She Strengthens

Spicy-Sweet Hanukkah Donuts with Marshmallow Crème

Inspired by the rich flavors of Mexican hot chocolate, these Hanukkah donuts combine the warmth of cinnamon and sugar with the classic comfort of marshmallow crème.

Special Equipment Needed

To make these delicious donuts, you’ll need a few special tools:

• A 2-1/2-inch round cutter to stamp out the dough rounds
• A candy/fat thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the perfect frying temperature
• A 12- to 18-inch pastry bag fitted with a 1/4-inch round tip to fill the donuts

Game Plan

Before you start, make sure you have about 3 hours set aside to complete the recipe. You can also make the dough in a stand mixer fitted with a hook attachment if you prefer.

Kosher Variations

If you’re looking for parve donut recipes, try our Sufganiyot with Ginger-Lime Curd or our Chai Sufganiyot with Orange-Pumpkin Buttercream.

Yield and Difficulty

This recipe yields 34 to 36 donuts and is considered medium difficulty. The total time required is about 1 hour, plus 2 1/2 hours of rising time.

Ingredients

For the donuts:

• 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• Vegetable oil for coating the bowl
• 1 (1/4-ounce) packet active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the marshmallow filling:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup marshmallow crème
• 4 tablespoons cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the glaze:

• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons natural unsweetened cocoa powder
• 5 tablespoons whole milk
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Donuts

Combine flour, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Coat a second bowl with vegetable oil. In a medium bowl, mix yeast and sugar with warm water. Let it sit until foamy, then add egg yolks, milk, and vanilla. Combine this mixture with the flour mixture and knead until smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Form the dough into a ball, place it in the oiled bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling and Glaze

Mix the marshmallow filling ingredients together until smooth. Whisk the glaze ingredients together until combined.

Step 4: Fry the Donuts

Heat oil in a Dutch oven or large pot until it reaches 365°F. Fry 4 dough rounds at a time until golden brown, flipping halfway through. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack.

Step 5: Glaze and Fill the Donuts

Dip the bottom of each donut into the chocolate glaze, then pipe about 1 heaping teaspoon of marshmallow filling into the center of each donut. Serve warm or at room temperature.