Fry in small batches for even cooking and prettier donuts.

Sugaring Tips for the Perfect Finish

That final sprinkle or toss in sugar gives each donut its sweet sparkle.

Dust while warm: Roll donuts in sugar or sift on powdered sugar while still warm for best stick.
Powdered or granulated: Use what your family likes. Each gives a different texture and look.
Get creative: Add a pinch of cinnamon for a cozy twist.

📖 Variations

Classic Fruit Jam Mix-ups

There’s something magical about burrowing into a warm donut bursting with fruity sweetness. If you’ve only tried strawberry or raspberry, it’s time to mix things up! Pick from different jams and see which ones disappear quickest from the plate.

Blueberry Jam: Swap in a heaping spoonful for a bright, juicy center. For a homemade touch, check out this rich Blueberry Compote Recipe if you like your filling with real fruit chunks.
Apricot or Peach Preserves: These add a mellow, sun-kissed sweetness perfect for spring or summer brunch.
Apple Butter: Especially great in the fall, this smooth, spiced filling will remind you of cozy days and cinnamon-scented kitchens.
Grape Jelly: Classic and always a winner with kids—a sandwich favorite turned into a donut surprise.

Let everyone choose their favorite, or surprise your family with a rainbow box of mixed fruit donut treats!

Creamy Fillings for an Extra Indulgence

If your crew likes richer flavors, creamy fillings take these donuts to dessert status.

Vanilla Custard or Pudding: Pipe in after frying for a bakery-style treat.
Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread: Nutella fans will do a happy dance.
Sweetened Cream Cheese: Just blend cream cheese with a little powdered sugar for a tangy, cheesecake-like center.

You can even mix fruit jam and cream cheese for an extra layer of flavor in every bite.

Fun Toppings and Sugars

Don’t overlook the magic of a donut frosted, glazed, or coated in something sweet. After frying, try rolling your donuts in different sugars or drizzling on flavor-packed toppings for extra wow factor.

Cinnamon Sugar: Mix cinnamon with granulated sugar for a classic twist.
Maple or Berry Glaze: Blend a quick glaze using jam and powdered sugar, and dip the tops of your donuts.
Shredded Coconut or Crushed Nuts: Sprinkle right after glazing for crunch and color.
Colorful Sprinkles: The kids will love making (and eating) these fun, bakery-worthy treats.

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