Description
Sufganiyot are traditional Hanukkah donuts, known for their pillowy texture and sweet jam filling. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a delicious treat anytime, this recipe guides you through creating these beloved donuts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package dry yeast
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
- 1/4 cup lukewarm water
- 1/2 cup lukewarm milk (or almond milk)
- 3 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
- 3 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (or vegan butter)
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 cup apricot jam (or other fillings)
- Neutral oil for frying (canola or vegetable)
- Powdered sugar for rolling and dusting
Instructions
- Combine yeast with 1 tablespoon sugar and lukewarm water in a medium bowl. Stir gently and let stand for 10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, lukewarm milk, remaining sugar, egg, egg yolk, and lemon zest. Mix until just combined.
- Add softened butter and knead dough for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm area for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface and cut into circles using a 2.5-inch cutter. Place on parchment-lined sheets.
- Cover with towels and allow to rise for another 30 minutes until puffy.
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a pot to 350°F. Fry 3-4 dough circles at a time, 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Create a hole in each donut and fill with jam using a piping bag. Roll in powdered sugar while still warm.
Notes
- Temperature matters: Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature between 350°F-360°F.
- Test one Sufganiyot first to check cooking time and dough quality.
- The dough can be prepared ahead and refrigerated overnight for convenience.
- Explore fillings such as Nutella, pastry cream, or lemon curd for variation.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Jewish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 13
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 25