Dessert

Old Fashioned Jelly Donuts Recipe

ByHarper Ellington October 30, 2025October 30, 2025

Introduction

Step into the timeless joy of Old Fashioned Jelly Donuts—soft, airy doughnuts filled with luscious raspberry jelly and coated in sugar. This classic recipe brings a comforting, nostalgic flavor straight to your kitchen, perfect for family breakfasts or sweet treats any time of day.

The image shows a close-up of stacked jelly-filled doughnuts arranged in several layers. Each doughnut has a golden-brown outer layer with a soft, slightly shiny texture. The doughnuts are dusted with a thick layer of fine white powdered sugar, spread evenly across the top surfaces. Bright red jelly filling oozes out slightly from a small hole on the side of each doughnut, adding a glossy contrast to the matte sugar. The doughnuts’ middle layer shows a pale yellow ring of soft dough, visible between the golden top and bottom layers. The background features more doughnuts, slightly blurred, all sitting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups buttermilk
2/3 cup sugar
4 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/2 cup melted butter
2 eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons salt
4 – 5 cups flour
1 jar seedless raspberry jelly (or your favorite jelly)
About 1 litre oil for deep frying
Sugar for rolling the donuts

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the buttermilk until it starts steaming, then remove from heat. Stir in the sugar and let the mixture cool for 5 minutes. Pour into a bowl, sprinkle the yeast on top, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it bubbles.
Step 2: Whisk in the melted butter, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and salt into the yeast mixture.
Step 3: Gradually add 4 cups of flour to the mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Add more flour as needed until the dough is no longer sticky.
Step 4: Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 5: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a tea towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about one hour until doubled in size.
Step 6: Roll out the dough to about half an inch thick. Cut out donuts using a 2.5 to 3 inch biscuit cutter. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 45 minutes.
Step 7: About 15 minutes before the second rise ends, heat oil in a pot to 350°F (175°C).
Step 8: Fry 3 to 4 donuts at a time for about one minute per side, until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 9: Roll warm donuts in sugar until fully coated.
Step 10: Once cooled, fill a piping bag with jelly and insert a nozzle into the side of each donut to pipe the filling inside.
Step 11: Enjoy your homemade Old Fashioned Jelly Donuts!

Tips & Variations

Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) while frying using a kitchen thermometer to ensure donuts have a crispy exterior and light, airy interior without absorbing excess oil.
Feel free to experiment with different fillings like strawberry jam, apricot preserves, or chocolate spread to suit your taste.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend containing xanthan gum and adjust flour amounts as needed to handle a slightly stickier dough.

Storage

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in the freezer for up to one month. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven or microwave until soft and fresh again.

How to Serve

A close-up of a round, golden-brown doughnut covered in coarse white sugar crystals, with a bite taken out of the top layer showing a thick, glossy, dark red jelly filling inside. The doughnut is resting on a white paper liner that sits on a wooden surface, with a soft white marbled texture in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use any other kind of filling?

Yes, you can fill these donuts with any jam, jelly, or even chocolate spread you like. This recipe is flexible and encourages creativity with your favorite flavors.

How long can I store these donuts?

They are best eaten fresh but can be stored in the freezer for up to one month if wrapped properly. Thaw them before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature before rolling and cutting the next day.