If you have a sweet tooth and a love for classic bakery treats, then you are in for a real delight with this Bakery-Style Strawberry Jam Doughnuts with Sugar Recipe. These doughnuts are irresistibly fluffy on the inside, perfectly golden and crisp on the outside, and bursting with luscious strawberry jam, all generously coated in a sparkling layer of sugar. They truly capture that nostalgic bakery charm right in your own kitchen, making every bite a warm hug of sweetness and texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black cooling rack holds 22 small round doughnuts that are golden brown and dusted with white sugar. The doughnuts have a slightly rough texture from the sugar coating and are evenly spread in four rows on the rack. A woman's two hands are holding the cooling rack gently from both sides. The background is a white marbled texture with soft light casting even shadows. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are delightfully simple but essential to create the perfect doughnut experience. Each element plays a crucial role—from the flour providing structure, to the sugar adding sweetness, and the yeast ensuring that airy rise you’ll adore.

450 g Strong White Bread Flour: Gives the doughnuts their chewy, pillowy texture.
0.5 tsp Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
55 g Unsalted Butter (softened): Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
180 ml Milk: Lukewarm to help activate the yeast and create a soft crumb.
25 g Caster Sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering.
7 g Dried Yeast: The magical ingredient that makes the dough expand and become airy.
1 Egg (large): Adds structure and brightness to the dough.
Granulated Sugar (for dusting): Gives that classic bakery sparkle and sweet crunch.
Sunflower Oil (for frying): Has a neutral flavor ideal for perfect frying without overpowering the doughnuts.
180 g Seedless Jam: The star filling that makes these doughnuts unforgettable—smooth, sweet, and bursting with strawberry goodness.

How to Make Bakery-Style Strawberry Jam Doughnuts with Sugar Recipe

Step 1: Activate Your Yeast

Begin by gently heating the milk until it’s just lukewarm—about 38 to 43°C (100-110°F) is perfect to wake up the yeast without killing it. Stir in the sugar until fully dissolved, then sprinkle the dried yeast on top. Let it rest for about 20 minutes until your mixture becomes foamy. This foaming action tells you the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic in your dough.

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

In a separate bowl, combine the strong white bread flour and sea salt. Rub the softened butter into this mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs—this step creates that tender crumb texture inside your doughnuts. Then, whisk the egg into your foamy milk and yeast mixture before combining everything with the dry ingredients using a wooden spoon or spatula. When the mixture pulls together, dust your work surface with flour and knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth, elastic, and with a slight sheen on the surface.

Step 3: First Rise

Place your dough ball in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp tea towel or clingfilm, and find a warm spot to let it rise. In about 1 to 2 hours, you’ll see your dough double in size—this is where the yeast’s magic gives you that pillowy softness inside every bite.

Step 4: Shape the Doughnuts

Once risen, tip the dough onto a floured surface and give it a quick knead to gently release the air. Divide the dough into 20 equal pieces (around 35-40g each) and roll each into a smooth ball. Pinch the bottom of each ball tightly to seal, which helps them hold their shape while frying.

Step 5: Second Rise

Lay your dough balls on a lightly oiled, lined baking tray, seal side down, spaced evenly apart. Cover them again inside a large plastic bag or under a clean cloth so they rise properly, about an hour until doubled in size and delightfully puffy.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat sunflower oil in a saucepan to 170°C (340°F), then fry your dough balls carefully for 2-3 minutes per side until beautifully golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them, and let excess oil drip back into the pan before patting the doughnuts with paper towels—this step keeps them light and not greasy.

Step 7: Sugar Dust and Jam Fill

Roll each warm doughnut generously in granulated sugar for that bakery sparkle. Place them on a wire rack to cool until just warm, then create a small hole on the side with a sharp knife. Fill a piping bag with the strawberry jam, and gently pipe it into each doughnut, giving you that sweet burst in the middle every time.

How to Serve Bakery-Style Strawberry Jam Doughnuts with Sugar Recipe

A silver bowl lined with a soft light pink cloth holds about ten golden brown round doughnuts dusted lightly with white powdered sugar. Bright red strawberries with green leaves are scattered among the doughnuts along with a few cream and light pink small flowers, giving the bowl a fresh and colorful look. To the upper left of the bowl, several more doughnuts rest on a black wire rack with powdered sugar on top. The background is a white marbled texture with subtle blue and pink paint splatters. In the upper right, a jar of dark red jam with a spoon sits near a white cup and saucer with dark coffee. The bottom left shows two pink candles in silver candle holders. On the bottom right, white and pink blossoms add a delicate touch to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, dust your doughnuts with powdered sugar in addition to granulated sugar for a soft snowy effect. You can also sprinkle a bit of finely chopped fresh mint or edible flower petals on top for a pretty pop of color and subtle freshness.

Side Dishes

These doughnuts pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, perfect for a relaxing morning or afternoon treat. To balance the sweetness, offer a side of fresh berry salad or a dollop of lightly whipped cream. A splash of tangy yogurt on the side also adds a delightful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these doughnuts stacked on a rustic wooden board or arrange them inside a charming vintage basket lined with a lilac or pastel-colored napkin to evoke a bakery vibe. For parties, place them in individual colorful paper cups or offer a small dipping bowl of extra jam or melted chocolate alongside for dipping fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Bakery-Style Strawberry Jam Doughnuts with Sugar Recipe are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight to prevent the sugar from melting and the jam from becoming overly sticky.

Freezing

To enjoy these doughnuts later, freeze them unfrosted by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw completely at room temperature before dusting with sugar and injecting the jam filling for freshest results.

Reheating

Warm the doughnuts gently in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 5-7 minutes or until just warmed through. Avoid microwaving as this can make them overly soft or chewy. Reheat only the amount you plan to eat to ensure your next serving is always fresh and delightful.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of jam for this recipe?

Absolutely! While strawberry jam is classic and delicious, you can try raspberry, apricot, or even a mixed berry jam to suit your taste. Just make sure it’s a smooth, seedless variety for easier filling.

Is it necessary to use strong white bread flour?

Using strong white bread flour improves the dough’s elasticity and helps achieve that fluffy, chewy texture classic to bakery doughnuts. You can use all-purpose flour, but expect slightly softer doughnuts.

Can I bake these doughnuts instead of frying?

While baking is an option for a healthier twist, frying gives the doughnuts their iconic golden crust and texture. Baking will produce a different, less crispy doughnut, but still tasty!

How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature for frying?

Use a kitchen thermometer to reach 170°C (340°F). If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of dough in the oil—if it bubbles and rises quickly without burning, the temperature is right.

Can I make these doughnuts vegan?

With some ingredient swaps such as plant-based milk, vegan butter, and an egg replacer (like flaxseed), you can adapt this recipe into a vegan version. However, the texture might vary slightly from the original.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about making and enjoying Bakery-Style Strawberry Jam Doughnuts with Sugar Recipe at home. The smell, the warmth, and that first sweet, fluffy bite bring such simple joy. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a special occasion, this recipe invites you to experience the cozy delight of homemade bakery goodness any time you wish. Go on, treat yourself—you deserve it!