Authentic Polish Donuts (Pączki)

Tap an ingredient or step to check it off.

1. 1Step 1: Make starter by placing all ingredients in a bowl and mixing well to combine. Place bowl in a warm spot covered with a kitchen towel and let rise for 1 hour.
2. 2Step 2: When the hour is almost up, make dough by whisking egg yolks, egg, and sugar in mixer bowl with a whisk attachment until white and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
3. 3Step 3: Change whisk to a mixing paddle, add yeast starter and start mixing. Gradually start adding flour, alternating with milk. Also add lemon zest and juice, alcohol, salt, and vanilla extract. When it becomes too thick to mix with the mixing paddle, start kneading by hand. Knead until dough is smooth and it doesn't stick to your hands anymore (no less than 10 minutes).
4. 4Step 4: Finally, slowly add melted butter and keep kneading until incorporated.
5. 5Step 5: Place dough in a large bowl, cover with a kitchen towel and let rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
6. 6Step 6: After 1 hour, divide dough in half and roll out to about ½ inch / 2 centimeter thickness. With a glass or a metal can, cut out circles and place on a cookie sheet. Do this with all of your dough. Cover dough circles with a towel and let rise for 1 hour.
7. 7Step 7: About 15 minutes before the hour is up, start heating the lard. Place it in a rather narrow pot (we'll be frying only 2-3 at a time, and we need some depth in the oil) and heat on medium til grease reaches 350℉ / 180℃ (or until a piece of dough placed in grease starts bubbling immediately).
8. 8Step 8: Be very careful with placing donuts into hot grease. I use a wire spoon to place 2 or 3 donuts at a time. Fry donuts until they are golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side) and flip. Don't rush this process: we want to make sure dough cooks on the inside as well. If dough burns right away, turn heat down. Once golden brown, remove onto a paper-towel-lined sheet.
9. 9Step 9: If you'd like to fill them with jelly, let them cool first. Fill a pastry bag (with a long nozzle) with jelly. Insert nozzle into donut and push on bag to fill them with about 1 teaspoon of jelly.
10. 10Step 10: I like mine with powdered sugar only, but if you'd like to glaze yours, place powdered sugar in a bowl, add lemon juice, then add water 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. Pour over donuts and garnish with lemon peel.