If you’re searching for the ultimate soft, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth doughnut, these German Berliners are exactly what you need. Known in Germany as Berliner, Krapfen, or Pfannkuchen (depending on the region), these golden, sugar-coated treats are a beloved classic — especially during Carnival season, New Year’s Eve, and festive celebrations.

These German Berliners are fried, not baked, incredibly soft, lightly sweet, and filled with classic strawberry jam or chocolate spread. Once you make them at home, you’ll understand why they’ve been loved for generations.

What Are German Berliners?

• German Berliners are traditional yeast-raised doughnuts that are fried until golden, rolled in sugar, and filled after frying. Unlike American doughnuts, they usually don’t have a hole and are lighter, airier, and less sweet.
• They’re made from a rich yeast dough containing milk, butter, eggs, and vanilla — resulting in a pillowy interior and a tender crumb. No glaze is needed; a simple sugar coating lets the dough shine.

Ingredients You’ll Need for German Berliners

For the Dough:

• Milk: Provides moisture and helps activate the yeast.
• Butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb.
• Sugar: Lightly sweetens the dough without overpowering it.
• Eggs: Give structure, softness, and color.
• Fresh yeast: Creates the airy, fluffy texture Berliners are known for.
• Vanilla sugar: Adds subtle warmth and aroma.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Flour: Forms the base of the dough; the amount may vary slightly.

Rolling:

• Sugar: Classic coating for warm Berliners.

Filling:

• Strawberry jam: Traditional and slightly tangy.
• Chocolate spread: A rich, indulgent alternative.

For Making the German Berliners, Here Are the Essential Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl: For kneading and proofing the dough.
• Kitchen scale or measuring cups: Accuracy matters for yeast dough.
• Clean kitchen towel: To cover the dough during rising.
• Baking paper: Keeps shaped dough from sticking.
• Large, deep frying pan or pot: Allows safe, even frying.
• Cooking thermometer: Ensures oil stays at 180°C (350°F).
• Slotted spoon: For turning and removing Berliners from oil.
• Paper towels: For draining excess oil.
• Piping bag with filling tip: Makes filling easy and neat.

Here is the full Recipe for the German Berliners

Ingredients:

Dough:

• 300 ml (1¼ cups) lukewarm milk
• 100 g (½ cup) soft butter
• 80 g (⅓ cup) sugar
• 2 medium eggs
• 35 g (about 1.2 oz) fresh yeast
• 1 packet vanilla sugar
  Alternative: 2 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Small pinch of salt
• 650–700 g (5¼–5¾ cups) all-purpose flour

For Rolling:

• 4 tbsp sugar

Filling:

• Strawberry jam or chocolate spread (as needed)

Directions:

1. Make the Dough: Add all dough ingredients to a large bowl and knead until you have a soft, smooth, non-sticky dough. This can be done by hand or with a stand mixer. Cover and let rise for 50–60 minutes, until doubled in size.
2. Shape the Berliners: Divide the dough into pieces of about 50 g each (you’ll get around 25 pieces). Shape into smooth balls, flatten slightly, and place on parchment paper. Cover and let rise again for 30–40 minutes.
3. Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides. Heat to 180°C (350°F) — roughly medium heat (level 5 on most stoves). The oil must not be too hot, or the Berliners will brown too fast and stay raw inside.
4. Fry: Place the dough balls top side down into the oil. Fry until golden on both sides, turning once. Tip: briefly covering the pan with a lid helps them cook through evenly.
5. Coat & Fill: Drain on paper towels, let cool slightly, then roll in sugar while still warm. Once cooled, fill with strawberry jam or chocolate spread using a piping bag.

Tips for Perfect Berliners

• Keep oil temperature steady at 180°C
• Don’t overcrowd the pan
• Let the dough rise properly — patience matters
• Fill only after cooling to prevent leaks
• Fresh yeast gives the best flavor and texture

Variations to Try

• Custard-Filled Berliners: Fill the doughnuts with vanilla pastry cream or German vanilla pudding (Vanillepudding) for a creamy, bakery-style version.
• Chocolate Lovers’ Berliners: Use chocolate spread, Nutella, or a rich chocolate ganache for an indulgent filling.
• Raspberry or Apricot Jam: Swap strawberry jam for raspberry or apricot for a slightly tangier flavor.
• Lemon Cream Berliners: Fill with lemon curd or lemon pastry cream for a fresh, bright twist.
• Powdered Sugar Coating: Instead of rolling the warm Berliners in sugar, dust them generously with powdered sugar once cooled.
• Mini Berliners: Make smaller dough balls for bite-sized Berliners — perfect for parties and sharing.

Storage & Reheating

• Best enjoyed fresh on the same day
• Can be stored airtight for 1 day
• Unfilled Berliners freeze well
• Fill just before serving for best texture

These German Berliners (Jam-Filled Doughnuts) are a true bakery classic — soft, fluffy, comforting, and endlessly customizable. Whether you fill them with fruity jam, rich chocolate, or even vanilla cream, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.

Once you try them homemade, store-bought versions simply won’t compare.

Happy frying & enjoy every bite!

More Baking Ideas:

• Strawberries & Cream Cookies – Soft, buttery cookies infused with fresh strawberries and a velvety cream filling – the ultimate summer treat!
• White Chocolate Raspberry Cookies -Delight in the perfect balance of sweet white chocolate and tart raspberries with every bite of these irresistible cookies.
• Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies -These zesty lemon cookies with a hint of poppy seed crunch will brighten up your day with a refreshing burst of flavor.
• Lemon Cheesecake Cookies with Blueberry Curd – Bright, tangy, and irresistibly creamy, these Lemon Cheesecake Cookies with Blueberry Curd are a zesty delight topped with a luscious blueberry swirl. Perfect for citrus lovers looking for a sweet twist!

Watch the recipe video here. Let’s get to baking! Here is the full recipe:

Summary

Recipe Name

German Berliners

Author Name

Isabel

Published On

2026-01-18