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Hanukkah Sufganiyot Doughnuts

Soft, golden Hanukkah sufganiyot doughnuts filled with sweet jelly and coated in powdered sugar. These classic fried treats are fluffy, light, and full of festive flavor—perfect for celebrating the Festival of Lights.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rise time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 12 Donuts
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Hanukkah Traditional
Calories: 230

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons 1 packet active dry yeast
  • ¾ cup warm milk or warm water for dairy-free
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • ½ cup fruit jelly or jam strawberry, raspberry, or your favorite filling
  • Powdered sugar for coating
  • Optional: chocolate spread custard, or homemade jelly for filling variations.

Method
 

Activate the yeast:
  1. Mix warm milk and sugar in a bowl, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
Make the dough:
  1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, egg yolks, and butter. Mix until dough forms, then knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and stretchy.
First rise:
  1. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape the doughnuts:
  1. Punch down the dough and roll it out to about ½ inch thick. Cut out circles with a 2½-inch cutter. Place on a floured tray, cover with a towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
Fry:
  1. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry a few doughnuts at a time, about 1 minute per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Fill with jelly:
  1. Once slightly cooled, fill a piping bag with jelly. Poke a small hole in each doughnut and pipe in the filling until you feel it puff slightly.
Coat with sugar:
  1. Dust with powdered sugar generously. Serve warm and enjoy immediately!

Notes

  • These are best eaten the same day—they lose their soft texture overnight.
  • You can use any jam you love, but seedless raspberry gives that classic look and taste.
  • To keep the oil temperature steady, use a cooking thermometer.
  • For a dairy-free version, use warm water and vegan butter.