Hanukkah Jelly Doughnuts

There’s something truly special about the tradition of making Hanukkah jelly doughnuts, also known as sufganiyot. These delightful treats are a staple during the Festival of Lights celebrations, and they bring joy and sweetness to any gathering with their soft and pillowy texture, filled with delicious fruit jam. Whether you are an experienced baker or trying your hand at making sufganiyot for the first time, this recipe will guide you through creating these delightful treats that will be the envy of all your holiday guests.

Title: Hanukkah Jelly Doughnuts

Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm milk
– 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) instant yeast
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 3 large eggs, room temperature
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Your favorite fruit jam or jelly
– Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, instant yeast, and a tablespoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add the remaining sugar, flour, salt, eggs, and softened butter to the yeast mixture. Mix everything together until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours or until doubled in size.
4. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a 2-3 inch round cutter to cut out doughnut circles. Place the doughnut rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover them with a kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (180°C). Carefully drop a few doughnuts at a time into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot.
6. Once the doughnuts are fried, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly. Repeat the frying process with the remaining doughnut rounds.
7. Fill a piping bag with your favorite fruit jam or jelly. Using a small round tip, gently insert the tip into each doughnut and pipe the jam inside until slightly bulging.
8. Dust the jam-filled doughnuts with powdered sugar right before serving. These Hanukkah jelly doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh and warm, so indulge while they are still slightly crispy on the outside and oozing with fruity goodness on the inside.

Experience the joy of the holiday season by making these Hanukkah jelly doughnuts and sharing them with your loved ones. The aroma of freshly fried doughnuts and the burst of sweet jam with every bite will surely create lasting memories for you and your guests. So, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and let the festive baking begin!