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Join Baker Bettie’s live virtual session to learn authentic homemade paczki techniques from Chicago. Bake along in real time or stream the recorded lesson later—perfect for home bakers and anyone celebrating Fat Tuesday.
Join Baker Bettie’s live virtual session to learn authentic homemade paczki techniques from Chicago. Bake along in real time or stream the recorded lesson later—perfect for home bakers and anyone celebrating Fat Tuesday.
Book with Bettie's Chicago
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Bettie's Chicago · Chicago, Illinois
VIRTUAL CLASS: Homemade Paczkis brings the smell of hot fried pastry into your kitchen via a live stream hosted in Chicago, Illinois. In a hands-on session led by Baker Bettie, home bakers learn to mix a yeast-enriched dough, proof it to the right spring, shape delicate rounds, fry until golden, and pipe in custard or jam — the full Paczki ritual delivered through your screen. The class foregrounds the elements that define a true paczki: an enriched, buttery dough with an egg and sugar lift; a high-heat frying technique that creates a thin, crisp exterior and pillowy interior; and traditional fillings ranging from vanilla custard to fruit preserves. Baker Bettie demonstrates tempering oil temperature, testing readiness, and finishing touches like glazing and dusting sugar. Tools, recipes, and ingredient lists are provided ahead of time so participants can bake along or watch the recorded lesson later. Although this experience happens online, it springs from Chicago’s deep baking and immigrant food traditions. Paczkis have been a fixture in American Polish communities for generations; this class translates that local culinary heritage into a walk-through you can access from anywhere. For visitors planning a Chicago trip, the class pairs well with a food-walk of the city’s bakeries and markets — and for remote adventurers it’s a way to taste the city without flying. What sets this offering apart is the mix of technique and story. Beyond step-by-step instruction, Baker Bettie explains small details that change outcomes: how long to knead for elasticity, the subtle color cues for perfectly fried dough, and ways to adapt fillings for flavor or shelf life. The livestream includes real-time Q&A, and the recorded video allows you to review unfamiliar steps at your own pace. Practical notes: budget at least two hours for mixing, proofing, frying, and filling if you follow along live; plan for a thermometer and a neutral frying oil. The class suits anyone comfortable in a kitchen who wants to upgrade fried pastry skills—no professional background required. It’s ideal for home bakers who want a project to share with family, a culinary workshop for travelers looking to prepare Chicago flavors at home, or anyone celebrating Fat Tuesday with a hands-on lesson. VIRTUAL CLASS: Homemade Paczkis offers accessible, craft-focused instruction that honors a regional favorite. Whether you join live from Chicago or stream later, you’ll come away with recipes, techniques, and a batch of warm paczkis that taste like the city’s long baking tradition. The live format also creates community: screens fill with questions, shared timing, and photos of finished rounds, so bakers across time zones compare textures and flavors. Many students repeat the class to refine technique and experiment with seasonal fillings and share tips afterwards online.
moderate.
2–3 hours.
Minimal physical fitness required; good hand dexterity and standing tolerance for a couple hours helps.
No—this class is geared to home bakers with basic kitchen skills; the instructor explains each step clearly.
Yes—recipes, tools, and an ingredient list are provided before the class so you can prepare to bake along.
Yes—recorded lessons are available so you can watch and rewatch the technique on your own time.
The class focuses on traditional wheat-based dough, but Baker Bettie may offer adaptation tips; check the provided materials for suggestions.
Set aside about two to three hours to mix, proof, fry, and fill if following along live.
Let oil cool, strain if you plan to reuse it, or dispose of it according to local waste guidelines—never pour oil down the drain.
Paczkis originate in Polish tradition as a rich pastry eaten before Lent; they became a staple in American Polish communities and Chicago’s food scene.
Use locally sourced dairy and eggs when possible and minimize oil waste by straining and reusing correctly or disposing responsibly to reduce environmental impact.
Bettie's Chicago is a hands-on bakery and cooking studio in Chicago led by head chef Kristin “Baker Bettie” Hoffman. The studio offers a wide range of classes, workshops, and take-and-bake options for home bakers, food lovers, and groups. Participants learn techniques for breads, pastries, pies, and savory dishes with a focus on practical skills, approachable recipes, and small class sizes that enable personalized instruction. Classes include introductions to bread baking, sourdough intensives, focaccia art, French breads, artisan pizza, homemade pasta, and seasonal favorites like pumpkin cinnamon rolls and apple cider donuts. Specialty workshops cover cookie pickups, cupcake and cake decorating, macaron making, and multi-day sourdough courses for intermediate bakers. Private events and corporate team-building sessions are also available by request. Bettie's Chicago emphasizes hands-on learning: students mix, knead, shape, and bake during sessions and often take finished products home. The studio highlights ingredient quality, clear step-by-step guidance, and reproducible recipes so attendees can recreate results at home. Classes specify age recommendations and duration, and many allow dietary accommodations or vegan-friendly options. The business is suitable for beginners through experienced bakers seeking focused technique work or creative culinary experiences. Reviews and event listings on reputable city guides and The Adventure Collective spotlight consistent class offerings and seasonal specialties. Booking information, class schedules, and pre-order pickup options are available through the studio’s online listings and partner platforms. Gift certificates, group discounts, and private lesson packages make Bettie's Chicago a flexible option for celebrations, team building, and hands-on culinary education across skill levels.
Book with Bettie's Chicago