Babka

A list of Jewish desserts wouldn’t be complete without babka. Make this swirly bread recipe in any flavor you want! We recommend trying cinnamon-streusel, hazelnut, and dried-fruit babka fillings for a sweet Hanukkah treat.

Gelt is practically a Hanukkah requirement. But instead of handing out foil-covered chocolate coins ($12, Party City) this season, add a twist to these delicious holiday treats by making small cookie coins instead.

Decadent Chocolate Donuts

What makes these donuts so decadent, you ask? For starters, their rich chocolate flavor is enhanced by a sprinkle of instant coffee crystals in the batter. And you can choose how you top these chocolate cake donuts: They’re equally good with either a chocolate or powdered sugar glaze! They definitely make the list of our favorite baked donuts. Pile a whole stack of them onto a pretty white cake stand for a tasty addition to your holiday brunch.

Air-Fried Apple Fritters

You don’t need a deep fryer to get crispy, golden fritters—just pop them in the air fryer ($100, Target) for a few minutes! Chopped apple in the batter gives this Hanukkah dessert recipe subtle sweetness. Finish the holiday dessert with a drizzle of caramel sauce and plenty of flaky sea salt.

Dried Fruit Babka

Customize this Hanukkah Babka recipe with your favorite dried fruit or a combination! We love apricot-cherry or cranberry-raisin. A spread of apricot jam keeps each slice of the finished loaf moist and delicious.

Poppy Seed Rugelach

If you like lemon-poppy seed muffins, you’ll go wild for this rugelach cookie recipe. This fan favorite is a twist on the traditional Jewish treat.

Yuzu Donuts

Yuzu (a tart Asian citrus fruit) comes into season in early winter. “At the darkest time of year, it’s refreshing to have a flavor that’s so bright,” writer Kristin Eriko Posner says. Roll the finished donuts in sugar while they’re still warm. Test Kitchen Tip: If you can’t find fresh yuzu, substitute Meyer lemon. Or reduce milk in filling to 1/2 cup and use 2 Tbsp. bottled yuzu juice, which is available at Asian markets.

Apple-Spice Donuts

Celebrate Hanukkah by remembering the flavors of fall with these apple-spiced donuts! Apples, cinnamon, and apple pie spice add autumn flair to this baked cake donut recipe. If you like these, be sure to try some of our other amazing baked donut recipes.

Coconut Macaroons

Coconut macaroons become a sweet Hanukkah dessert with this delicious macaroon recipe. After the cookies have cooled, dip in blue frosting and add white sprinkles. Display these delicious treats on a DIY Hanukkah serving tray. To make the Star of David on the tray, use foil tape cut into thin strips.

Hazelnut Babka

A generous slather of chocolate-hazelnut spread and chopped hazelnut take this swirled Hanukkah dessert recipe over-the-top. Not a fan of hazelnuts? Try using purchased cookie butter instead. Make-Ahead Tip: After shaping and placing in pan, cover and chill 24 hours. Let stand at room temperature for 2 hours or until nearly double in size. Brush and bake as directed.

Cinnamon Air-Fried Donut Holes

A pile of these donut holes is a Hanukkah dessert everyone will love! You’ll need just seven inexpensive ingredients to whip up a batch. Serve the yeast-free bites with a generous coating of cinnamon and sugar.

Air-Fried Donut Sticks

Cut strips of refrigerated crescent dough make the base of this easy Hanukkah dessert recipe. Cook them until crisp in your air fryer and serve them with a dip like fruit jam, syrup, honey, melted chocolate, caramel sauce, or frosting. We love dunking the finished dessert in a warm cup of hot cocoa.