Chanukah Doughnuts

Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, is a beautiful time of celebration, family gatherings, and of course, delicious traditional foods. One delightful treat that is a must-have during this festive time is Chanukah Doughnuts. These light and fluffy delights are filled with fruity jam and coated in a dusting of powdered sugar, making them a beloved sweet indulgence for the holiday season. Follow along with our simple recipe to bring a touch of warmth and joy to your Chanukah festivities!

Chanukah Doughnuts

Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm milk
– 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– Vegetable oil, for frying
– Your favorite fruit jam
– Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and active dry yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is activated and foamy.
2. Add sugar, eggs, and salt to the bowl. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully combined.
3. Gradually add the flour, stirring continuously, until a dough begins to form.
4. Add the softened butter to the dough and knead it for about 5-7 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky.
5. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
6. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
7. Using a round cookie cutter or the mouth of a glass, cut out circles from the dough. Place a small dollop of fruit jam in the center of half of the circles.
8. Lightly wet the edges of the jam-topped circles with water and then place the remaining circles on top, sealing the edges to form doughnut shapes.
9. Cover the doughnuts with a kitchen towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
10. In a large, deep pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the doughnuts in batches, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown on both sides.
11. Remove the doughnuts from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
12. While the doughnuts are still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar.

Enjoy these Chanukah Doughnuts with your loved ones and revel in the joy of the holiday season. The combination of pillowy dough, sweet jam filling, and delicate powdered sugar topping is sure to bring smiles to all who taste them. Serve these delights alongside a cup of hot cocoa or a steaming mug of coffee for the perfect Chanukah treat!