Sufganiyot (Jelly Doughnuts)

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Mirka Markova/shutterstock
The Editors
Yield
2 dozen doughnuts
Occasions
Preparation Method
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Sufganiyot is a round doughnut filled with jam or custard, and then topped with powdered sugar. Try making them yourself! Like most fried foods, these doughnuts are best served fresh.

They’re eaten in Israel and around the world on the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. While jelly filling is most common, butterscotch has become a delicious variation; use store-bought Dulce de Leche, sold as an ice-cream topping at most supermarkets.

Ingredients
3/4 cup milk
6 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup sugar
2 packets active dry yeast
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
2-1/2 cups flour, plus additional flour for dusting and rolling
Vegetable oil for frying
Confectioners' sugar or regular sugar
1 cup jelly or other Dulce de Leche filling
Instructions

In a small saucepan, gently heat milk, butter, and sugar over medium-low heat until butter melts. Let cool about 10 minutes, until just warm to the touch. Pour into a large mixing bowl. Stir in yeast; let sit 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in eggs, vanilla, nutmeg, and salt. Stir in 2 cups flour until mixture is well incorporated, adding more flour until dough becomes smooth, soft, and pliable. Cover dough; let rise approximately 1-1/2 hours or until doubled in volume. Punch down dough with closed fist and knead gently in bowl. Let dough rest approximately 15 minutes. Using lightly floured hands, transfer dough to floured work surface and gently press down to 1/4-inch thickness. Using a cookie press or floured jar, cut out 3- to 4-inch circles. Collect scraps, re-form dough, and repeat cutting. Discard excess dough. Let dough circles rest on a floured, dusted surface about 30 minutes, or until doubled in size. Meanwhile, heat oil in a shallow-bottomed saucepan to approximately 350 degrees F. Gently slide 4 doughnuts at a time into oil, leaving space for expansion and even browning. Fry doughnuts until puffed and golden brown, about 1-1/2 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels. Let cool 15 to 20 minutes. Pipe jelly or other filling into doughnuts with a pastry bag. Dust liberally with sugar.

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The Old Farmer's Almanac Editors

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