Jelly Donuts (Sufganiyot)

Sufganiyah is a round jelly doughnut eaten in Israel and around the world during Hanukkah. The doughnut is deep-fried, injected with jam or custard, and then topped with powdered sugar. These deep-fried donuts have become popular in Israel as a way to symbolize the miracle of the oil lamps that burned one day’s supply of oil for eight days in the ancient Holy Temple in Jerusalem. I filled them each with fruit jam, but you can use your favorite flavor or a mix.

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% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

In a large bowl place your flour. Make a well in the center; add eggs, instant yeast, 1/4 cup sugar, butter, and salt.

Step 2

Using a wooden spoon, begin stirring and slowing pouring in the warm water until a sticky dough forms.

Step 3

On a well-floured work surface, knead until dough is smooth, soft, and bounces back when poked with a finger, about 8 minutes (add more flour, if necessary).

Step 4

Place your dough in an oiled bowl; cover with plastic wrap. Set in a warm place to rise until doubled, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

Step 5

On a lightly floured work surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Using a 2 1/2-inch-round cutter or drinking glass, cut 20 rounds. I found the cap to a mason jar worked perfectly too!

Step 6

Place your cut rounds on a baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap; let rise 15 minutes. Don't let rise too long or they won't be able to expand when frying.

Step 7

In medium saucepan over medium heat, heat oil until a deep-frying thermometer registers 370°F.

Step 8

Using a slotted spoon, carefully slip 4 rounds into oil. Fry until golden, about 40 seconds. Turn doughnuts over; fry until golden on other side, another 40 seconds.

Step 9

Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet. Roll in sugar while warm. Fry all dough, and roll in sugar.

Step 10

Fill a pastry bag fitted with a tip with jam. Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to make a hole in the side of each doughnut.

Step 11

Fit the pastry tip into a hole, pipe about 2 teaspoons jam into doughnut. Repeat with remaining doughnuts and enjoy!