Sufganiyot (Chanukah Jelly Donuts)

By Marge Perry & David Bonom

These fried round jelly doughnuts are one of many fried foods often served on Chanukah to commemorate the miracle of the Temple oil.

  • Yield: 24 donuts
  • Course: Dessert
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INGREDIENTS

  • 1 (.25-ounce) packet active dry yeast
  • 3/4 cup warm milk, 100°F-110°F
  • 2 1/2 cups +1 tablespoon unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup + 1/2 cup sugar 
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 cup seedless raspberry jam

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine the yeast and milk in a bowl and let stand until frothy, about 5 minutes. 


2. Meanwhile, combine the flour, 1/3 cup of the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a bowl. 


3. Whisk the eggs into the milk mixture until well combined. Add the milk mixture and butter to the flour mixture and stir until a rough dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and the butter is incorporated about 5-7 minutes. Place the dough in a oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 1-1 1/2 hours. 


4. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to a scant 1/4-inch thickness. With a 2 1/4-inch biscuit cutter, cut out 24 circles. Cover the dough circles loosely with plastic wrap and let rise 20 minutes. 


5. Meanwhile, pour enough oil to come 4-inches up the sides of a large heavy bottomed pot fitted with a deep fry thermometer. Heat the oil over medium-high until it reaches 370°F. Place the remaining 1/2 cup sugar in a bowl. 


6. Carefully lower 4 dough circles into the oil and cook until golden and puffed, 40 seconds per side. With a slotted spoon transfer the doughnuts to a baking sheet covered with paper towels; let drain 30 seconds. Toss the warm doughnuts in the bowl with the sugar to coat then transfer to a clean baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough circles. 


7.  Fill a pastry bag fitted with small tip with the jam. Using a wooden skewer or the tip of a paring knife make a hole in the side of each doughnut. Fit the pastry tip into a hole, pipe about 2 teaspoons jam into doughnut. Repeat with the remaining doughnuts.