The festive spirit of Hanukkah fills the air, and there’s nothing quite like the delightful aroma of Super Fluffy Jelly Donuts, or Sufganiyot, wafting from your kitchen. Imagine biting into a pillowy donut, the sweetness of raspberry jam bursting forth, dusted with a light shower of powdered sugar. Each bite is a warm hug from this traditional treat, making it the centerpiece of your holiday gatherings.
As I crafted this recipe, I couldn’t help but think of the joy these donuts bring, not just as a delicious dessert but as a way to share moments with family and friends. Whether you want to stick to classic raspberry filling or experiment with blueberry, lemon curd, or even a touch of spice like cinnamon, these fluffy treasures are bound to impress. Join me in bringing this cherished Hanukkah delight to your table and creating sweet memories that last a lifetime.
Why love Hanukkah Jelly Donuts?
Tradition with a Twist: These Hanukkah Jelly Donuts celebrate the flavors of the season while inviting personal creativity with various fillings.
Fluffy Delight: Experience the airy texture that’s perfect for impressing guests at your holiday gatherings.
Easy to Customize: With options for various jams and spices, each batch can be uniquely yours.
Quick Preparation: Whip up these delightful treats in just a few hours—ideal for last-minute festivities.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Everyone will adore these sweet, festive delights, making them the highlight of any holiday spread.
Make memories by creating these treats, and if you’re looking for more inspiration, try these other festive desserts!
Hanukkah Jelly Donuts Ingredients
For the Dough
• Warm Water – Activates the yeast; ensure it’s warm (100°F to 110°F) but not boiling.
• Instant Yeast – Provides leavening for those fluffy Hanukkah Jelly Donuts.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough; brown sugar can be used as a delicious substitute.
• Orange Zest – Infuses vibrant flavor; essential for a truly refreshing taste.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor; optional but highly recommended for an extra kick.
• Large Eggs – Contributes structure and richness; opt for free-range or organic for the best results.
• Vegetable Oil – Adds moisture to the dough; can substitute with other neutral oils if needed.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; measuring accurately is key for best results.
• Baking Powder – Essential for achieving that desired fluffy texture in your donuts.
• Kosher Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor, making each bite pop.
For Frying
• Vegetable Oil (for frying) – A high smoke point oil needed for frying to golden perfection.
For the Filling
• Raspberry or Strawberry Jam – Sweet filling essential for your donuts; feel free to use other preserves or curds for variety.
For Dusting
• Confectioners’ Sugar – Perfect for dusting; can be mixed with cinnamon for a flavorful twist.
How to Make Hanukkah Jelly Donuts
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Combine warm water and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let this sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy, signaling that your yeast is active and ready to create that fluffy texture!
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Mix in the granulated sugar, orange zest, vanilla extract, large eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir these ingredients together until smooth and well-combined, ensuring a delightful flavor base for your dough.
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Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt gradually. Knead the mixture for around 5 minutes until a soft, non-sticky dough forms, beautiful and ready for its first rise.
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Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size. This is where the magic happens; it’s all about that fluffy texture!
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Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¾ inch thickness. Use a 3-inch cutter to cut out circles, which will become your delightful donuts.
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Let rise arranged circles on a floured surface for another 45 minutes, allowing them to puff up even more, creating that light and airy bite you’ll love.
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Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F. Fry each donut for 30 seconds on each side until they achieve a beautiful golden brown. This is such a rewarding step, as your kitchen fills with that incredible aroma!
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Drain the donuts on paper towels, then fill each one with your chosen jam using a piping bag. Finally, dust them lightly with confectioners’ sugar for that sweet finishing touch.
Optional: Serve warm for the best experience; a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar is a delightful twist!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Hanukkah Jelly Donuts Variations
Add your personal touch to these delightful Hanukkah Jelly Donuts and surprise your family with new flavors.
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Fruit Fillings: Try using blueberry or apricot jam for a different fruity explosion that still honors tradition. Each bite offers a new taste experience.
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Spiced Dough: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, aromatic twist. This adds a cozy layer to each fluffy bite.
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Lemon Curd: Swap raspberry jam for tangy lemon curd for a refreshing contrast that brightens each mouthful. It’s a delightful departure from the norm!
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Mini Size: Roll the dough into smaller balls for mini donuts, creating a perfect party snack that everyone will love. They’re bite-sized and oh-so-adorable!
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Nutty Crunch: Add crushed pistachios or almonds on top of the confectioners’ sugar for an added texture that complements the fluffy donut beautifully.
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Chocolate Lovers: Fill with chocolate ganache instead of jam for an indulgent treat that’s perfect for a special celebration. A rich surprise is always a hit!
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Savory Option: Experiment by filling donuts with cheese or savory fruit preserves for an unexpected yet delicious twist. It’s a creative way to balance sweetness with savory flavors.
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Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal and use almond milk to create a plant-based version everyone can enjoy. Moist and fluffy, these donuts will still shine!
Expert Tips for Hanukkah Jelly Donuts
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Yeast Activation: Ensure warm water is between 100°F to 110°F. Too hot will kill the yeast, resulting in dense donuts.
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Kneading Technique: Knead until the dough is smooth and non-sticky, usually about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving fluffy Hanukkah Jelly Donuts.
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Rising Time: Allow the dough to rise in a warm area until doubled in size. Be patient; this is essential for the fluffy texture.
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Frying Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain oil at 350°F. Oil that’s too hot will burn the donuts, and too cool will make them greasy.
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Jam Filling: Use a piping bag to fill the donuts; this ensures a generous amount of jam in each, enhancing the flavor of your Hanukkah Jelly Donuts.
What to Serve with Hanukkah Jelly Donuts?
Enhance your festive celebrations with delightful accompaniments that complement the sweet goodness of these fluffy treats.
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Hot Cocoa: The rich, creamy flavors of hot cocoa pair beautifully, creating a comforting experience with each bite of donuts.
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Spiced Apple Cider: Serve warm spiced apple cider for a fragrant, fruity drink that echoes the holiday spirit and spices.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a refreshing contrast to the warm jam-filled donuts, creating a delightful dessert duo.
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Fruit Salad: Light, colorful fruit salad brings a burst of freshness to the table while balancing the indulgence of your donuts.
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Coffee or Espresso: For a comforting pick-me-up, enjoy your donuts with a cup of coffee or espresso to enrich the flavors of both.
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Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: Before serving, consider a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on the donuts for an extra layer of cozy warmth and sweetness.
With these pairings, your Hanukkah Jelly Donuts will shine even brighter during your celebrations!
Make Ahead Options
These Super Fluffy Hanukkah Jelly Donuts are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy festive treats with minimal day-of effort! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it after the first rise. Simply follow the recipe until the dough has risen, then punch it down, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to fry, roll out the dough and let it rise for an additional 45 minutes before frying. This method ensures your donuts stay just as fluffy and delicious, while saving you time on busy holiday mornings. Enjoy the aroma and warmth of freshly made Hanukkah Jelly Donuts, with the convenience of being prepped ahead!
How to Store and Freeze Hanukkah Jelly Donuts
Room Temperature: Keep uneaten donuts in a covered cake dome at room temperature for up to 1 day to maintain freshness and texture.
Fridge: If you need to store for longer, refrigerate them for up to 3 days in an airtight container, but expect a slight change in texture.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the donuts for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Reheating: To enjoy your Hanukkah Jelly Donuts, reheat from frozen in a toaster oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and enjoy that delightful softness again!
Hanukkah Jelly Donuts Recipe FAQs
What type of warm water should I use for the dough?
Absolutely! You want to use warm water between 100°F to 110°F to properly activate the instant yeast. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast, resulting in dense donuts. A good trick is to use a kitchen thermometer to ensure it’s just right!
How long can I store Hanukkah Jelly Donuts?
For the best texture, keep uneaten donuts in a covered cake dome at room temperature for up to 1 day. If you need to store them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just keep in mind that refrigeration may slightly change their texture, but they’ll still be delicious!
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Can I freeze Hanukkah Jelly Donuts?
Yes, you can! For long-term storage, freeze the donuts for up to 2 months. Start by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent sticking, and once fully frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat from frozen in a toaster oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
What should I do if the dough doesn’t rise?
If your dough hasn’t risen, don’t fret! First, check the yeast’s freshness; expired yeast won’t work. Also, ensure your warm water was the right temperature as discussed! If conditions are too cool, move the dough to a warmer spot or try again using fresh ingredients. You can also extend the rising time by 15 to 30 minutes if needed.
Are Hanukkah Jelly Donuts safe for those with allergies?
While these donuts are delicious, they do contain gluten and eggs, which may not be suitable for those with allergies. You could try using gluten-free flour blends and egg substitutes like applesauce or flaxseed meal to make them more accommodating. Just remember to check your jam fillings for any hidden allergens!
Fluffy Hanukkah Jelly Donuts: A Sweet Holiday Tradition
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine warm water and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let this sit for about 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix in the granulated sugar, orange zest, vanilla extract, large eggs, and vegetable oil. Stir until smooth and well-combined.
- Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt gradually. Knead for around 5 minutes until a soft, non-sticky dough forms.
- Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¾ inch thickness. Use a 3-inch cutter to cut out circles.
- Let the arranged circles rise on a floured surface for another 45 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F. Fry each donut for 30 seconds on each side until golden brown.
- Drain the donuts, fill each with jam using a piping bag, and dust lightly with confectioners' sugar.
