Delightful Sufganiyot: Festive Jelly Donuts
Experience the joy of homemade sufganiyot with this easy and quick recipe that's perfect for any festive occasion. Inspired by my childhood memories, these jelly-filled donuts are a wonderful treat that can be enjoyed by everyone, whether dairy or pareve. Fluffy, sweet, and generously dusted with confectioners' sugar, they're sure to bring smiles to your table. Ideal for Hanukkah celebrations, family gatherings, or a sweet indulgence, these delightful donuts will become a beloved favorite in your home.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
active dry yeast
1 (1/4 ounce) package (or 1/2 ounce fresh yeast)
warm water
2 tablespoons (plus approximately 1/4 cup for dough)
sugar
1 teaspoon (for mixing with yeast)
all-purpose flour
2 cups (sifted)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (sifted with flour)
butter or margarine
2 tablespoons (softened)
egg
1 large (beaten)
milk or warm water
1/4 cup (approximately for making dough)
oil
as needed (for frying)
fruit jelly
9 teaspoons (for filling, any preferred flavor)
confectioners' sugar
to taste (for dusting)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the yeast, warm water, and sugar. Stir gently and let it stand for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy.
2
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour and salt, creating a well in the center for the wet ingredients.
3
Rub the butter or margarine into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is perfect for involving kids in the kitchen!
4
Add the frothy yeast mixture, beaten egg, and enough of the warm water or milk to form a soft dough.
5
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6
Divide the kneaded dough into 12 equal pieces for larger donuts or 9 pieces for a heartier serving size.
7
Shape each piece into a ball, place them on a greased and floured baking sheet or foil, ensuring there's space between each for rising.
8
Cover the donuts with a greased plastic bag or a clean towel, allowing them to rise until doubled in size, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
9
In a deep frying pan, heat oil to around 350-360°F (175-180°C). If you don't have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping in a small piece of dough to see if it sizzles.
10
Carefully fry the donuts in batches, turning them once to achieve a golden-brown color on both sides, which should take about 3 minutes per batch. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
11
Once done, transfer them to a plate lined with absorbent paper to drain excess oil.
12
While still slightly warm, use a syringe or piping bag to fill each donut with fruit jelly—9 teaspoons of your favorite flavor for 12 donuts.
13
Generously dust with confectioners' sugar before serving. The delicious homemade taste will leave you questioning store-bought options!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sufganiyot?
Sufganiyot are festive, jelly-filled donuts that are traditionally enjoyed during Hanukkah celebrations and family gatherings.
How many donuts does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields approximately 12 standard-sized donuts or 9 larger, heartier donuts.
Can I make these donuts dairy-free or pareve?
Yes, you can make them pareve by using margarine instead of butter and warm water instead of milk.
What type of yeast is required for this recipe?
You can use either one 1/4 ounce package of active dry yeast or 1/2 ounce of fresh yeast.
How long should I let the yeast mixture sit?
Let the yeast, warm water, and sugar mixture stand for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes bubbly and frothy.
What is the recommended frying temperature for the oil?
The oil should be heated to approximately 350-360°F (175-180°C) for the best results.
How can I test the oil temperature if I don't have a thermometer?
You can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of dough; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
How long should the donuts rise before frying?
The shaped dough balls should rise for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they have doubled in size.
How long does it take to fry each batch of donuts?
Frying each batch takes about 3 minutes total, turning them once to achieve a golden-brown color on both sides.
When should I fill the donuts with jelly?
Fill the donuts while they are still slightly warm using a syringe or piping bag.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
How much jelly is needed for the filling?
You will need approximately 9 teaspoons of your favorite fruit jelly flavor for 12 donuts.
What is the best way to coat the donuts?
The donuts should be generously dusted with confectioners' sugar before serving.
How long should I knead the dough?
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Is this recipe suitable for children to help with?
Yes, rubbing the butter or margarine into the flour mixture is a perfect step for involving kids in the kitchen.
What should I do after frying the donuts to remove excess oil?
Transfer the finished donuts to a plate lined with absorbent paper to drain the excess oil.
Can I use milk instead of water in the dough?
Yes, you can use either 1/4 cup of milk or warm water to form the soft dough.
What is the first step in making the dough?
The first step is to combine the yeast, warm water, and sugar in a small bowl until frothy.
How should I shape the dough pieces?
Divide the dough into equal pieces and shape each one into a smooth ball.
Why is it important to avoid overcrowding the frying pan?
Avoiding overcrowding ensures the oil temperature stays consistent and the donuts fry evenly.
What flavor of jelly is best for Sufganiyot?
You can use any preferred flavor of fruit jelly, though strawberry or raspberry are traditional favorites.
Do I need to sift the flour?
Yes, sifting the flour and salt together is recommended to ensure a light and airy texture.
What should the dough consistency look like before kneading?
The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs after the butter or margarine is rubbed into the flour.
What kind of oil should I use for frying?
Use a neutral oil suitable for deep frying as needed to fill your frying pan.
How do I ensure the donuts rise properly?
Cover the donuts with a greased plastic bag or a clean towel and leave them in a warm spot until doubled in size.
Are these donuts better than store-bought?
The delicious homemade taste of these fluffy and sweet donuts often leaves people questioning store-bought options.
How do I inject the jelly into the donuts?
Use a syringe or a piping bag with a small tip to poke a hole and squeeze the jelly into the center.
Is this a quick recipe?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be easy and relatively quick, making it perfect for festive occasions.
Can I use a larger amount of yeast?
The recipe is specifically balanced for one 1/4 ounce package of dry yeast or 1/2 ounce of fresh yeast.
What should the finished donut look like?
A perfect sufganiyah should be golden-brown, fluffy, filled with jelly, and coated in white confectioners' sugar.