These yeast donuts are soft and pillowy, rolled in cinnamon sugar while still warm. You can fry them for classic donuts or bake them for a lighter version, and they make a great treat for Chanukah, when fried foods are a tradition.
The Dough
This is an enriched yeast dough made with eggs, margarine and a little sugar, which gives the donuts a tender, bread-like crumb. Knead until the dough is smooth and slightly tacky, and give it time to rise fully; under-proofed donuts are dense. For frying, keep the oil at a steady 350°F. Too hot and they burn outside while staying raw in the middle; too cool and they absorb oil.
Kosher Notes
Made with non-dairy milk and margarine, these donuts are pareve and can be served after a meat meal. Check that your margarine and non-dairy milk are certified pareve. Fill them with jam for sufganiyot.
Make-Ahead
Donuts are best the day they’re made but keep covered for 2 days. You can make the dough through the first rise, refrigerate it overnight, then bring it to room temperature before shaping.

Ingredients
What I use for this recipe
- Stand mixerSee it on Amazon
- Instant-read thermometerSee it on Amazon
- Rimmed baking sheetSee it on Amazon
- Parchment paperSee it on Amazon
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Method
- In a small bowl, combine warm non-dairy milk and a pinch of the sugar. Sprinkle yeast over the surface and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Add the yeast mixture, melted margarine, eggs, and vanilla.
- Mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms, then increase to medium-low and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and slightly tacky. The dough should spring back when poked.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll to ½-inch thickness.
- Using a donut cutter or two round cutters (3-inch and 1-inch), cut out donuts. Save the holes for frying too.
- Place cut donuts on parchment-lined baking sheets, cover with a towel, and let rise for 45-60 minutes until puffy.
- Heat oil to 350°F in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer. Use a thermometer to maintain temperature.
- Carefully lower 2-3 donuts into the oil using a slotted spoon. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels for 30 seconds.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a donut pan or baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden and springs back when touched.
- Cool in pan for 2-3 minutes before removing.
- Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- While donuts are still warm, toss each one in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated.
- Serve immediately while warm for best texture.
Notes
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