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The first night of Hanukkah may change every year, but the holiday traditions remain the same! It's a time to light the menorah, spin the dreidel, and spend time with family and friends. Some people exchange gifts, while others take the opportunity to eat some traditional Hanukkah foods (hello, latkes!). But no matter what you decide to do for Hanukkah this year, you'll definitely want to indulge in some sweet Hanukkah desserts. Of course, this includes plenty of fried foods to symbolize the miracle that occurred when the oil in the Holy Temple burned for eight whole nights. Jelly-filled doughnuts (also known as sufganiyot) are a must-try treat, but you can also honor the tradition by making olive oil cake, apple fritters, or even funnel cake.
We've also included seasonal winter desserts, apple desserts, and festive Hanukkah cookies that everyone will love. If your family likes to keep things traditional during the holidays, try your hand at baking one of the many classic Jewish recipes, like rugelach (a pastry-like cookie filled with spices, nuts, and raisins) or babka (an irresistible yeast bread with swirls of rich chocolate). On the other hand, you can switch things up this year with creative new desserts, like the Oreo truffles that double as an edible homemade food gift. Wrap them up in gift bags with blue and white ribbon and you'll have your Hanukkah gifts and dessert all in one! Can't decide which recipe to choose? Don't worry, you have eight nights to try them all.
Olive Oil Cake
If you're looking for something other than fried foods, try this beautiful olive oil cake instead. It's simple, yet flavorful thanks to the rich oil and bright orange zest.
Get the Olive Oil Cake recipe.
Baked Apples
This apple dessert might just be the coziest dish of the season. Not only is there a warm, cinnamon-oat filling, but there's also a sweet, syrupy glaze on top. Serve it up with a scoop of ice cream and dessert is served!
Get the Baked Apples recipe.
Homemade Glazed Doughnuts
Frying these yeasted doughnuts is the only way to get them light as air and perfectly crisp. Opt for vegetable oil, which is flavorless, then add your flavor by finishing them with a sweet vanilla glaze.
Get Ree's Homemade Glazed Doughnuts recipe.
Snowball Cookies
We can't guarantee it'll be snowing on Hanukkah, but we can guarantee that everyone will love these cookies! They look like little snowballs so they're perfect for the season, no matter what the weather outside.
Get the Snowball Cookies recipe.
Apple Cider Doughnut Cake
This recipe is a nod to doughnuts without actually having to fry them. The "doughnut" cake is made with applesauce, apple cider, warm spices, and a cinnamon-sugar coating.
Get the Apple Cider Doughnut Cake recipe.
Hot Chocolate Cookies
Now that the chilly season is here, hot chocolate is on repeat! But you'll definitely want to save a few of those packets to make these hot chocolate cookies. They're even topped with a melty marshmallow.
Get the Hot Chocolate Cookies recipe.
Funnel Cake
It might not be as traditional as sufganiyot, but this fried dough is perfectly tasty. It'll impress the kids in your family, too!
Get the Funnel Cake recipe.
Candied Orange Peel
Looking for a treat that can satisfy your kosher requirements? Try making your own candied orange peel this year! It's the perfect addition to a Hanukkah candy board featuring store-bought gelt, nuts, and other treats.
Get the Candied Orange Peel recipe.
Rugelach
These traditional cookies are often filled with cinnamon, nuts, and raisins, but if you want to switch things up, try fruit preserves, Nutella, or mini chocolate chips.
Get the Rugelach recipe.
Apple Fritters
These fried nuggets of dough are just as tasty as doughnuts but even easier to make. Plus, they're stuffed with chunks of apples and covered in powdered sugar—is there anything better?
Get Ree's Apple Fritters recipe.
Apple Cobbler
You’re going to have a lot to cook if you’re hosting a Hanukkah party or gathering. Simplify dessert with a simple and warm one-baking dish dessert! Apple cobbler is an instant classic.
Get the Apple Cobbler recipe.
Oreo Truffles
Sprinkle this easy no-bake dessert with white and blue sprinkles for a fun twist on holiday candy. You can even individually wrap them as an addition to someone's food gift basket.
Get Ree's Oreo Truffles recipe.
Apple Cake
This rustic apple cake is so tender thanks to the addition of apple butter. It also gives the cake a hint of sweetness and plenty of warm seasonal spices.
Get the Apple Cake recipe.
Chocolate Babka
Try your hand at this popular Jewish sweet bread. It has irresistible swirls of chocolate layered throughout that makes it hard to eat just one slice.
Get the Chocolate Babka recipe.
Nutella cookies
Need a quick and easy dessert the kids can help make? Nutella cookies call for just five ingredients, and they’re so gooey and chocolatey.
Get the Nutella cookies recipe.
Almond-Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
A simple almond cookie is the perfect last bite after a Hanukkah celebration. This one even has a touch of extra sweetness thanks to the raspberry jam.
Get Ree's Almond-Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies recipe.
Applesauce Cake
Since latkes are usually served with applesauce, you'll likely have some on hand to make this simple apple-infused cake. It's delicious on its own, but to give it a celebratory feel, we top it with a creamy brown butter maple frosting.
Get the Applesauce Cake recipe.
Black and White Cookies
If you've ever been to New York City, you've likely seen this classic bakery cookie. It has a cake-like texture and a luscious two-toned frosting that's perfect for anyone who can't decide between vanilla and chocolate.
Get the Black and White Cookies recipe.
Apple Strudel
Phyllo dough gives this apple dessert its flaky texture. You can find it in the freezer section of the grocery store.
Get the Apple Strudel recipe.
Easy Sufganiyot Dippers
When the craving for crispy sufganiyot hits, this easy variation will come in handy! The cake doughnuts are made without yeast and fried in 1-inch of oil instead of deep-frying. Just serve them up with warm jelly for dipping!
Get the Easy Sufganiyot Dippers recipe at What Jew Wanna Eat.
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