Sufganiyot are pillowy, deep-fried yeasted doughnuts traditionally enjoyed during Hanukkah in Israel, symbolizing the miracle of the oil. Each golden sphere is injected with sweet jam and dusted with powdered sugar for a festive, indulgent treat.
Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings4
Yield12 doughnuts (4 servings)
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (estimated)
- 860 kcalCalories
- 42 gFat
- 11 gSaturated Fat
- 108 gCarbs
- 3 gFiber
- 42 gSugar
- 13 gProtein
- 260 mgSodium
- 180 mgPotassium
- 90 mgCalcium
- 3.8 mgIron
- 5 mgVitamin C
- 140 mcgVitamin A
Ingredients
For the dough
- 1 cup (240 ml) warm whole milk, about 110°F
- 2 1/4 tsp (7 g) active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/3 cup (75 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp orange zest (optional, traditional)
For filling and frying
- 1 cup (260 g) seedless raspberry or strawberry jam
- 4 cups (960 ml) neutral oil, such as canola or sunflower
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions
- In a large bowl, whisk the warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of the sugar; let stand 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Add the eggs, egg yolk, vanilla, salt, orange zest, and remaining sugar; whisk to combine. Stir in the flour and softened butter to form a soft, slightly sticky dough.
- Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut out 2 1/2-inch rounds, gather scraps, re-roll, and cut more. Place rounds on parchment-lined trays, cover, and proof 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry 3–4 doughnuts at a time, flipping once, 2–3 minutes per side until deep golden. Drain on a wire rack.
- Transfer jam to a piping bag fitted with a long round tip. While doughnuts are still slightly warm, poke the tip into the side of each and squeeze 1–2 tablespoons of jam inside until gently heavy.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve immediately, or hold warm in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes.
- Heat oil back to 350°F between batches and avoid overcrowding the pot to keep oil temperature stable.
Cook’s Notes
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F; too cool and doughnuts absorb oil, too hot and they brown before cooking through.
- Use seedless jam or warm thick preserves so the filling pipes smoothly without clogging the tip.
- A piping bag with a Bismarck or long round tip makes filling clean and easy; a squeeze bottle also works.
- Traditional fillings include strawberry, raspberry, or apricot jam, but pastry cream and chocolate spread are popular modern variations.
- Fry only a few doughnuts at a time so the oil recovers temperature quickly between batches.










