Classic Homemade Sufganiyot: The Ultimate Fluffy Jam-Filled Chanukah Doughnuts

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 40 g fresh yeast

• 4 cups flour

• 4 tablespoons oil

• 4 tablespoons sugar

• 4 egg yolks

• 2 tablespoons brandy, cognac, or a similar spirit

• 1½ cups water (room temperature)

• 1 packet vanilla sugar

• A pinch of salt

• Oil for deep frying

For Filling and Decoration

• Your favorite jam

• 1 packet powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Mix the yeast with 1 tablespoon of sugar and add enough room-temperature water to cover the mixture. Set aside for about 10 minutes until it becomes foamy.

2. Place the sifted flour in a large bowl and make a well in the center. Pour in the yeast mixture.

3. Add the remaining ingredients and knead until you have a smooth, elastic dough that is easy to work with.

4. Lightly dust the dough with flour, cover with a towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour.

5. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 2 cm (¾ inch) and cut out circles using a cookie cutter or glass.

6. Place the dough rounds on a lightly greased surface, brush them with a little oil, and let them rise again for about 20 minutes.

7. Heat oil in a deep pot. The oil should be moderately hot, not smoking.

8. Carefully place each risen doughnut into the oil and fry for several minutes on each side until golden brown.

9. Transfer the doughnuts to paper towels to absorb excess oil.

10. Once slightly cooled, use a piping bag or filling syringe to inject jam into each doughnut.

11. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Filling Ideas

You can easily swap the jam for other delicious fillings such as:

• Dulce de leche

• Chocolate spread

• Vanilla cream

• Pastry cream

• Pistachio cream

• Hazelnut cream

Enjoy these classic homemade sufganiyot, perfect for Hanukkah or any special occasion!