Home Holidays Hanukkah
ByTeddy Nykiel
Taste of Home's Editorial Process
Updated: Jan. 13, 2024
From latkes and sufganiyot to brisket and kugel, these Hanukkah recipes will help you celebrate the Festival of Lights.
Hanukkah is an eight day celebration filled with fun and food. But if you want to brighten the Festival of Lights even more, you’re going to want to look into Hanukkah decorations and gifts, as well as treats!
This year Hanukkah falls on December 7 through 15, which is more than enough time to plan an extravagant menu. There are so many traditional foods and desserts that will fill your home—and stomach—with so much warmth.
1/49
Potato Latkes
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
Go to Recipe
2/49
Chocolate-Stuffed Dreidel Cookies
These dreidel cookies are sure to spread some smiles this holiday season. Your friends and family will delight in the surprise chocolate filling inside. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Go to Recipe
3/49
Braised Hanukkah Brisket
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, NY
Go to Recipe
4/49
Sufganiyot
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
Go to Recipe
5/49
Homemade Gelt
Giving chocolate coins to children, and sometimes teachers, for Hanukkah is a long-standing tradition. This homemade gelt recipe uses a miniature muffin pan to mold the coins into shape. The sliced almonds add a nice crunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Go to Recipe
6/49
Noodle Kugel
I make this traditional dish along with other Jewish specialties for an annual Hanukkah/Christmas party with our friends. -Lauren Kargen, Williamsville, New York
Go to Recipe
7/49
Slow-Cooked Applesauce
My sweet and chunky applesauce is a perfect snack or side dish with your favorite entree. Because it’s prepared in the slow cooker, you can fix it and forget it before you and the family head out for some fun. —Susanne Wasson, Montgomery, New York
Go to Recipe
8/49
Hanukkah Cookies
Cream cheese adds richness to these holiday cutout cookies. Decorate them with royal icing or your favorite buttercream frosting and toppings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Go to Recipe
9/49
Chicken Matzo Ball Soup
The keys to this amazing chicken matzo ball soup are slow-cooking it and using boxed matzo ball mix. Some people swear by seltzer, but I find it’s not necessary—the mix makes perfect, fluffy matzo balls every time due to its baking powder. Add chicken fat (schmaltz) for extra-authentic flavor. The matzo balls will taste as if they came straight from Grandma’s kitchen. —Shannon Sarna, South Orange, New Jersey
Go to Recipe
10/49
Tzimmes
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
Go to Recipe
11/49
These zesty latkes combine three cheeses with a handful of garlic and a colorful burst of red peppers. —Christine Montalvo, Windsor Heights, Iowa
Go to Recipe
12/49
Chocolate Chip Mandelbrot Cookies
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
Go to Recipe
13/49
Honey Challah
This challah recipe is perfect for the night of Hanukkah that falls on Shabbat. Leftover slices work well in bread pudding or for challah French toast. —Jennifer Newfield, Los Angeles, California
Go to Recipe
14/49
Rugelach
The crisp texture of these crescent-shaped cookies makes them a terrific treat to serve alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate or coffee.
Go to Recipe
15/49
Roasted Chicken
This tender chicken is a real time-saver on a busy weekend. A simple blend of seasonings makes it a snap to prepare, and it smells heavenly as it roasts. —Marian Platt, Sequim, Washington
Go to Recipe
16/49
Feta-Stuffed Kibbeh with Harissa
There are countless versions of kibbeh recipes throughout the Middle East. This is our adaptation of this delicious dish. You can even substitute ground beef for the lamb. —Chris Bugher, Fairview, North Carolina
Go to Recipe
17/49
Cauliflower Dill Kugel
I enjoy cauliflower and kugel, so it made sense to combine the two into one special dish. The ricotta cheese adds a distinctive creaminess and lightness. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Go to Recipe
18/49
Root Vegetable Pot Roast
During the hectic holiday season, I make this roast a lot. We’ve scarfed it down before and after shopping and while wrapping presents. Root vegetables and roast beef make everyone feel cozy and calm. —Pat Dazis, Charlotte, North Carolina
Go to Recipe
19/49
Israeli Malabi with Pomegranate Syrup
Malabi is a very famous, easy sweet milk pudding from Israel. For this recipe I learned from a friend, you can use rose syrup instead of pomegranate syrup. —Kanwaljeet Chhabra, Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Go to Recipe
20/49
Knish
Knish is a classic Jewish comfort food. Sometimes I make tiny appetizer ones, which are a little more like a roll, and I seam on the top. —Marlena Spieler, Waterlooville, England
Go to Recipe
21/49
Chocolate Babka
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
Go to Recipe
22/49
Make-Ahead Blintz Casserole
Blintzes are thin pancakes filled with cheese or fruits. I created an easy casserole version with cheese filling and topped it with apples. —Ann Hillmeyer, Sandia Park, New Mexico
Go to Recipe
23/49
Parsnip Latkes with Lox and Horseradish Creme
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
Go to Recipe
24/49
Couscous Meatball Soup
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
Go to Recipe
25/49
Pistachio-Cranberry Rugelach
Traditional rugelach gets dressed up for the holiday with pistachios, cranberries, and snow-white icing. Rich but not too sweet! — Deborah Hinojosa, Saratoga, California
Go to Recipe
26/49
Kasha Varnishkes
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
Go to Recipe
27/49
Flourless Dark Chocolate Cake
Here’s a simple cake that’s rich, elegant and over-the-top chocolaty. For finishing touches, add powdered sugar, cocoa or liqueur-flavored whipped cream. —Marie Parker, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Go to Recipe
28/49
Apricot Raisin Rugelach
Rugelach is a classic addition to holiday trays. The flaky, buttery pastry slices encase a spiced fruit and walnut filling. —Laurie Klett, Hamilton, Michigan
Go to Recipe
29/49
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
Go to Recipe
30/49
Israeli Pepper Tomato Salad
“This Israeli salad, which is traditionally eaten at breakfast, lends itself to endless variety…you can add foods like olives, beets or potatoes,” says Sandy Long of Lees Summit, Missouri
Go to Recipe
31/49
Molly’s Sweet and Spicy Tzimmes Cake
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 even Hanukkah. —Molly Haendler, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Go to Recipe
32/49
Sauerkraut Latkes
Really? Sauerkraut in potato pancakes? Oh, yes. Firm, sweet apples mellow the tang so very nicely. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
Go to Recipe
33/49
Sweet chocolate, creamy peanut butter and salty pretzels create a to-die-for truffle. It’s a little bite of decadence and a special indulgence for the holiday season.—Ashley Wisniewski, Champaign, Illinois
Go to Recipe
34/49
Lemony Walnut-Raisin Galette
This flaky, buttery pastry dessert has a filling of fruit, walnuts, coconut and cinnamon. There's a lot to love! For even more appeal, dollop sweetened whipped cream on top of each serving. —Ellen Kozak, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Go to Recipe
35/49
Hungarian Short Ribs
This is a special meal in our house—as soon as I get ribs, I know which dish my family will ask me to make. My husband and I have three children, so I've learned to be a versatile cook! —Joanne ShewChuk, St. Benedict, Saskatchewan
Go to Recipe
36/49
Country Potato Pancakes
These potato pancakes are really versatile. They can be a side dish for just about any meal or the main course for a light meal. Potato pancakes go particularly well with pork. We have them often at our house. —Lydia Robotewskyj, Franklin, Wisconsin
Go to Recipe
37/49
Chunky Apple-Cinnamon Cake
This is a nice change from apple pie. It's tasty and worthy of a special occasion—plus, it’s very easy to make. —Ellen Ruzinsky, Yorktown Heights, New York
Go to Recipe
38/49
Potato Kugel
The secret to keeping your potatoes their whitest in your potato kugel is to switch back and forth when grating the potatoes and onion in your food processor or box grater. —Ellen Ruzinsky, Yorktown Heights, New York
Go to Recipe
39/49
Lebkuchen
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
Go to Recipe
40/49
Apple-Walnut Cake with Orange Glaze
I tinkered with a plain apple cake recipe to create this moist, delicious winner. The result: old-fashioned goodness with a heavenly aroma! This cake is the perfect fall treat or holiday dessert, but it’s also great as a special breakfast or brunch item. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Go to Recipe
41/49
Cranberry Appetizer Meatballs
For a memorable meatball party snack with a tangy non-traditional sauce, I suggest this recipe. The meatballs are mouthwatering.—Jim Ulberg, Elk Rapids, Michigan
Go to Recipe
42/49
Cranberry Rugelach
These traditional Polish treats will keep for a long time in an airtight container. One year, I sent a batch to my sister, but the box got lost. She received it 12 days later and reported that the cookies were worth the wait! —Jean Doxon, Omaha, Nebraska
Go to Recipe
43/49
Cranberry Almond Spinach Salad
If you want something new to try for your Thanksgiving menu, toss this salad together. Fresh spinach leaves are tossed with toasted almonds and dried cranberries and drizzled with poppy seed dressing. It's likely to become a holiday tradition at your house, too. —Michelle Krzmarzick Torrance, California
Go to Recipe
44/49
Berry-Filled Doughnuts
Four ingredients are all you'll need for this sure-bet breakfast treat. Friends and family will never guess that refrigerated buttermilk biscuits are the base for these golden, jelly-filled doughnuts. —Ginny Watson, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Go to Recipe
45/49
Latkes with Lox
Lox, a salty smoked salmon, is a year-round delicacy. This recipe, inspired by one from the Jewish Journal, uses lox as a topping. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Go to Recipe
46/49
Roasted Eggplant Spread
Black pepper and garlic perk up this out-of-the-ordinary spread that hits the spot on a crisp cracker or toasted bread slice. —Barbara McCalley, Allison Park, Pennsylvania.
Go to Recipe
47/49
Colorful Couscous
We love it when side dishes pop with color, like the bright pepper accents you'll see in this light and fluffy couscous. It's a scrumptious and welcome switch from baked potatoes or rice. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Go to Recipe
48/49
Apple Cinnamon Cake
This apple cinnamon cake is equally good for breakfast or dessert, so be sure to not eat all of it after dinner! Easy to make, it's super moist on the inside and has a crispy, cinnamon-rich crunch on the outside. —Marideane Maxwell, Albany, Georgia
Go to Recipe
49/49
Baked Balsamic Chicken
As far as roast chicken ideas go, this baked balsamic chicken recipe is one of our favorites. When the aroma from this dish fills your house, your family will think you spent all day cooking. But this elegant Sunday-special roast chicken, flavored with rosemary, wine and balsamic vinegar, is surprisingly simple to make. —Tracy Tylkowski, Omaha, Nebraska
Go to Recipe
Originally Published: December 01, 2020
Author
Teddy Nykiel
A former associate editor for Taste of Home, Teddy specialized in SEO strategy. As a home cook herself, she loves finding inspiration at the farmer's market. She also enjoys doing any sport that involves water and taking long walks with her black lab mix, Berkeley.
Read More
