The Amish community is known for its simple way of living and traditional cooking methods. One of their popular recipes is Amish raisin puffs, which are small, delicious pastries they often serve for breakfast or as a snack throughout the day. These puffs are made with raisins and a sweet dough, creating a soft, airy texture with a burst of flavor.
The Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup of warm water
- 1 package of active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1/3 cup of vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup of warm milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp of salt
- 3-4 cups of flour
- 1 cup of raisins
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix warm water and yeast until the yeast dissolves.
- Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Add vegetable oil, warm milk, and egg, and mix well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the salt and flour.
- Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for a few minutes.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a cloth or plastic wrap.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.
- Punch down the dough and knead in the raisins.
- Form the dough into small balls and place them on a greased baking sheet.
- Let the dough balls rise for an additional 20-30 minutes.
- Bake the puffs in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Variations
While the basic recipe for Amish raisin puffs is simple and flavorful, there are various ways to add your own twist to the recipe. Below are some variations you can try:
Cinnamon Raisin Puffs
Add 1 tsp of cinnamon to the dough mixture and mix in a handful of raisins. This variation will add a warm, spicy flavor to the puffs.
Apple Raisin Puffs
Peel and chop 1-2 apples and mix them in with the raisins before kneading them into the dough. This will add a sweet, fruity flavor to the puffs.
Cream Cheese-Filled Puffs
Before forming the dough balls, press the center of each ball with your thumb to create an indentation. Add a small dollop of cream cheese filling to the indentation and then form the ball around the filling.
Serving and Storing
Amish raisin puffs are best served warm and fresh out of the oven. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the puffs for longer storage, but make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer.
Conclusion
Amish raisin puffs are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any time of the day. With this recipe, you can enjoy the classic Amish flavors right in your own kitchen. Try it out, and don’t forget to add your own twist to this classic recipe!
Valuable Tips for Making Amish Raisin Puffs
Amish raisin puffs are a delicious and indulgent treat that can be enjoyed at any time. These sweet and buttery pastries are filled with raisins and topped with a tangy glaze. Making Amish raisin puffs can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s definitely worth the effort. Here are some valuable tips to keep in mind when making Amish raisin puffs:
Measure Ingredients Accurately
The first step in making Amish raisin puffs is to measure all the ingredients accurately. This includes the flour, sugar, yeast, and butter. Measuring the ingredients accurately is essential in ensuring that the dough rises properly and the final product turns out just right. You can use measuring cups or a digital scale to measure the ingredients.
Use High-Quality Ingredients
To make the best Amish raisin puffs, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients. Use fresh and plump raisins, good-quality butter, and high-protein bread flour. The quality of the ingredients impacts the overall taste and texture of the final product.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
When making the dough for Amish raisin puffs, it’s important to use room temperature ingredients. This means that the butter, eggs, and milk should be at room temperature before they are added to the dough. Room temperature ingredients ensure that the dough rises properly and the final product is light and fluffy.
Mix the Dough Properly
Mixing the dough is crucial in making good Amish raisin puffs. The dough should be mixed until it’s smooth and elastic. Overmixing can make the dough tough, while undermixing can make it too sticky. To get the right consistency, mix the dough for about 5-7 minutes.
Let the Dough Rest
After mixing the dough, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, which makes the dough easier to handle. During this time, cover the dough with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out.
Knead the Dough Properly
Kneading the dough is another crucial step in making Amish raisin puffs. The dough should be kneaded until it’s smooth and elastic. Kneading helps to develop the gluten, which makes the dough rise properly. If the dough is not kneaded enough, it will not reach its full potential during the baking process.
Add the Raisins and Spices
Once the dough has been kneaded, it’s time to add the raisins and spices. The raisins should be plumped in hot water or apple cider for about 15 minutes before they are added to the dough. This makes them soft and juicy. In addition to raisins, cinnamon and nutmeg can also be added to the dough for extra flavor.
Roll the Dough Out Correctly
Rolling the dough out correctly is important in making Amish raisin puffs. The dough should be rolled out to about 1/4 inch thickness. If the dough is too thick, the puffs will be dense and heavy. If the dough is too thin, the puffs will be flat and crispy.
Cut the Dough into Squares
After rolling the dough out, cut it into squares using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter. The squares should be about 3 inches by 3 inches. This size allows the puffs to bake evenly and rise properly.
Fold the Squares
To make the puffs, fold the squares diagonally to form a triangle. Press the edges together to seal the dough. This creates a pocket for the raisin filling.
Let the Puffs Rise
After folding the squares, let the puffs rise for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the yeast to work its magic and the puffs to rise properly. During this time, cover the puffs with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
Bake the Puffs
Once the puffs have risen, it’s time to bake them. Bake the puffs at 375 degrees for about 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Baking time may vary depending on the size of the puffs and the oven.
Make the Glaze
While the puffs are baking, make the glaze. The glaze is made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and set aside.
Glaze the Puffs
After the puffs are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Dip each puff in the glaze and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. The glaze gives the puffs a tangy sweetness and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Store the Puffs Properly
Store the Amish raisin puffs in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, place the puffs in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes or until warm.
Conclusion
Making Amish raisin puffs can be a fun and rewarding baking experience. Follow these valuable tips to ensure that your puffs turn out just right. With a little bit of time and effort, you can create delicious and indulgent pastries that will be enjoyed by everyone.
