Today is National Jelly-filled doughnut day. Jelly-Filled Doughnut Day is believed to have originated in the United States in the 1940s as a way to celebrate the American-style doughnut. It is celebrated annually in June.

The history of jelly-filled doughnuts dates back to the 19th century. Jelly-filled doughnuts, or “jelly doughnuts” as they are commonly known, are believed to have been invented in the early 1800s by German immigrants in the United States. The German immigrants made the doughnuts with a variety of fillings, including jams and preserves. By the turn of the 20th century, jelly doughnuts had become popular in American bakeries, and the tradition of Jelly-Filled Doughnut Day was born.

In 2017, the world record for the most jelly doughnuts eaten in one minute was set by Matt Stonie, who ate 8 jelly doughnuts in 60 seconds. In 2019, the world record for the longest jelly doughnut chain was set in Berlin, Germany. The chain was made up of 8,888 jelly doughnuts, with each doughnut measuring approximately 10 cm in diameter.

It is estimated that approximately 1.5 billion jelly doughnuts are consumed in the United States each year. Globally, it is estimated that nearly 7 billion jelly doughnuts are consumed each year. I clearly am not doing my part.

The earliest known recipe for jelly doughnuts was published in German-American cookbook author, Maria Kley’s, book titled “Kochbuch der Deutschen Hausfrau” (Cookbook of the German Housewife) in 1864.

The original recipe for jelly doughnuts from Maria Kley’s book is as follows:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil for deep-frying
• 1/2 cup raspberry or apricot jam

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg, melted butter, warm milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft, pliable dough is formed.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to a 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out circles of dough with a 3-inch cookie cutter.
5. Place 1 tablespoon of jam into the center of each dough circle.
6. Fold the dough circles in half and press the edges together to seal continue
7. Heat several inches of vegetable oil in a deep-fryer or large pot over medium-high heat.
8. Working in batches, carefully add the doughnuts to the hot oil and fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
9. Transfer the fried doughnuts to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
10. Serve the doughnuts warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Five Fun Facts About Jelly Doughnuts

1. Jelly doughnuts are popular in many cultures around the world, including Germany, France, and Israel.
2. Jelly doughnuts are often served with a cup of coffee or tea as a breakfast treat.
3. In some cultures, jelly doughnuts are served as a dessert or an after-school snack.
4. Jelly doughnuts are often topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or icing sugar.
5. The jelly used to fill jelly doughnuts can be made from a variety of fruits, including raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, and blueberry.

Jelly-Filled Doughnut Day is a fun and delicious way to celebrate the American-style doughnut. Take some time to enjoy a jelly doughnut and remember the history and culture that influenced its creation. Let us know in the comments where you like to get your favorite jelly doughnuts.