Let's Begin!

Dough

• In a small bowl, whisk together the water, yeast, and sugar, then set aside until foamy.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the yeast mixture, flour, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend together on low for 15 minutes.
• Place the kneaded dough in a lightly greased bowl, then cover it with plastic wrap until the dough has doubled in size. About 1-2 hours.
• Once the dough has doubled in size, line a baking sheet with parchment, and dust the parchment and a work surface with flour.
• Turn the dough out on the floured surface, then gently flatten the dough to a 1/2-inch thickness.
• Using a 2½-inch round cutter, cut as many circles as you can, then place them on the prepared baking sheet. Reroll any scraps until all dough is used and shaped
• Dust the cut circles of dough with a little more flour, cover with plastic wrap and let rise again for about an hour.

Let's fry and fill!

• Fill a deep pot with cooking oil, then over medium-low heat until it reaches 325°F.
• Fry 3-4 doughnuts at a time for 2-3 minutes, or until it is golden in color. Carefully flip and fry the other side for another minute or two, until golden.
• Lift the doughnuts out of the oil and let them drain on the prepared wire rack. Repeat with the remaining doughnuts.
• Once the doughnuts are cool, poke a hole in the side or top of the doughnut with a straw or skewer.
• Place the strained jam into a piping bag fitted with a small plain tip. Squeeze a small amount of jam into each doughnut and then dust the doughnuts with powdered sugar.
• Serve and enjoy with family and friends!