Whatever you call them – we absolutely love them!
Whether you know them as krafne, krofne, pokladnice... or simply “those delicious round ones with a hole”, one thing is certain – these sweet, soft doughy treats filled with jam, chocolate, or Nutella (with or without the hole!) are a beloved dessert among Croatians – not only back home, but all over the world!
They’re especially popular among Croatians in Australia, where the local version often takes on the look of the classic American donut – the ones with the hole in the middle, perfect alongside a cup of coffee. But donuts here aren’t just about indulgence – they also have a heartwarming, charitable role. They are regularly baked and sold at community events to raise funds for Croatian clubs and organisations. Dedicated volunteers, often community matriarchs, roll up their sleeves to fry up these golden delights for tournaments, sports matches, dances, and festivals. In short, donuts are a must-have on any sweet table in a Croatian club across Australia, where krofne also hold a special place!
Did you know that donuts have their own national day?
Yes, really! National Donut Day is celebrated every year on the first Friday of June, and in 2025 it fell on 6 June.
The tradition began in the United States, where it was established in 1938 by The Salvation Army to honor the women known as the “Donut Lassies” who served donuts to American soldiers on the frontlines during World War I. Today, the day is celebrated around the world – including right here in Australia, and with plenty of enthusiasm for krofne!
On National Donut Day, many cafés and bakeries offer free donuts, special discounts, and frequently take part in charitable causes, donating part of the proceeds to local organisations.
So whether you’re a fan of the classic jam-filled kind, or prefer those with a hole and colorful sprinkles – National Donut Day is the perfect excuse to treat yourself, share a sweet moment with friends, and perhaps even support a good cause.
The official day may have passed, but with winter upon us, it’s the perfect time to warm up the kitchen, knead some dough and shape it into those little golden pillows of joy, such as krofne!
Traditional Croatian Krafne (Donuts) Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 g plain flour
- 1 packet (7 g) dry yeast or 20 g fresh yeast
- 250 ml warm milk
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 whole egg
- 60 g sugar
- 60 g butter (melted)
- 1 tsp vanilla sugar or essence
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Oil for frying
- Icing sugar for dusting
- Jam or Nutella for filling
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the yeast with a teaspoon of sugar and a few tablespoons of warm milk. Let it stand for 10–15 minutes until frothy. - Prepare the dough:
In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and lemon zest (if using). Add in the eggs, vanilla, the rest of the milk, and the frothy yeast mixture. Begin kneading for krofne. - Add butter:
Once the dough starts coming together, gradually add the melted butter and continue to knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes by hand or 5 minutes using a dough hook). - Let it rise:
Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1–1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. - Shape the donuts:
Roll the dough to about 1.5 cm thick and cut out rounds using a glass or donut cutter. If making filled ones, leave as circles; if making ring-shaped ones, cut a hole in the center. - Second rise:
Place the shaped dough pieces on a floured surface, cover, and let rise again for about 30 minutes. - Fry:
Heat oil in a deep pot (medium heat – not too hot!). Fry the donuts in batches until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels. - Fill & dust:
If making filled donuts, use a piping bag to inject jam or Nutella into the center. Dust generously with icing sugar.
Dobar tek! Enjoy your homemade krofne – fresh, warm, and with a side of Croatian charm!
