10 Kid-Approved Hanukkah Recipes

Jewish holidays often have food associated with them, and Hanukkah is no exception. Hanukkah is known for latkes (hot and fragrant potato pancakes). In Israel, sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts), are traditional. These treats, many of which are fried, are reminders of Hanukkah’s ancient miracle, in which the Jews who retook the Holy Temple found only enough consecrated lamp oil to last one day, but which burned for eight.

Looking for a new spin on latkes? Want to try your hand at sufganiyot? Click the arrows above or the links below to find 10 delicious PJ Library Hanukkah recipes.

Desserts and treats

Got a sweet tooth? Then you’ll want to give these recipes from PJ Library parents, staff and PJ Library’s collaboration with Kosher.com, the kids’ cooking show Nosh & Nibble a try:

1. Bimuelos

Hanukkah is a time for celebrating the triumph of light over darkness. The lighting of the menorah (candelabrum, also known in Hebrew as a hanukkiah) is the central mitzvah, or commandment, of the holiday. 

Another Hanukkah tradition is to eat foods fried in oil, symbolic of the oil in the ancient Temple menorah that lasted for eight days. You may already be a pro at making latkes (potato pancakes), but have you tackled bimuelos, a special Sephardic fried dough treat yet?

Learn how to make these easy — and delicious — treats to share with your family. 

2. Gelt 

Nosh & Nibble’s Rylee will show you how to put your own spin on a holiday classic with this DIY gelt. Get ready to leave your mark on your Hanukkah party this year.

3. Personal dessert pizzas 

Nosh & Nibble’s Rylee is taking on a fun and tasty project for everyone at the Hanukkah party. She’s showing us how to make personalized dessert pizzas. The topping possibilities are endless, but that won’t stop her from showing us some of her faves.

4. Nutella pockets

These fried wonton wrappers filled with chocolatey Nutella and a banana slice are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. A light dusting of powdered sugar after they are fried will perfect this yummy treat. 

5. Stained glass cookies

Soft, buttery cookies are filled with melted candy to create the “glass” in this tasty, and lovely treat. Kids can get creative and combine different colors of candy to make swirly centers everyone is sure to enjoy.  

6. Sufganiyot donut holes

This super-easy recipe uses a great hack: prepared pizza dough! You’ll have fresh, crispy donuts in a matter of minutes. 

Up next: Main courses

Main courses

Hanukkah cuisine is not limited to just desserts — the theme of the oil makes for delightful savory dishes as well. Try a few of the simple, family-approved dinner courses below.

7. Hidden veggie latkes

This take on the traditional potato pancake is jam-packed with veggies. Looking for more variety? Don’t worry, there are many more fun twists on latkes.

8. Oven-fried zucchini sticks

These tasty veggies are perfect for dipping and offer a healthy take on the tradition of eating fried food during Hanukkah.

9. Veggie fried rice

Fried rice is another kid favorite that comes together quickly. Use whatever veggies your kids love to make this quick dish they will gobble down.  

10. Unfried chicken fingers

We are on board with any recipe that includes a bag of potato chips in the ingredients list. These yummy chicken fingers are easy to make and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. They would also go great with the fried rice.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on PJ Library, and is reprinted here with permission.