Honey-Glazed Sufganiyot with Orange Zest

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light, fluffy fried doughnuts (sufganiyot) generously coated in honey syrup and brightened with fresh orange zest — a classic Hanukkah treat. This middle eastern-inspired hanukkah ready in about 50 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, (1 packet) active dry yeast, (110°F) warm milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 20 min Serves 12 Middle Eastern cuisine 300 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast in 1 cup warm milk (110°F) with 1 tbsp sugar from the 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Let sit for 5-7 minutes until foamy.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, remaining 3 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt. Add 2 large eggs, 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter, and the yeast mixture. Mix and knead for about 8 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms.
  3. Step 3: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours until doubled in size.
  4. Step 4: Punch down the dough and roll out on a floured surface to 1/2-inch thickness. Use a 3-inch round cutter to cut out doughnuts. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets, cover, and let rest for 30 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Heat about 3 cups vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Fry the doughnuts in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and puffed. Drain on paper towels.
  6. Step 6: In a small saucepan, warm 1 cup honey with 1 tbsp fresh orange zest over low heat until honey is runny and infused (about 3 minutes). Dip each warm doughnut in the honey-orange syrup, coating well.
  7. Step 7: Optionally dust with powdered sugar before serving warm or at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Glazed Sufganiyot with Orange Zest take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (30 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Honey-Glazed Sufganiyot with Orange Zest?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Glazed Sufganiyot with Orange Zest?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Honey-Glazed Sufganiyot with Orange Zest for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Honey-Glazed Sufganiyot with Orange Zest?

Middle Eastern hanukkah like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes