Portzelky New Year's Cookies
Celebrate the New Year with a batch of Portzelky, the traditional Mennonite raisin-filled fritters that are irresistibly soft, golden, and lightly sweetened. These festive doughnut-like treats are made with a yeast-raised dough enriched with warm milk, butter, and vanilla, creating a delicate texture that pairs perfectly with the bursts of juicy raisins in every bite. Fried to perfection and optionally dusted with powdered sugar, Portzelky are a nostalgic delight often enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oil. Perfect for gatherings, this customizable recipe serves a crowd and is an ideal accompaniment to a hot cup of tea or coffee. Whether you're upholding tradition or trying them for the first time, these New Year’s cookies make a memorable start to the year. Keywords: Portzelky recipe, New Year’s cookies, raisin fritters, yeast doughnuts, traditional Mennonite dessert.
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Ingredients
- 5 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2.25 teaspoons Active dry yeast
- 1.5 cups Warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted
- 2 pieces Large eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Raisins
- 4 cups Neutral oil for frying (e.g., canola or vegetable oil)
- 0.5 cup Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Directions
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and yeast.
Step 2
Warm the milk to 110°F (43°C) and add it to the dry ingredients along with the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 3
Gradually add the remaining flour, half a cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Once the dough becomes too stiff to stir, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 4
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Step 5
Once risen, gently punch down the dough and knead in the raisins until evenly distributed.
Step 6
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a knife or a round cookie cutter to cut the dough into small pieces, about 2 inches in size.
Step 7
Heat the oil in a large, deep saucepan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Fry the dough pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 8
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried cookies to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 9
Optional: Dust the Portzelky with powdered sugar while still warm, or serve plain.
Step 10
Enjoy these warm, fluffy New Year’s cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2509.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 12547.7 |
| Total Fat 1016.6g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 105.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g | |
| Cholesterol 526.0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2706.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 870.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 24.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 386.7g | |
| Protein 94.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 266.0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 708.9mg | 0% |
| Iron 33.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2684.4mg | 0% |
Source of Calories