Doughnut Franchises Can Honor Hanukkah by Offering Sufganiyot, a Beloved Holiday Treat
Hanukkah, Judaism’s “festival of lights,” will be celebrated this year from sundown Dec. 25 to sundown Jan. 2. The dates of the wintertime holiday are based on the Hebrew month of Kislev, and coincide this year with Christmas only for the fifth time since 1900.
Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century B.C. after a small group of Jewish fighters liberated it from occupying foreign forces. The Jews found a small amount of oil to light a lamp in the temple. They believed the oil was only enough to last one day, but the lamp stayed lit for eight days.
Why are Jelly Doughnuts Associated with Hanukkah?
Why are jelly doughnuts associated with Hanukkah? Fried foods, including potato latkes, or pancakes, and deep-fried jelly doughnuts (sufganiyot in Hebrew) recall the long-lasting oil that kept the temple lamp lit. The Jewish holiday, celebrated for eight days to commemorate the miracle of the oil, focuses on bringing light into the darkness, and emphasizes that even a small group effort can make a big difference.
Today, Jews enjoy Hanukkah jelly doughnuts at celebrations in the U.S. and around the world. Doughnut franchises have an opportunity to join in the holiday by offering delicious jelly doughnuts for Hanukkah parties. While some franchises offer kosher jelly doughnuts to honor the dietary traditions of the holiday, others do not. Below is a look at some delicious jelly doughnuts, available in both kosher and non-kosher varieties from top franchise brands.
Hannukah Jelly Doughnuts From Top Franchises
Dunkin’
Dunkin’ is a go-to place for jelly doughnuts during Hanukkah. And, of the more than 13,000 Dunkin’ locations, at least 40 are kosher, and many others serve kosher items, said Rabbi Aaron D. Mehlman, the so-called “Doughnut Rabbi” who oversees Jewish dietary laws, or kashrut, in the greater New York area. The coffee and doughnut brand also has jelly munchkins that are smaller versions of regular jelly doughnuts.
Honey Dew Donuts
Honey Dew Donuts’ classic Jelly Donut, with its soft, yeast-raised dough and sweet jelly filling, is a delightful nod to Hanukkah traditions. This festive treat, reminiscent of sufganiyot, honors the holiday’s celebration of light and the miracle of oil.
Hurts Donut Company
Hurts Donut Company offers a creative twist on the classic jelly doughnut with its peanut butter and jelly variety, which will likely be a welcomed addition to Hanukkah celebrations.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme’s glazed raspberry-filled doughnuts offer a balance of sweet and tangy flavors. All the brand’s doughnuts are ingredient kosher, according to Krispy Kreme, and the plant in Winston-Salem, N.C., is certified kosher. Some, but not all stores, also are certified kosher.
Randy’s Donuts
Randy’s Donuts adds a festive twist to Hanukkah with its two versions of the classic jelly doughnut, or sufganiyah. Choose between the tangy raspberry-filled or sweet strawberry-filled varieties, both honoring the tradition of enjoying fried treats during the holiday.
