These Hanukkah recipes offer plenty of options, from latkes and briskets to blintzes and rugelach, for the eight delicious days of the Festival of Lights.
1/43
Latkes
From the Recipe Creator:
This potato latke recipe is tasty at any meal. For the ultimate crispiness, squeeze out all the liquid from the grated veggies before you fry them up. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 pancakes: 115 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 205mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Latkes are the star of Hanukkah—though it certainly doesn’t have to be Hanukkah to make these perfectly crispy potato pancakes. Try them with classic toppings like applesauce and sour cream, or get a little wild and top with pomegranate seeds, smoked salmon or pepper jelly.
2/43
Jewish Apple Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend from New Hampshire gave me this Jewish apple cake recipe, which took a blue ribbon at the county fair. —Jennie Wilburn, Long Creek, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 356 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 182mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
Apple cake is a symbolic Rosh Hashanah food, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it during Hanukkah. This apple-filled Bundt cake features a crackled sugar-crusted top over moist layers of apples and cinnamon.
3/43
Roast Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
I am a busy mom of four and a nursing student, so weeknight dinners are often rushed. Sunday dinners are very important to our family, and everyone loves when I make this old-fashioned chicken recipe. —Amy Jenkins, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 281 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 441mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
A beautiful roasted chicken is always a welcome entree on the Hanukkah table. Simply seasoned and roasted on high, this chicken is delicious for dinner (and the leftovers are just as tasty).
4/43
Challah
From the Recipe Creator:
Eggs lend to the richness of this traditional challah bread recipe. The attractive golden color and delicious flavor make it hard to resist. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 139 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 233mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
Challah is a braided egg-based bread that’s eaten on Jewish holidays and Shabbat. This recipe makes two gorgeous loaves, each with a slightly crisp, shiny exterior and a pillowy, pull-apart interior.
5/43
Blintzes
From the Recipe Creator:
These elegant blintzes can be served as an attractive dessert or a brunch entree. The bright cherry sauce gives them a delightful flavor. I sometimes substitute other fruits, such as raspberries, blueberries or peaches. —Jessica Vantrease, Anderson, Alaska
Nutrition Facts:
2 blintzes: 245 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
Blintzes are one of those nostalgic dishes that take me right back to my childhood when I enjoyed them for Yom Kippur breakfasts and Hanukkah parties. Making the blintz dough is similar to making crepes. Once cooked, the dough is stuffed with a cottage cheese filling and topped with a sweet cherry sauce.
6/43
Kugel Recipe
From the Recipe Creator:
I made this dish for a party with our friends. It was a big hit! —Lauren Kargen, Buffalo, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 526 calories, 27g fat (15g saturated fat), 202mg cholesterol, 326mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein.
Noodle kugel is a Jewish casserole made with egg noodles and a custardy cottage cheese base. It’s one of my favorite quick and easy comfort food recipes. This sweet version is topped with crumbled buttery graham crackers, so it’s somewhere between a side dish and a dessert.
7/43
Onion Kugel
From the Recipe Creator:
Sliced eggplant, diced green pepper or shredded cabbage can be used in place of onions for this onion kugel recipe. Easy and traditional, this dish resembles a delicious souffle. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 171 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 140mg cholesterol, 276mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
Onion kugel is different from traditional noodle or potato kugel. Resembling three-cheese souffles, this kugel is made by beating egg whites to stiff peaks and mixing them with other ingredients to create a light and fluffy casserole. It can be served either in individual ramekins or in one large dish.
8/43
Israeli Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This Israeli salad, which is traditionally eaten at breakfast, lends itself to endless variety. You can add olives, beets or potatoes. —Sandy Long, Lee's Summit, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 64 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
Get your veggies in first thing with this cucumber and tomato breakfast salad. Featuring crisp vegetables and a simple dressing, this versatile Israeli salad is flavorful and crisp. Of course, it doesn’t have to be confined to breakfast since it goes with just about any entree.
9/43
Rugelach Recipe
From the Recipe Creator:
The crisp texture of these crescent-shaped cookies makes them a terrific treat to serve alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate or coffee. —Becky Phillips, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 pastry: 111 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Rugelach are little pastries made with a cream cheese and butter dough topped with cinnamon, chocolate or fruit and rolled up. The result is a tender, flaky pastry that’s far too easy to pop into your mouth over and over.
10/43
Flourless Chocolate Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
One bite of this and you'll agree it's pure pleasure for confirmed chocoholics! A small slice of this rich, dense dessert goes a long way. Chocolate ganache on top takes it to the next level. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 202 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 76mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
There’s always room for flourless chocolate cake on the Hanukkah table. Instead of flour, egg whites are beaten to a stiff peak and then folded into the other ingredients to make a fudgy gluten-free cake.
11/43
Celebration Braid
From the Recipe Creator:
During the holidays, I sometimes make a couple of these golden loaves a day to give as gifts. Everyone in our family loves the loaves any time of year. The recipe originated with one for Jewish challah, which I began making over a decade ago. —Marcia Vermaire Fruitport, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 95 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 94mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
This challah-inspired celebration braid has an egg-based enriched dough, but unlike challah, it includes butter for added richness and flavor. Shape it with a four-strand braid as the recipe calls for or try your hand at a six-strand braid for a fancy finish.
12/43
Lebkuchen
From the Recipe Creator:
It's tradition for my family to make these German treats together. The recipe came from my great-grandmother's cookbook, and judging from the amount of requests I get, it has certainly stood the test of time. —Esther Kempker, Jefferson City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 187 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 137mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
These German spice cookies have a crackly, sugar-glazed exterior. They are generally ginger-based, but this recipe includes molasses and warming spices for a flavorful holiday vibe.
13/43
Zucchini Latkes
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I prepare these delicious latkes with our children, but the oil can get very hot, so be careful. Serve the latkes with sour cream, cottage cheese and applesauce, plus a salad on the side. —Chava Zaitschek, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 latkes: 218 calories, 21g fat (2g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 319mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
If you’re looking to switch things up with your latkes, these zucchini latkes are a great alternative. They’re prepared just like regular potato pancakes but with zucchini instead of potatoes. They cook up lighter and fluffier.
14/43
Apricot Raisin Rugelach
From the Recipe Creator:
Rugelach is a classic addition to holiday trays. The flaky, buttery pastry slices encase a spiced fruit and walnut filling. —Laurie Klett, Hamilton, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 120 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 66mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
If you’re a fruit cookie kind of person, this rugelach will be right up your alley with its flaky crust and filling of apricot preserves, walnuts and raisins. I recommend making a double batch so you can enjoy some now and freeze the rest (assembled but unbaked) for a quick rugelach fix in the future.
15/43
Matzo Ball Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This traditional matzo ball soup recipe is worth the extra effort. If you prefer, you can add egg noodles instead of matzo balls to this Jewish chicken soup. —Julia Sherman, New Market, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 160 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 509mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
If it’s a Jewish holiday, there’s probably a bowl of matzo ball soup involved (thank goodness!). This version uses a whole chicken to make a flavorful homemade broth, plus carrots, celery and fluffy matzo balls for the perfect bowl of soup.
16/43
Tzimmes
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this tzimmes recipe a long time ago. It has become our traditional side dish for every holiday feast and is a favorite of young and old alike. It also complements chicken or turkey quite well. —Cheri Bragg, Viola, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 309 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 99mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (36g sugars, 7g fiber), 4g protein.
This simple but flavorful dish is a mainstay on Jewish holiday tables. Cooking sweet potatoes and carrots with prunes, honey and orange juice creates the most tender vegetables, plump prunes and sweet sauce.
17/43
Chocolate Rugelach
From the Recipe Creator:
Many bakeries make these classic pastries, but they taste so much better when they are homemade. Traditionally, they are filled with a cinnamon nut mixture, but everything is better with chocolate! —Fern Holody, Lavallette, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 pastry: 125 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Chocolate rugelach is my favorite of all the rugelach recipes. Don’t forget that the butter and cream cheese dough needs to rest before being rolled out and filled—in case you’re counting down the minutes until they’re done.
18/43
Vanilla & Cinnamon-Kissed Apple Latkes
From the Recipe Creator:
Latkes are crispy fried pancakes, often made with potatoes. But this sweet version with apples, orange juice, cinnamon and vanilla falls in the dessert realm. —Candy McMenamin, Lexington, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3 latkes with 1 teaspoon cinnamon-sugar: 422 calories, 17g fat (2g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 200mg sodium, 62g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
These vanilla and cinnamon-kissed apple latkes are somewhere between a latke and a pancake. For a little something sweet for breakfast, top them with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
19/43
Couscous Meatball Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This soup will warm you up and takes just 25 minutes of prep time, making it a perfect weeknight meal. —Jonathan Pace, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 202 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 583mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat.
This herbaceous meatball soup calls for quick homemade meatballs and lots of leafy greens. It is lighter than you’d expect and goes great with some crusty bread or a hot batch of latkes.
20/43
Make-Ahead Blintz Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
Blintzes are thin pancakes filled with cheese or a fruit. I created an easy casserole version with a cheese filling and topped it with apples. —Ann Hillmeyer, Sandia Park, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 512 calories, 32g fat (18g saturated fat), 204mg cholesterol, 456mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.
If you want all the deliciousness of blintzes while avoiding the fuss of cooking and rolling them individually, try this make-ahead blintz casserole. It cooks up light and fluffy, and since it’s assembled ahead of time, it’s perfect for the busy holiday season.
21/43
Molly’s Sweet and Spicy Tzimmes Cake
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are always on the lookout for new ways to incorporate Jewish traditions into our interfaith home. Rich with apples, carrots and sweet potato, this sweet and spicy cake is perfect for Rosh Hashanah or any fall holiday. —Molly Haendler, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 309 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 247mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
If you’re a fan of carrot cake, you’ll love this sweet and spicy tzimmes Bundt cake. It takes all the flavors of tzimmes and transforms them into a moist cake filled with warming spices like ginger, cinnamon and cloves, plus dried fruits and shredded carrots. Use one of your prettiest Bundt pans to make it extra-special.
22/43
Parsnip Latkes with Lox and Horseradish Creme
From the Recipe Creator:
A horseradish-flavored creme fraiche brings zip to these crispy homemade latkes, which get a touch of sweetness from the parsnips. Add fresh dill sprigs for a garnish. —Todd Schmeling, Gurnee, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 71 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 110mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
I love adding horseradish cream to spice things up a bit, and it goes perfectly with these parsnip latkes with lox. Serve them at your Hanukkah party, or fry a few for a decadent breakfast.
23/43
Kasha Varnishkes
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of the great Jewish comfort foods. It’s easy to put together, and leftovers make a surprisingly delicious breakfast. Find kasha with other grains or in the kosher foods section. —Joanne Weintraub, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 270 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 408mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein.
Kasha varnishkes is a classic Ashkenazi Jewish dish brought to America by Eastern European immigrants. The earthy flavors of the buckwheat and mushrooms are balanced by bow tie pasta and sweet onions.
24/43
Sufganiyot
From the Recipe Creator:
Sufganiyot are believed to have first come from Spain, adapted from a similar treat, the sopaipilla. Others say the sopaipilla was borrowed from the Jews. Either way, as a tradition, these Hanukkah doughnuts are an easy one to adopt, especially with this delicious sufganiyot recipe. —David Feder, Buffalo Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled doughnut: 133 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
Like latkes, sufganiyot are eaten at Hanukkah to celebrate the miracle of the oil lasting for eight nights. I have to make a batch of these fluffy jelly-filled doughnuts at least once every Hanukkah!
25/43
Chocolate Chip Mandelbrot Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Mandelbrot in Yiddish literally means “almond bread.” The twice-baked cookie made with oil and almonds dates back to 19th-century Eastern Europe. There are many variations made of different dried fruits and nuts. My chocolate chip version is more modern American. —Kimberly Scott, Kosciusko, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 127 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 42mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
These biscotti-like cookies are a popular Jewish sweet that are great for dipping in coffee or tea. This version uses chocolate chips instead of the usual mandelbrot fillings of dried fruits and nuts.
26/43
Sweet Potato Latkes
From the Recipe Creator:
I have great memories of making this recipe for family holidays. Shredded russet potatoes can be used instead of sweet for a change of pace. Serve these with sour cream, applesauce or a sprinkling of chopped chives. —Paula Freud, Minden, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
2 latkes: 259 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
Sweet potato latkes are my favorite variation on a traditional potato pancake. They’re lighter and sweeter, and you can easily dress them up with creme fraiche and herbs.
27/43
Jewish Brisket
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother, Enid, always used the most marbled cut of brisket she could find to make this recipe so she'd get the most flavor. When she added carrots to the pan, she threw in some potatoes too. —Ellen Ruzinsky, Yorktown Heights, New York
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked meat with 1/3 cup vegetables and 1/2 cup juices: 247 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 189mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
For this brisket, the meat is seared, then braised low and slow with mushrooms, mirepoix and tomato sauce. The result is a tender, juicy brisket that’s the perfect centerpiece for your Hanukkah table.
28/43
Date-Filled Rugelach
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to take old recipes and make them my own. These are so special to my family. Sometimes I roll the dough in cinnamon sugar instead of flour. —Barbara Estabrook, Appleton, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 144 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
If you’re a fan of dates, you’ll love these sweet rugelach. The cream cheese dough is filled with a date spread and walnuts, and the edges caramelize as the little crescents bake.
29/43
Chocolate Lebkuchen Cherry Balls
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s my twist on the traditional German holiday lebkuchen—with a surprise inside. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 ball: 76 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 37mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
These no-bake chocolate balls take on the flavors of traditional German lebkuchen. Gingery, chocolaty and filled with a maraschino cherry, they’re the perfect holiday bite.
30/43
Mandel Bread
From the Recipe Creator:
This traditional Jewish mandel bread recipe has been passed down in my family for four generations. It tastes wonderful with a cup of coffee, hot cocoa or milk. —Monica Schnapp, Irvine, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 84 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 33mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
Mandel bread is a long, crispy twice-baked cookie that’s perfect for dipping in a drink like coffee so it softens a bit. This version is studded with chocolate chips for just a touch of sweetness.
31/43
Chocolate Babka
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this chocolate babka. It's a rewarding recipe for taking the next step in your bread baking. Even if it's slightly imperfect going into the oven, it turns out gorgeous. Look at those swirls! —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 181 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
Don’t be intimidated by this recipe’s many steps. They are worth it for this fluffy, sweet bread filled with swirls of chocolate. Since it yields two loaves, you can freeze one for a quick homemade dessert—your future self will thank you.
32/43
Slow-Cooker Pot Roast
From the Recipe Creator:
Because I work full-time, this slow-cooker pot roast is my go-to when I want a hearty home-cooked meal. It’s a comfort to walk in and smell this roast simmering. —Gina Jackson, Ogdensburg, New York
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked meat with 1/2 cup gravy: 380 calories, 22g fat (10g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 467mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein.
This pot roast takes just 15 minutes of work before you set it and forget it in the slow cooker for six hours. The result is tender, juicy chunks of beef that swim in a thick and savory gravy.
33/43
Chocolate-Hazelnut Babka Buns
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is the result of many years of tweaking and perfecting. It is a favorite request when visitors come to my farm. —Dawn Lamoureux-Crocker, Machiasport, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 bun: 748 calories, 34g fat (11g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 196mg sodium, 102g carbohydrate (52g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein.
These little babka buns aren’t just impressive to look at but are also the dessert of my dreams. The yeasted dough is filled with pistachio halva and chocolaty Nutella, then twisted up so the filling is swirled throughout the bun and caramelized on the edges.
34/43
Israeli Malabi with Pomegranate Syrup
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a very famous, easy-to-make sweet milk pudding from Israel. For this recipe, I learned from a friend that you can use rose syrup instead of pomegranate syrup. —Kanwaljeet Chhabra, Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 346 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 74mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
This milky pudding is centuries old, with origins all throughout the Middle East. It remains a popular dessert to this day, with all sorts of variations on the flavors and toppings.
35/43
Feta-Stuffed Kibbeh with Harissa
From the Recipe Creator:
There are countless versions of this delicious dish throughout the Middle East. This is our adaptation. You can substitute ground beef for the lamb. —Chris Bugher, Fairview, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3 kibbeh: 324 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 474mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein.
Kibbeh is a popular Middle Eastern meatball. In this recipe, the bulgur and lamb mixture is stuffed with feta and pine nuts. It’s spiced with cumin, cinnamon and harissa before being baked until it’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
36/43
Knish
From the Recipe Creator:
Knish is a classic Jewish comfort food. Sometimes I make this recipe as tiny appetizers, which are more like rolls, and I put the seams on the top. —Marlena Spieler, Waterlooville, England
Nutrition Facts:
1 knish: 143 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 212mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
In this classic Jewish pastry, a sour cream dough is wrapped around mashed potatoes and baked to golden brown for a perfect little package. It’s comfort food you can easily make from scratch, and it’s great as a snack or meal.
37/43
Chocolate-Stuffed Dreidel Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
These dreidel cookies are sure to spread some smiles this holiday season. Your friends and family will delight in the surprise chocolate filling. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 236 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 123mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
These chocolate-stuffed cookies are easy enough to make with your kiddos, and they’ll love decorating them with blue and white frosting. Make sure to leave extra time to refrigerate the dough for at least an hour.
38/43
Hanukkah Cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
Cream cheese adds richness to these Hanukkah cookies. Decorate them with royal icing or your favorite buttercream frosting and toppings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 236 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 91mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
Take your cookie decorating to the next level with royal icing, which hardens as it cools, making it possible to create all sorts of different designs. If you don’t want to work with royal icing, you can always use buttercream frosting on the cookies.
39/43
Homemade Gelt
From the Recipe Creator:
Giving chocolate coins to children, and sometimes to teachers, is a long-standing Hanukkah tradition. This homemade version of gelt uses a miniature muffin pan to mold the coins into shape. The sliced almonds add a nice crunch, but the chocolates can be left plain or topped with other ingredients like sprinkles, crushed peppermint candies or finely chopped candied ginger. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 42 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 0 sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
Grocery store gelt has nothing on this tasty homemade chocolate gelt. It’s super easy to make, and you can customize the toppings however you want with additions like sprinkles, nuts or sea salt.
40/43
Nana Reba's Potato Knishes
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up eating these potato knishes every holiday. My grandmother had to show up with at least four dozen because they were devoured within minutes! I haven't changed her recipe other than to use ready-made pie crusts. You can use cooked ground beef or lamb as well. —Ellie Brandon, Tucson, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 82 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 97mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
This recipe uses boxed mashed potatoes and a store-bought pie crust for a quick batch of knishes. You can use homemade mashed potatoes instead if you have leftovers in the fridge.
41/43
Spinach and Feta Bourekas
From the Recipe Creator:
These pastries are light and soft with a bit of crunch and are one of my favorite appetizers for holidays. They can be filled with almost anything, but spinach and feta are my go-tos. Topped with everything seasoning, these little triangles are out of this world. — Alex Stepanov, Matawan, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 pastry: 383 calories, 21g fat (6g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 635mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 9g protein.
Borekas are a great little pastry to have on your holiday spread. They can be filled with anything, from cheese to mushrooms to potatoes. These spinach and feta bourekas have a delicious spanikopita feel to them.
42/43
Apple Bread Pudding
From the Recipe Creator:
Bread pudding is one of those desserts that you basically can throw anything into. It's the kitchen sink of desserts. This recipe came about because I had stale bread and apples that needed to be used. No apples? You can use dried fruit such as cranberries or apricots, or even dried apples. —Debra Keil, Owasso, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 367 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 328mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
Bread pudding can be sweet or savory. Either way, it’s a great way to use stale bread and whatever other ingredients you have on hand. This version has apples and walnuts to make a sweet treat. It can be served on its own or with whipped cream and caramel sauce.
43/43
Gefilte Fish
From the Recipe Creator:
Gefilte fish is usually served at Passover seder before the main meal. It goes great with spicy horseradish. Don't forget to moisten your hands with water while shaping to keep the fish mixture from sticking to your hands. —Risa Lichtman, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 gefilte fish: 147 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 415mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
Gefilte fish is a Jewish fish patty that’s usually served at Passover but can also be served at other holidays. Fish is ground with vegetables, shaped into patties, poached and chilled before being served with a zesty horseradish sauce.
Hannukah Recipes FAQ
What are traditional Hanukkah dishes?
Fried foods are the most traditional Hanukkah recipes. They commemorate how a small amount of oil lasted for eight days in the Temple. It’s also common to serve kugel, brisket and matzo ball soup. Roast chicken is another classic main dish choice, which pairs well with the crispy latkes and easy vegetable side dishes. A loaf of braided challah is frequently part of the meal and goes with everything.
What dessert is eaten during Hanukkah?
For Hanukkah dessert, in addition to the jelly-filled sufganiyot, some go-to options are rugelach and cakes with apples and dried fruit. Some families choose to avoid dairy if meat is being served. An olive oil-based cake fits the bill perfectly. You can also make traditional mandelbrot or cookies with blue and white icing, and a handful of chocolate gelt is the perfect small sweet treat.
What easy Hanukkah recipes can be made ahead?
Many Hanukkah recipes can be made ahead, from the broth for matzo ball soup to a casserole dish of kugel or a tray of rugelach. You can freeze cookies for a few months to really get ahead of the game and then bake them throughout Hanukkah. Braised brisket can be fully cooked the day before and tastes even better as the flavors deepen with time. Gently rewarm, covered, so it doesn’t dry out, and then slice it.
