Sufganiyot, a classic Hanukkah treat, are deep-fried donuts filled with jelly and dusted with powdered sugar. Make them your own by substituting different jelly flavors (try apricot or red currant), or explore alternative fillings such as Nutella or custard.
Did you know? The tradition of eating deep-fried foods at Hanukkah symbolizes the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days in the Hanukkah story.
INGREDIENTS
1 ½ c. whole milk, warmed
2/3 c. sugar
2 packets (¼ oz. each) active dry yeast
1 large egg
2 egg yolks
5 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. kosher salt
6 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
Cooking spray
Vegetable oil, for deep frying
1 ½ c. strawberry jelly
½ c. powdered sugar, for serving
TOOLS YOU’LL NEED
Rolling Pin
Biscuit cutter
Piping bag
Candy/deep-fry thermometer
PREPARATION
In a medium bowl, whisk together the warm milk, sugar, and yeast.
Add the egg, egg yolks, flour, and salt. Using a rubber spatula, stir the mixture until a sticky dough forms.
On a well-floured work surface, knead the dough, adding 1 tbsp. softened butter at a time. Form into a ball and place in an oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside to rest, about 1 - 1 ½ hours.
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface, and dust the top with flour. Gently pat the dough into a large disc shape. Using a rolling pin, roll dough to ¼-in. thickness.
Use a ½-inch-round cutter or drinking glass to cut out 20 rounds of dough.
Place on a baking sheet, spray with cooking spray, and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise 30 minutes.
While the dough is rising, heat oil in a large Dutch oven or sauce pan until the thermometer reads 350°F.
Using a metal slotted spoon, carefully add four pieces of dough to the oil. Fry until golden, about 1 minute. Flip and repeat on the other side.
Transfer the fried donuts to a cooling rack or paper-towel-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all dough is fried.
Once the donuts have cooled completely, use a paring knife to make a hole in the side of each donut.
Fill the piping bag with jelly, and fill each donut with about 1-2 tsp. jelly.
Use a fine mesh sieve to sprinkle the tops of the donuts with powdered sugar.
Enjoy!