First, let's take a closer look at what makes a Berliner so special. Unlike many other donuts, Berliners are typically made with a sweet yeast dough that's light and fluffy. The dough is then formed into rounds, fried until golden brown, and filled with a fruity jam or jelly. Finally, they're dusted with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
To make your own Berliners at home, you'll need a few key ingredients. Here's what you'll need:
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of whole milk
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Canola oil, for frying
- Raspberry or strawberry jam
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Once you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to get started. Here's a step-by-step guide to making Berliners:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
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In a separate bowl, warm the milk and water until they're about 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Add the milk mixture, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, and mix until a dough forms.
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Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until it's smooth and elastic.
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Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour.
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Once the dough has risen, roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness.
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Use a round cookie cutter or cup to cut out circles of dough.
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Place the circles on a greased baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
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Heat about 2 inches of canola oil in a large pot or Dutch oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Fry the dough circles in batches, flipping them once, until they're golden brown on both sides.
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Remove the Berliners from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to cool.
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Once the Berliners are cool enough to handle, use a piping bag to fill them with jam.
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Dust the Berliners with powdered sugar, and serve immediately.
And there you have it - your very own Berliners! While they may take a bit of time and effort to make, there's nothing quite like biting into a warm, jam-filled Berliner straight from the fryer. Whether you're enjoying them in Germany or from the comfort of your own kitchen, these donuts are sure to become a new favorite treat.