Recipe for Krofne: Easy Homemade Croatian Donuts Guide

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a soft, fluffy, and golden doughnut filled with sweet jam or creamy custard. Krofne, a beloved pastry popular in many Balkan countries, delivers exactly that delight.

These delightful fried doughnuts are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a wonderful way to bring a bit of Eastern European tradition into your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a holiday, or simply craving a sweet snack, krofne offers a perfect homemade alternative to store-bought pastries.

The dough is enriched with eggs and butter, resulting in a tender crumb that soaks up just the right amount of oil without being greasy.

In this comprehensive recipe, I’ll guide you through making krofne from scratch, including tips for perfect frying and creative filling ideas. Plus, you’ll find suggestions for variations and nutritional insights to keep you informed.

Ready to embark on this delicious culinary journey? Let’s dive into the art of making krofne!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This krofne recipe is designed to be approachable yet authentic, ensuring you get that perfect balance of lightness and flavor. The dough is soft and airy thanks to the use of yeast and milk, which makes these doughnuts melt in your mouth.

Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it accessible even for beginners. You can fill krofne with your favorite jam, chocolate, or custard, turning them into a versatile treat suitable for any occasion.

Plus, frying at the correct temperature ensures they’ll be golden and crispy on the outside while tender inside, without absorbing too much oil. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for breakfast tables, coffee breaks, or festive celebrations!

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 250ml (1 cup) whole milk, warm (about 110°F/43°C)
• 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 50g (3 1/2 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
• 7g (2 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil for frying (about 1.5 liters)
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Jam, chocolate spread, or custard for filling (optional)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl for activating yeast
• Whisk or fork
• Rolling pin
• Round cookie cutter or glass (about 3 inches diameter)
• Deep frying pan or deep fryer
• Slotted spoon or spider skimmer
• Kitchen thermometer (for oil temperature)
• Cooling rack
• Piping bag with a small nozzle (for filling)

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
2. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and melted butter together. Add the vanilla extract and salt. Slowly add the activated yeast mixture and stir to combine.
3. Add the flour: Gradually add the flour, about one cup at a time, mixing with a spoon or your hands until a soft dough begins to form. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First rise: Place the dough back into a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the krofne: Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles.
6. Second rise: Place the dough circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let them rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffed.
7. Heat the oil: In a deep frying pan or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature closely.
8. Fry the krofne: Carefully place 2-3 doughnuts at a time into the hot oil, frying for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to turn them gently and remove them once cooked.
9. Drain and cool: Transfer fried krofne to a cooling rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
10. Fill and dust: If desired, use a piping bag to fill the krofne with jam, custard, or chocolate spread. Generously dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

For the fluffiest krofne, make sure your yeast is fresh and the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.

To keep your krofne from absorbing too much oil, maintain a steady frying temperature between 350°F and 360°F. Too low, and they’ll soak up excess oil; too high, and they’ll brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside.

Feel free to experiment with fillings: traditional apricot or raspberry jam is classic, but custard, Nutella, or even lemon curd make delicious alternatives.

For a vegan twist, try this recipe with plant-based milk, flaxseed egg replacer, and vegan butter. You might also want to explore other sweet treats like Chocolate Banana Smoothie or Chocolate Chippy Pumpkin Bread Mix to complement your baking adventures.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition values may vary slightly depending on the filling and frying oil used.

Serving Suggestions

Krofne are best served fresh and warm. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, making them a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack.

For a festive touch, serve them alongside fresh fruit and whipped cream, or create a dessert platter with assorted fillings and toppings. You can also enjoy them with a side of homemade jam or a drizzle of honey.

If you love exploring new recipes, check out these delicious options that complement baked goods and sweet treats: Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas, Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food, and Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide.

Conclusion

Making krofne at home is a rewarding experience that brings a taste of Balkan tradition right into your kitchen. With simple ingredients and clear instructions, you can create these fluffy, golden doughnuts that are perfect for any occasion.

Whether you enjoy them plain, dusted with sugar, or filled with your favorite jam or custard, krofne are sure to delight family and friends alike. Plus, the process of making and sharing these pastries is a wonderful way to celebrate the joy of baking and cultural heritage.

So next time you’re craving something sweet and comforting, give this krofne recipe a try. It’s a delicious project that yields tasty results you’ll want to make again and again!

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