Name: Irresistible Sufganiyot: Delightful Jelly Doughnuts at Home
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 125 min
Ingredients: 1 packet active dry yeast (ensure it's fresh for best results); 1 cup warm water (make sure it’s warm, not hot); ¼ cup sugar (plus 1 teaspoon for balanced flavor); 3 cups all-purpose flour (results in tender doughnut when kneaded); 2 large eggs (adds richness and binds ingredients); ¼ cup unsalted butter (room temperature for easy mixing); ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (complements the sweet filling); ½ teaspoon salt (enhances flavors and balances sweetness); 4 cups vegetable oil (should be hot enough for frying); 1 cup seedless raspberry jam (can substitute with other fruit jams)

As soon as the festive season rolls around, I can’t help but think of the delightful aroma of warm, sweet doughnuts filling my kitchen. One particularly chilly winter afternoon, I found myself on a quest to recreate the perfect batch of sufganiyot, or jelly doughnuts, that my grandmother used to make. The result? A crispy exterior, a pillowy soft interior, and a delightful burst of raspberry jam that dances on your palate with each bite.

These sufganiyot are more than just a treat; they’re a cherished memory, an invitation to slow down amidst the hustle and bustle of life. After one taste, you won’t be able to resist their charm—perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy family breakfasts, or even just an indulgent afternoon snack. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you’ll find yourself baking up joy in no time. So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s bring a piece of this sweet tradition into your home!

Why are Sufganiyot (Jelly Doughnuts) irresistible?

Decadent Delight: These doughnuts offer a delightful combination of a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior that melts in your mouth.

Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, anyone can whip up these festive treats in no time!

Family Bonding: Baking sufganiyot can be a fun activity to share with loved ones, creating memories that last forever.

Versatile Flavors: While raspberry jam is a classic, feel free to experiment with other fillings like chocolate or custard.

Holiday Staple: Perfect for celebrations, these doughnuts will impress your guests and become an anticipated tradition.

Satisfying Sweetness: Rolled in sugar, each bite is a sweet moment of bliss that invites you to take another. Try these irresistible melt-in-your-mouth variations to elevate your experience!

Sufganiyot (Jelly Doughnuts) Ingredients

For the Dough
• Active dry yeast – essential for creating that fluffy texture, ensure it’s fresh for best results.
• Warm water – activates the yeast; make sure it’s warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast.
• Sugar – feeds the yeast and enhances sweetness; use ¼ cup plus 1 teaspoon for a balanced flavor.
• All-purpose flour – the foundation of the dough; results in a tender doughnut when properly kneaded.
• Large eggs – adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Unsalted butter – infuses a rich flavor and tender crumb; ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Freshly grated nutmeg – brings a warm spice note that complements the sweet filling perfectly.
• Salt – enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness in the dough.

For Frying
• Vegetable oil – use for frying; it should be hot enough to give those doughnuts a crispy exterior without absorbing too much oil.

For the Filling
• Seedless raspberry jam – the star of the show; you can also substitute with other fruit jams or dessert fillings for fun variations!

How to Make Sufganiyot (Jelly Doughnuts)

Dissolve Yeast: In a bowl, combine the active dry yeast with warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy—this means your yeast is activated and ready to work its magic!
Mix Ingredients: Add ¼ cup of sugar into the yeast mixture and give it a gentle stir. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, butter, nutmeg, and salt to create a delightful dough base.
Combine Mixtures: Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and knead the combined ingredients until the dough is smooth and elastic. This process usually takes around 8-10 minutes of your dedicated attention.
Let It Rise: Place your lovely dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size—approximately 1 hour. This is when the magic happens!
Shape the Doughnuts: Roll the risen dough out on a floured surface and cut it into circles as you dream of their fluffy goodness.
Add the Filling: Place a teaspoon of raspberry jam in the center of half of the circles, using the other half to form beautiful tops by covering them.
Second Rise: Allow your filled doughnuts to rise again for about 30 minutes—patience is key, but you won’t regret it!
Heat Oil: In a deep pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it’s nice and hot—this is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy exterior.
Fry the Doughnuts: Carefully lower the doughnuts into the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown, turning them as necessary. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
Sugar Coating: Once fried, roll your warm doughnuts in sugar while they’re still warm for that irresistibly sweet finish.

Optional: For an extra treat, drizzle some melted chocolate on top after cooling.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply follow steps 1-4 and then refrigerate the dough until you’re ready to shape and fry the doughnuts. To maintain their fluffy texture, cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. If you prefer, you can also fill the doughnuts with raspberry jam and freeze them for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw and rise for about 30 minutes before frying them as directed. With these prep-ahead tips, you’ll have delicious, freshly made sufganiyot ready to impress your family with minimal effort!

How to Store and Freeze Sufganiyot

Room Temperature: Keep freshly made sufganiyot at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain their delicious texture.
Fridge: If you need them to last longer, store the doughnuts in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure they are well wrapped to avoid drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your sufganiyot in a single layer, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months.**
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature, then warm in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes for that fresh-out-of-the-fryer taste!

Expert Tips for Sufganiyot (Jelly Doughnuts)

Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh active dry yeast to ensure your doughnuts rise properly. Old yeast may lead to flat sufganiyot.
Kneading Matters: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic—this helps create that perfect fluffy texture inside each doughnut.
Temperature Check: Ensure the cooking oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before frying. Too cool oil will result in greasy doughnuts that won’t crisp properly.
Rising Time: Be patient! Allowing the dough to rise fully twice is essential for achieving light and airy sufganiyot. Rushed dough won’t have the same delightful texture.
Jam Filling: Don’t overfill the jelly—one teaspoon is usually enough. Too much jam can cause a mess during frying!
Coating with Sugar: Roll your doughnuts in sugar while warm for the best adherence, enhancing their sweetness and flavor. Enjoy your homemade sufganiyot!

What to Serve with Raspberry Jam Doughnuts?

As the sweet aroma of freshly fried doughnuts fills your kitchen, imagine the delightful feast you can create alongside them.

Rich Coffee: This classic pairing not only enhances the sweetness of the doughnuts but the warm bitterness of coffee beautifully complements their sugary finish.
Fresh Berries Salad: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries will add a refreshing, tart contrast to the rich jam-filled doughnuts.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a luscious, cold counterpoint to the warm, sugary doughnuts, creating a dreamy dessert experience.
Hot Chocolate: Indulge in the cozy combination of sweet doughnuts and rich hot chocolate, perfect for chilly days or festive gatherings.
Lemon Zest Glaze: Drizzling a lemon glaze over the doughnuts adds a zesty brightness and a delightful tang, making each bite even more enticing.
Spiced Chai Latte: Dive into the exotic spices of chai that harmonize wonderfully with the nutmeg of the sufganiyot, creating a warm embrace for your palate.
Cheese Platter: Introduce a savory balance with a platter of creamy cheeses, whose richness can beautifully offset the sweet explosion of your doughnuts.
Light Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream elevates the experience, adding a fluffy element that makes every bite sublime.

Sufganiyot (Jelly Doughnuts) Variations

Feel free to get creative with this classic recipe, transforming each bite into a new adventure for your taste buds!

Chocolate-filled: Replace raspberry jam with chocolate hazelnut spread for a decadent twist that’s perfect for chocoholics. Each doughnut will offer a luscious surprise!
Apple-Cinnamon: Use apple pie filling and add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough. This variant adds a delightful fall flavor that warms the soul.
Vanilla Cream: Swap out the jam for a rich vanilla pastry cream, creating a classic Boston cream doughnut. Each bite will feel indulgent and creamy!
Maple-Glazed: Instead of rolling in sugar, dip the warm doughnuts in a maple glaze for a sweet, sticky finish that elevates your flavor experience.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the dough for an unexpected kick. It creates a lovely contrast to the sweet filling!
Nutty Delight: Incorporate finely chopped nuts, like pistachios or almonds, into the batter for a lovely crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with any jam.
Fruit Filling: Experiment with different fruit fillings, such as blueberry or peach jam, to celebrate summer flavors throughout the year.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these doughnuts gluten-free without sacrificing the delightful texture and taste. Enjoy without worry!

Sufganiyot (Jelly Doughnuts) Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right yeast?
Absolutely! For the best results, always use fresh active dry yeast. It should be within its expiration date and have a fragrant, yeasty aroma. If you’re unsure about its potency, dissolve it in warm water with a little sugar first. If it foams up in 5-10 minutes, it’s good to go!

What is the best way to store leftover sufganiyot?
You can keep your delicious sufganiyot at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days to retain their delightful texture. If you want to make them last longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days wrapped tightly to prevent drying out. Just make sure they cool completely before storing!

Can I freeze sufganiyot for later?
Absolutely! To freeze your sufganiyot, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them to a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and reheat in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to bring back that freshly fried taste!

Why did my doughnuts not puff up properly?
Very! If your doughnuts didn’t rise well, it could be due to a few factors: the yeast might be old, the dough may not have been kneaded sufficiently, or the rising environment might have been too cold. Make sure to knead your dough until it’s smooth and elastic, and give it ample time to rise in a warm spot.

Can I use a different filling besides raspberry jam?
Of course! While raspberry jam is a classic choice for sufganiyot, feel free to experiment with other fillings such as chocolate, vanilla custard, or even lemon curd. When filling, just be sure not to overstuff them to avoid any messy surprises while frying!

Are sufganiyot safe for pets?
Definitely! It’s best to avoid giving sufganiyot to pets. The sugar and fried batter can upset their stomachs and are not suitable for their diets. Stick to pet-friendly treats instead for your furry friends!