Baked Sufganiyot for Chanukkah!

Makes 8 servings (serving size: 2 rolls)

JEN

Israelis enjoy jelly-filled donuts, called soufganiyot (soof-GHAHN-ee-yote), during Hanukkah. The donuts traditionally are fried, but we bake them to trim calories. We found using a plastic condiment bottle (available at supermarkets and kitchen supply stores) is the easiest way to fill the donuts with jelly. Serve this as a snack during Hanukkah. It’s not part of our menu because it contains milk; kosher law prohibits serving milk and meat at the same meal. Store at room temperature up to two days.

ingredients

1 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast
3/4 cup warm 1% low-fat milk, divided
6 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1 teaspoon grated orange rind
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 large egg
14.5 ounces all-purpose flour, divided (about 3 1/4 cups)
Cooking spray
3/4 cup strawberry jam
1 tablespoon powdered sugar

directions

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. Dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm milk in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes or until foamy. Add remaining 1/4 cup warm milk, granulated sugar, and next 5 ingredients (through egg); beat with a mixer at medium speed until blended (butter will not be completed melted). Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Add 9 ounces (about 2 cups) flour to yeast mixture; beat at medium speed until smooth. Stir in 4 1/2 ounces (about 1 cup) flour to form a soft dough. Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Knead dough until smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes); add enough of remaining 1 ounce (about 1/4 cup) flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands (dough will feel sticky).
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2. Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, dough has risen enough.) Punch dough down; cover and let rest 5 minutes. Divide dough into 16 portions, rolling each portion into a ball.
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3. Place dough balls on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover and let rise 45 minutes or until dough is doubled in size.
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4. Preheat oven to 375°.
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5. Uncover balls. Bake at 375° for 14 minutes or until browned. Remove from pan; cool completely on a wire rack.
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6. Make a pocket in each roll using the handle of a wooden spoon, pushing to but not through the opposite end. Fill with about 2 teaspoons jam, using plastic condiment bottle or a piping bag. Sprinkle rolls with powdered sugar.