Chanukah Guide: Making Traditional Donuts and Crispy Latkes

Donuts and latkes are classic Chanukah treats — here is a curated selection of our favorite recipes to celebrate the holiday with flavor and variety.

Vegan Halva Glazed Donuts

Tahini, crunchy pistachios and a hint of cardamom create an unforgettable glaze for these vegan donuts. They balance sweet and savory notes for a dessert that feels festive and slightly exotic — perfect for enjoying throughout Chanukah or any time you crave a rich, nutty treat.

The Crispiest Potato Latkes

Learn how to make exceptionally crispy potato latkes with practical tips and techniques. This recipe highlights methods for removing excess moisture, achieving the right oil temperature and pressing the patties for optimum crunch — advice gathered from experienced cooks and chefs to elevate your latke game.

Apple Cinnamon Vegan Donuts

These baked apple-cinnamon vegan donuts are lightly sweet and finished with cinnamon sugar for a cozy breakfast treat. Moist and flavorful, they’re an easy way to start Chanukah mornings with a warm, spiced bite.

Vegan Potato Latkes

These latkes use Yukon Gold potatoes, fresh cilantro and a touch of turmeric to build bright flavor without eggs. If you prefer, swap cilantro for parsley or basil. The result is a tender interior with a golden, crispy exterior — a satisfying vegan option for Chanukah.

Chocolate-Glazed Banana Bread Donuts

Moist and indulgent, these chocolate-glazed banana bread donuts combine the comforting texture of banana bread with a glossy chocolate coating. They’re simple to prepare and make a decadent addition to any holiday table.

Apple Potato Latkes with Tahini Silan Sauce

Shredded Yukon Gold potatoes and sweet apples are fried until golden and paired with a tahini-silan dipping sauce. Silan brings a date-like sweetness that complements the nutty tahini, creating a sweet-savory pairing that’s uniquely delicious.

Meyer Lemon Blueberry Cake Donuts

Bright Meyer lemon and juicy blueberries come together in these vegan cake donuts for a light, aromatic dessert. The citrus lifts the berry flavors and creates a refreshing pastry that’s excellent for holiday brunches or dessert plates.

Carrot and Parsnip Latkes

These nontraditional latkes skip potatoes and use shredded carrot and parsnip for a lighter, root-vegetable version. The recipe is a one-bowl, easy preparation that yields flavorful, crisp latkes — a great option for a vegetable-forward Chanukah side.

Dulce de Leche and Eggnog Filled Donut Holes (Sufganiyot)

These filled sufganiyot are a playful holiday mashup: pillowy donut holes stuffed with homemade dairy-free eggnog cream and rich dulce de leche. They offer a comforting, festive bite that blends seasonal flavors with classic Chanukah sweetness.

Savory Spinach & Cheese Bite Size Donuts (Sufganiyot)

These savory, bite-sized sufganiyot are airy, slightly salty and wonderfully addictive. Filled with spinach and cheese, they make an unexpected but welcome addition to any Chanukah spread when you want a savory option alongside the sweets.

Asian Butternut Squash Latkes

These baked butternut squash latkes are infused with Asian flavors like fresh ginger, toasted sesame seeds and a splash of soy sauce for umami depth. They bake up tender inside with crisp edges and pair well with light dipping sauces or a simple yogurt-based dip.