Ultimate Sufganiyot

Why Make This Recipe

Sufganiyot are traditional jelly-filled donuts that hold a special place in Jewish culinary history, particularly during the festive season of Hanukkah. Making your own sufganiyot at home is not just about savoring the warm, sweet treat; it’s about sharing joy and love with family and friends during a season of celebration. This recipe for Ultimate Sufganiyot is simple yet rewarding. Picture the golden, fluffy donuts just waiting to be filled with your favorite jam, dusted in sugar, and enjoyed fresh from the fryer.

It’s a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with warm aromas and creates lasting memories. Not only do they taste fantastic, but creating these treats also lets you share in a tradition that has been passed down through generations. The Ultimate Sufganiyot is a perfect way to get everyone involved in the kitchen, from mixing the dough to filling the donuts. Plus, you can choose what kind of jam goes inside, making it a customized experience for you and your loved ones.

Whether you are celebrating Hanukkah, hosting a gathering, or just want to indulge in something sweet, this recipe is a delightful option. Let’s dive into how to make these delicious treats that embody warmth, love, and celebration.

How to Make Ultimate Sufganiyot

Making Ultimate Sufganiyot may seem daunting at first, but with each step clearly laid out, you’ll find that it’s quite manageable. Below, you will find a detailed breakdown of the ingredients and directions to help you succeed in creating these mouthwatering donuts right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

To make your Ultimate Sufganiyot, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup Warm Water
• 2 teaspoons Instant or Rapid-Rise Yeast
• 4 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Nutmeg
• 2 Large Egg Yolks
• 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 2 cups Vegetable Oil (for frying)
• 1 cup Jam (of your choice)
• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar (for coating)

Directions

Follow these steps to create your Ultimate Sufganiyot:

1. Activate the yeast: Start by pouring warm water into a small bowl. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. You will know it’s ready when it becomes foamy.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, salt, nutmeg, and granulated sugar. Use a whisk to stir the dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.

3. Add wet ingredients: Make a well in the center of your dry mixture. Add in the egg yolks, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and the foamy yeast mixture you created earlier. Mix everything together until it forms a rough dough.

4. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.

5. First rise: Take the kneaded dough and place it in an oiled bowl. Cover it with a clean cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

6. Shape the donuts: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air. Roll it out to about 1/2 inch thickness on a floured surface. Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles from the dough.

7. Second rise: Place the cut donuts on parchment paper. Cover them lightly and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes until they look nice and puffy.

8. Heat the oil: While the donuts are rising, heat up the vegetable oil in a deep pot. You’ll want the oil to reach about 350°F for frying.

9. Fry the donuts: Once the oil is hot, carefully drop a few donuts into the oil. Fry them for around 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. After frying, place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

10. Fill the donuts: After the donuts have cooled slightly, use a pastry bag or a funnel to fill each donut with your choice of jam. You can choose classic flavors like strawberry, raspberry, or even chocolate for a fun twist.

11. Finish with sugar: In a shallow bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and powdered sugar. Gently roll each filled donut in the sugar mixture to coat them lightly.

12. Serve warm: Your Ultimate Sufganiyot are ready to enjoy! Serve them warm, optionally with additional jam, chocolate sauce, or other toppings of your choice.

How to Serve Ultimate Sufganiyot

Serving your Ultimate Sufganiyot is a rewarding experience. These delicious donuts are best enjoyed warm. Here are some serving ideas to consider:

• Classic Style: Serve the sufganiyot as they are, dusted with powdered sugar. This classic presentation allows the flavors of the filled jam to shine.

• Garnishes: For an extra touch, you can drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the donuts before serving. This adds a delightful sweetness and gives them an upgraded look.

• With Fresh Fruit: Pair the donuts with slices of fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas. This adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.

• Coffee or Tea: These warm sufganiyot go perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. The combination enhances the cozy atmosphere, making them perfect for gatherings or a delightful afternoon snack.

• Extra Dips: Serve extra jam on the side so guests have the option to dip their sufganiyot for added flavor.

How to Store Ultimate Sufganiyot

Storing your Ultimate Sufganiyot properly is essential to maintain their freshness and taste. Here’s how to store them:

• Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy the sufganiyot within a day or two, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure they cool completely before sealing them to avoid moisture buildup.

• Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate them. Place the donuts in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat them slightly before serving for the best texture.

• Freezing: To freeze, place the fully cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent them from sticking together. Once they are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a zip-top freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to two months. When you wish to enjoy them, allow them to thaw at room temperature, then reheat slightly in the oven for added warmth.

Tips to Make Ultimate Sufganiyot

Creating the perfect Ultimate Sufganiyot can be a fun adventure! Here are some handy tips to help you succeed:

• Don’t Skip the Kneading: Proper kneading is crucial for developing gluten, which makes the donuts fluffy. Make sure to knead until smooth and elastic.

• Watch the Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at the right temperature is key. If it’s too hot, the donuts will burn on the outside but remain raw inside; if it’s too cool, they will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

• Let the Dough Rise: Allowing enough time for the dough to rise is essential for creating fluffy donuts. If your kitchen is cold, consider placing the dough somewhere warmer to speed up the process.

• Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to try different jams or even custards as fillings. You can also mix flavors to create a unique experience.

• Sugar Coating Variation: For a twist, you can mix cinnamon with the sugar for dusting. This adds a lovely flavor contrast that many people enjoy.

Variation

While the classic Ultimate Sufganiyot are fantastic on their own, there are some fun variations you can try:

• Glazed Sufganiyot: Instead of coating your donuts in powdered sugar, dip them in a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a sweet, shiny finish.

• Chocolate Sufganiyot: Fill your donuts with rich chocolate ganache or Nutella for a decadent treat that chocolate lovers will adore.

• Savory Sufganiyot: For something different, consider a savory filling, like a cheese mixture, perfect for those who want a unique spin on the traditional jelly donut.

FAQs

How long does it take to make Ultimate Sufganiyot?

The entire process of making Ultimate Sufganiyot, including rising time, takes about three to four hours. However, most of this time is waiting for the dough to rise. Active preparation time is around 1-2 hours.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and place it in the refrigerator after the first rise. Just make sure to let it come back to room temperature and rise again before shaping the donuts.

What should I do if my dough doesn’t rise?

If your dough doesn’t rise, it may be due to using expired yeast or water that was too hot or too cold. Ensure your yeast is fresh and that you’re using warm water (not hot) to activate it.

Can I fill the donuts after they’re fried?

Yes, you can fill the donuts after they’re fried. Just be sure to let them cool slightly before injecting them with jam, as hot donuts can cause the filling to ooze out.

How long do Ultimate Sufganiyot last?

Sufganiyot are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. In the fridge, they last about a week, and in the freezer, they can be kept for up to two months.

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