Sufganiyot: Traditional Fried Jelly Doughnuts
Discover how to make the best fried hanukkah treat with my easy sufganiyot recipe. These jelly-filled doughnuts are perfect for the holiday season!

Let me take you back to a chilly winter night a few years back. i was knee-deep in flour, with powdered sugar dusting my cheeks like a kid who just got into the christmas cookies.
My kitchen was filled with the warm scent of deep-fried deliciousness. i was making sufganiyot , the fried hanukkah treat that always transports me to my grandmother’s table, where laughter and love filled the air.
You know that feeling when you bite into something warm and sweet, and it feels like a big hug from the inside out? yeah, that’s exactly what sufganiyot do for me.
These jelly-filled doughnuts are a staple during hanukkah celebrations, and they’re not just tasty; they carry stories, memories, and a whole lot of cultural significance.
So, buckle up folks, because we’re diving into the sweet treats for hanukkah that will elevate your holiday gatherings!
Recipe Overview
Sufganiyot are often thought of as traditional jewish pastries that date back centuries. originating in the eastern european jewish community, these fluffy delights have evolved over time but remain true to their roots.
Traditionally fried in oil, they symbolize the miracle of the oil from the hanukkah story. nowadays, they’re all over the place—from fancy pastry shops to family kitchens.
Honestly, every time i grab one, i can’t help but think about how these doughnuts connect us to our past.
Now, let’s be real: making sufganiyot is medium in difficulty—perfect for anyone looking to step up their baking game! you might feel a bit overwhelmed at first with the dough and frying techniques, but trust me, it gets easier with every fluffy donut you make.
Plus, it’s super satisfying to pull off those golden-brown beauties.
In terms of timing, you’ll want to set aside about 2- 3 hours total (including rising time) to get the full experience.
And as for cost, you’re looking at spending around $10 for a batch of about 12-15 doughnuts. not too shabby, right?
Key Benefits
If you’re on the fence about trying these out, let me hit you with some quick health benefits. sure, sufganiyot are a treat, but they can also provide a bit of energy thanks to the carbs.
And if you opt for a vegan sufganiyot recipe or add in some spices, you can get a unique health kick too! they’re the perfect addition to any special occasion , from hanukkah parties to festive gatherings.
What makes sufganiyot stand out from other fried dough recipes is, well, the jelly filling ! you can get creative with your fillings—think chocolate, caramel, or even fruit jams.
Honestly, the possibilities are endless! and, when you roll them in powdered sugar right before serving? oh my gosh, talk about a show-stopper on the holiday dessert table .
Let’s not forget that these doughnuts are a fantastic way to bring friends and family together. whether you’re swapping filling ideas or bonding over a failed fry attempt, there’s something incredibly special about creating these delights.
Plus, you'll fill your home with a warm, inviting aroma that’ll have your neighbors knocking at the door.
So, are you ready to roll up your sleeves and get into some real hanukkah magic? grab your flour and sugar, because up next, we’ll dive right into the list of ingredients you’ll need for these amazing sufganiyot .
Trust me—you'll want to make these this year; they’re worth every minute of your time!

Essential Ingredients Guide for Sufganiyot: Your Fried Hanukkah Treat
Oh, hanukkah! it’s that special time when our kitchens buzz with delicious scents, and there's always a heavenly batch of sufganiyot (those jelly doughnuts we all love) resting on the countertop.
If you’re gearing up to make these delightful hanukkah desserts , let’s break down the essential ingredients you’ll need to create the ultimate fried hanukkah treat !
Premium Core Components
First off, let's talk about the prime ingredients . You'll need:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (that's about 7 grams).
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams, split for the dough and filling).
- 1 cup warm milk (240 mL, but folks, keep it around 110° F or 43° C—not too hot!).
- 1 large egg , bring that baby to room temperature.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted (which is roughly 28 grams).
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract , the magic flavor bomb!
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (440 grams) and a teeny bit of ½ teaspoon salt to balance the sweetness.
Storage Guidelines
Storing these items properly is key. keep your flour in an airtight container for freshness, and your yeast should be stored in a cool, dry place.
Once opened, you’ll want to use that yeast within four months.
Freshness Tips
When picking ingredients, look for yeast that’s not expired and choose the freshest milk—nothing says soupy sufganiyot like finding sour milk! and how about that butter? it should always smell creamy, not funky.
When in doubt, check your labels!
Signature Seasoning Blend
Doughnuts are a sweet affair, but a little spice can elevate things. while the sufganiyot recipe shines bright, consider having fun with your seasonings .
You could add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for those spiced doughnut variations. experimenting with herbs like cardamom might also give an unexpected twist!
Smart Substitutions
What if you run out of something? don’t sweat! you can often make common alternatives . let’s say you’re out of milk; almond milk works wonders in this easy sufganiyot recipe .
What if you need a vegan option? replace your butter with earth balance. the world is your oyster (or in this case, your doughnut)!
Kitchen Equipment Essentials
You don’t need fancy gadgets to whip up these beauties, but here are some must-haves:
- Mixing bowls to combine your ingredient dreams.
- A whisk for that silky dough.
- A rolling pin to flatten that dough, and a round cutter to make perfect circles.
Now, you might think—“But I don’t have a cookie cutter!” No worries! A glass works just as well. Whatever makes that dough get into clean rounds!
Preparation Tips
Keep things clean. always flour your surface to avoid sticky situations, and make sure to have your deep-fry thermometer handy; you’ll want your oil to hover around 375° f ( 190° c) for that perfect crisp.
Personal Touch: My Sufganiyot Journey
Let me tell you, the first time i made sufganiyot , it was a messy affair! i forgot to measure my flour correctly, and my dough ended up sticky.
Spoiler alert: those were not my best fried treats! but trials make perfect. after a few attempts (and more flour), i nailed a fluffy doughnut recipe that made my family swoon, and trust me, the real star was the jelly filling!
So, as you dive into these culinary escapades, just remember: it’s all about loving the process. the joy of making homemade sufganiyot beats perfection, especially when you see the smiles around the table during the celebration.
As we transition to the instructions next, grab your apron and gather these essential ingredients. Let’s get this fried dough magic rolling—your delicious Hanukkah feast is just around the corner!

Professional Cooking Method for Sufganiyot: Mastering the Art of Fried Hanukkah Treats
Oh my gosh, have you ever tasted sufganiyot ? if not, get ready to elevate your hanukkah game with these glorious jelly doughnuts ! we’re diving into a professional cooking method that'll help you not just make these sweet treats but truly perfect them.
So, grab your apron and let’s make some magic happen!
Essential Preparation Steps
Before blending flour and sugar, let’s talk about mise en place —a fancy term for getting all your ingredients and tools ready.
You don’t want to be scrambling for stuff when your oil is hot!
First up, gather 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast , ½ cup sugar , and 3 ½ cups flour . and, don’t forget that warm milk —not hotter than 110° f ( 43° c) , okay? get your mixing bowls, whisk, and a rolling pin ready.
Can’t stress this enough: organization is key!
Next, manage your time wisely. set a timer for that dough rise— 1- 2 hours —and use the waiting time to clean up your space.
Seriously, there’s nothing like cooking in a tidy kitchen!
And hey, let’s talk safety. when frying, make sure you’re using the best oil for frying and a thermometer; keep an eye on that 375° f ( 190° c) .
You don’t want a kitchen disaster, trust me!
Step-by-Step Process
Now, onto the fun part! Follow these simple instructions, and your homemade sufganiyot will be the star of the holiday table.
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Prepare the Yeast Mixture: Combine warm milk, 1 tablespoon of sugar , and the yeast in a bowl. Let it bubble up and get foamy for 5- 10 minutes .
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Make the Dough: In a large bowl, mix your egg, melted butter, remaining sugar, salt, and yeast mix. Gradually sift in the flour until you have a sticky dough.
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Knead the Dough: Flour your surface and knead for about 5- 7 minutes until it’s smooth. Trust me, it feels great!
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First Rise: Pop your dough in a greased bowl. Cover and let it rise until doubled— 1- 2 hours is perfect.
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Shape the Sufganiyot: Roll it out about ½ inch thick . Use a cookie cutter to cut circles and let those beauties rise for another 30 minutes .
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Heat the Oil: Get your oil heated to 375° F ( 190° C) . It should be just right for frying!
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Fry Away: Fry those doughnuts in batches; give ‘em about 2- 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
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Fill ‘Em Up: Let them cool a bit, then fill with your favorite jelly. I highly recommend a raspberry jam—oh so good!
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Dust with Sugar: For the finishing touch, roll them in some powdered sugar and watch everyone’s eyes light up!
Expert Techniques
Want your sufganiyot to come out just like a pro? pay attention to quality checkpoints. check that your dough is soft and slightly sticky; it needs that fluffy doughnut consistency.
Do you think they look golden enough? if they’re not, give them a few more seconds—not too much, though!
And if you mess up, we all do! If the dough feels too dense, try adding a touch of milk. For oily doughnuts, make sure you’re frying at that exact temperature.
Success Strategies
Okay, let’s be real. We ALL make mistakes in the kitchen. A common one? Overcrowding the frying oil. Give those doughnuts room to breathe.
And always do a quality check before serving. Taste one yourself! You need to ensure these are the sweet treats for Hanukkah everyone’s going to rave about.
Also, think about make-ahead options. You can prepare the dough, let it rise, and then fry it fresh right before serving. Who doesn’t love that warm, fresh-out-of-the-oil feeling?
So, whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this step-by-step guide will elevate your hanukkah feast. get ready to impress your family and friends with your homemade sufganiyot recipe! next up, let’s chat about even more holiday baking ideas and tips.
So stay tuned for some additional information that'll make this season even sweeter!

Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Fried Hanukkah Treat
When it comes to making a fried Hanukkah treat , nothing beats the joy of making sufganiyot —those delightful jelly doughnuts that bring some serious festive vibes! It can seem a little daunting, especially if you're a newbie to deep frying, but let me share some personal insights that will make your baking journey buttery smooth and delicious!
Pro Tips & Secrets
Let’s kick it off with a few pro tips . first, one of my favorite time-saving techniques is to prepare your dough the night before.
After you let your dough rise, shape the doughnuts, and then freeze them. on the day of, just pop them in the fryer when you're ready.
Talk about a game changer!
Speaking of frying, get that oil hot (around 375° f ) and make sure you're using a good quality oil—something like canola or peanut oil works wonders.
It not only fries evenly but also gives that perfect crispy exterior without being too greasy. you'll love that luscious texture!
And let's amp up those flavors! consider adding a hint of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough—trust me, it brings a cozy holiday vibe.
When you're finally dusting with powdered sugar, a pinch of salt mixed in can really balance the sweetness.
Perfect Presentation
Now, onto the presentation —you know you eat with your eyes first! use a simple trick for plating: stack a couple of those fluffy doughnuts on a platter, maybe mixed with some fresh berries.
Think about color; contrasting dark raspberries with the golden fried dough and powdered sugar is just too pretty.
Garnish ideas? How about some citrus zest sprinkled over the top for a little pop of color and flavor that tickles the senses? You can also drizzle dark chocolate, which totally speaks to the sweet tooth in all of us!
Storage & Make-Ahead
Okay, let's talk storage and freshness. these tasty jewish holiday treats are best enjoyed the same day. if you have leftovers (which is unlikely, but hey!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days .
If you want to try making sufganiyot ahead of time, here's a little secret: you can freeze the filled doughnuts for a short period.
Just make sure to wrap them tightly. when you're ready to enjoy, let them come to room temperature and give them a little warm-up in the oven.
Creative Variations
What’s great about this festive doughnut recipe is the opportunity for creative variations . Wanna go wild? Swap out the jelly for some rich chocolate ganache or a spiced pumpkin filling—perfect for fall celebrations!
If you're thinking about dietary adjustments, you could easily create a vegan sufganiyot recipe by swapping the egg for a flax egg and using vegan butter.
The flavor will still shine through, and your plant-based friends will rave about it!
Nutrition at a Glance
For those of you keeping an eye on nutrition, here’s a quick breakdown. each doughnut has about 210 calories , with 2 grams of protein and 10 grams of fat.
While they might not be the healthiest option, who cares? it’s hanukkah, and these sweet treats bring joy and celebration!
Conclusion
So, whether you’re deep-frying these babies for the first time or perfecting your sufganiyot recipe , remember it’s all about enjoying the process.
Each batch is a step towards creating wonderful memories and delicious moments. gather your friends and family, get your favorite holiday tunes going, and whip up these heavenly hanukkah desserts .
You'll create more than just a dessert; you'll be making traditions that’ll last a lifetime! happy frying!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fried Hanukkah treat and how is it prepared?
A fried Hanukkah treat typically refers to sufganiyot, which are deep-fried jelly-filled doughnuts. They are made with yeast dough, filled with jam, and coated in powdered sugar. The preparation involves mixing ingredients, kneading dough, allowing it to rise, cutting shapes, frying, and finally filling them with jelly.
How can I ensure my fried Hanukkah treat is not greasy?
To prevent greasy sufganiyot, ensure the oil temperature is at about 375°F (190°C) before frying. Cooking the doughnuts at the correct temperature helps them fry quickly without absorbing too much oil. Additionally, drain them on paper towels immediately after frying.
Can I make sufganiyot in advance and how should I store them?
You can prepare dough ahead of time and refrigerate it after the first rise, or fry the sufganiyot a day before serving. If storing, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in an oven to restore crispiness if needed.
Are there any variations to traditional sufganiyot that I can try?
Yes! You can experiment by filling sufganiyot with different fillings like chocolate ganache or pastry cream instead of jelly. Additionally, adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough can give a unique flavor twist. For a healthier option, you could also bake them.
What are some serving suggestions for sufganiyot?
Sufganiyot pair wonderfully with a dusting of powdered sugar and can be served alongside warm drinks like spiced apple cider or hot chocolate. For a tasty twist, consider serving them with vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit for added freshness during Hanukkah celebrations.
Do sufganiyot have any nutritional considerations I should be aware of?
Sufganiyot are delicious but can be high in calories and sugar due to their frying and sweet fillings. On average, each doughnut contains about 210 calories. If you're looking for a lighter option, consider reducing the portion size or trying baked versions. Be mindful of your overall dietary needs, especially during festive times.
Sufganiyot: Traditional Fried Jelly Doughnuts Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (7 g)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 g), divided
- 1 cup warm milk (240 mL)
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (28 g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (440 g)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Oil for frying (approximately 4 cups/950 mL)
- 1 cup jelly or jam of your choice (360 g)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
🥄 Instructions:
- Step 1: Combine warm milk, 1 tablespoon sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let sit until foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together egg, melted butter, vanilla, remaining sugar, salt, and the yeast mixture.
- Step 3: Gradually add the flour until a sticky dough forms.
- Step 4: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 5: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1-2 hours.
- Step 6: Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface to about ½ inch thick. Cut out circles with a cookie cutter.
- Step 7: Place circles on a floured baking sheet, cover, and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Step 8: In a deep pot, heat oil until it reaches 375°F (190°C); use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Step 9: Fry the dough circles in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Step 10: Let cool slightly, then using a piping bag or funnel, fill each doughnut with jelly.
- Step 11: Roll filled doughnuts in powdered sugar before serving.
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