If you’re ready for the most festive treat imaginable, then you absolutely have to try this ufganiyot Recipe (Jelly Doughnuts)! Light as clouds and filled with sweet, fruity jam, ufganiyot are a beloved classic for Hanukkah and honestly, any time a doughnut craving strikes. They’re tender, pillowy, and golden on the outside, with that signature dusting of powdered sugar—making every bite an irresistible taste of pure joy. Trust me, once you master this recipe, you’ll be everyone’s favorite baker!

ufganiyot Recipe (Jelly Doughnuts) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making ufganiyot Recipe (Jelly Doughnuts) is all about celebrating simple ingredients coming together for something magical. Each component matters here—bringing a unique flavor, perfect texture, and that beautiful color we crave in homemade doughnuts.

Flour: Use all-purpose flour for structure and pillowy softness in every bite.
Sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the dough and help with browning.
Dry yeast: The magic behind that gorgeous rise—make sure it’s fresh for best results.
Kosher salt: Enhances flavor and keeps the dough from tasting flat.
Eggs: Bring richness, color, and a lovely tenderness to the dough.
Water: Room temperature is key; it brings everything together and activates the yeast.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the dough moist and perfect for frying.
Vanilla extract: Adds an irresistible aroma and sweet background note.
Vodka or brandy: A tablespoon helps keep the doughnuts light by reducing gluten formation; you won’t taste the alcohol.

How to Make ufganiyot Recipe (Jelly Doughnuts)

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

In the bowl of your stand mixer, add the flour, dry yeast, and sugar. Give them a quick mix with a spoon to evenly distribute the yeast and sugar through the flour. This simple move sets the foundation for a perfectly risen dough.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Next, add the salt, eggs, water at room temperature, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and your choice of brandy or vodka. The booze works its magic behind the scenes, ensuring your ufganiyot stay light and tender by limiting gluten formation.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Start mixing on low until a shaggy dough forms. Then increase the speed to medium and let it knead for at least 8 minutes—yes, trust the process! The dough will become smooth, stretchy, and beautifully silky.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set it in a warm spot. The dough should double—or even triple—in size over 1 to 2 hours. This is where all the airy magic happens, so don’t rush this step.

Step 5: Shape the Doughnuts

Punch down the dough to release the air and transfer it onto a floured surface. Sprinkle a little extra flour on top, then roll the dough into a rectangle about a quarter inch thick. Use a 2-inch cookie cutter to punch out rounds. Gather the scraps, reroll, and cut again to maximize your dough.

Step 6: Second Rise

Place the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover them with a clean kitchen towel. Let them rise for another 30 minutes or until they’ve doubled in size. This guarantees that dreamy pillowy bite!

Step 7: Fry the Doughnuts

Heat canola oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 180°C (350°F). Fry the dough rounds gently, in batches, for about 2 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and puffy. Set them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Fill them with your favorite jam and dust lavishly with powdered sugar! Your homemade ufganiyot Recipe (Jelly Doughnuts) are ready to enjoy!

How to Serve ufganiyot Recipe (Jelly Doughnuts)

Garnishes

These beauties beg for a snowy shower of powdered sugar, but you can get creative—try a dusting of cinnamon sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a star-shaped sprinkle for that festive touch. If you’re feeling extra fun, a tiny squeeze of lemon zest brightens up the filling beautifully!

Side Dishes

Pair your ufganiyot Recipe (Jelly Doughnuts) with mugs of hot cocoa, milky coffee, or a fresh berry salad to cut through that rich sweetness. They also play well next to a platter of other Hanukkah treats, from latkes to kugel, for the ultimate holiday spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve them piled high on a vintage cake stand dusted with a snow-like layer of sugar, or scatter them on a rustic wooden board with jam jars and little spoons for DIY filling at the table. Mini ufganiyot are also adorable for parties—just cut the dough in smaller rounds and fry as usual!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra doughnuts—lucky you!—keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll still taste fresh, especially if you wait to dust them with sugar until just before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze unfried dough rounds on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. Thaw in the fridge and allow to rise before frying. Filled and cooked doughnuts can also be frozen; wrap them well and simply thaw at room temperature for a festive treat on demand.

Reheating

For that warm bakery-fresh feel, pop your doughnuts in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 to 8 minutes. Avoid microwaving—they may get tough. And always add a fresh dusting of sugar after reheating to restore that magical finish!

FAQs

What’s the best jam to use for ufganiyot Recipe (Jelly Doughnuts)?

Any thick, smooth jam works well! Raspberry and strawberry are traditional, but feel free to experiment with apricot, blueberry, or even chocolate-hazelnut spread for a fun twist.

Can I make the dough ahead of time and fry later?

Absolutely! You can let the shaped dough rounds rise in the fridge overnight, covered. In the morning, simply bring them to room temperature before frying for ultimate convenience and taste.

Why do my doughnuts sometimes get greasy?

If your oil isn’t hot enough, the doughnuts will absorb too much oil while frying. Use a thermometer to keep your oil at 180°C (350°F) for golden, crisp results every time.

Is it okay to skip the alcohol in the dough?

Yes! While vodka or brandy gives a lighter texture, you can simply leave it out or substitute with an extra tablespoon of water if needed. Your ufganiyot Recipe (Jelly Doughnuts) will still be delicious.

How do I fill the doughnuts neatly?

Use a piping bag fitted with a long, narrow tip for easy, mess-free filling. Insert the tip gently into each doughnut’s side and squeeze in just enough jam until you feel gentle resistance—don’t overfill to avoid leaks!

Final Thoughts

Baking a batch of ufganiyot Recipe (Jelly Doughnuts) at home is more than making dessert—it’s sharing joy, warmth, and tradition with every bite. Don’t let the frying step intimidate you; just follow each stage, and soon you’ll be pulling out a tray of golden, sugar-sparkled doughnuts that are sure to become a much-loved favorite in your kitchen. Happy frying!

ufganiyot Recipe (Jelly Doughnuts) Recipe