Last updated on July 28th, 2024.
Sfenj, Moroccan donuts, are made from sticky, unsweetened dough shaped into a rustic ring. They are chewy with a crispy interior and sprinkled with sugar.
If you are a fried donuts fan, I also have a homemade Brioche Recipe , Boston Cream Donuts, and Potato donuts recipe.
Growing up in a Jewish-Moroccan family meant I had the privilege of participating in a rich, colorful and most delicious (plus VERY LOUD) tradition.
These Sfenj are a staple fried food during Hanukkah (along with Sufganiyot)and on special occasions like a wedding celebration. These two reasons must be Jewish because these Donuts are very common everyday street food in Morocco.
BTW, I also have these authentic Zeppole, Italian Donuts, and French crullers, recipes.
While Moroccan cuisine is rich in colors, spices, and flavors these donuts are nothing but the simplest recipe. The recipe calls for a few simple ingredients, no special techniques and gets its flavors from the frying oil and sugar.
Please do not think Krispy Kream or Dunkin Donuts, these donuts are hardcore street food. It is crispy on the outside but chewy on the inside. And while eating these fresh out of the pot will give you the full Moroccan cuisine experience it might be disappointing if eaten not fresh.
Now Let’s Talk About This Sfenj, Moroccan Donuts Recipe:
- The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of water. But, to avoid over hydriding the dough, start by adding 1 cup of water. The dough should be soft and sticky. However, you should be able to knead it with your hands and form a dough ball.
- Do not worry about making perfectly round dough balls, the beauty of these donuts is in their rustic look.
- I highly recommend using a candy thermometer, and make sure the oil is not over or under heated.
- The donuts should be ready when light golden brown. But if you prefer a darker color fry the donuts for an extra 2 minutes.
- You can sweeten the donuts with sugar, powdered sugar or in addition honey.
HAPPY BAKING!!!
One more thing…
Don’t forget to tag @OneSarcasticBaker on Instagram if you bake this recipe. Would love to see your creations!
Here are some more fun recipes you might enjoy:
Sfenj Moroccan Donuts
Ingredients
- 4 Cups AP Flour (500 g / 18 oz)
- 2 tsp Dried yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 TBS Sugar
- 2 Large Egg yolks
- 1 1/2 Cups Lukewarm water (360 ml / 12 oz)
Instructions
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In a large bowl mix flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.
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Add egg yolks and slowly drizzle in the water while mixing by hand.
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Keep kneading the dough until a sticky, smooth and soft dough has formed.
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Spray the dough with some oil spray and cover the bowl with a plastic wrap or a plastic bag.
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Let the dough rise for about 1-2 hours.
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Grease a large cookie sheet with some vegetable oil set aside.
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Divide the dough into 15 parts, roll each piece into a ball and place it on the greased cookie sheet.
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Cover the dough balls with a lightly damp kitchen towel for a second rise, about 30-60 minutes.
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Pour the vegetable oil into a wide and deep pan, about 1/3-1/2 way up. Heat it to 340F-400F.
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Using your finger and thumb create a hole in the center of each dough ball and place it into the hot oil.
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Fry for about 3 minutes on each size.
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The donuts are ready when lightly golden.
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Sprinkle the donuts with some sugar or honey and serve immediately.
These donuts look so good Dee. I love learning a little bit about your heritage and culture. So very special. xo – Anita
Thank you so much Anita!
I tried this recipe, it’s amazing, and my kids like it. Thank you very much
So glad to hear that!!! Thank you for your feedback!
Do you think I can substitute gluten free flour in this recipe?
Hi Jodi, so sorry I am not familiar with gluten-free baking.
My wife and I made these for the first night of Chanukah! Thank you for this recipe! It was simple and the process was a lot of fun! Absolutely delicious, and as someone who in theory likes donuts but is picky about sweetness levels – they were amazing!
This is wonderful! so glad you find it delicious AND fun to make!!
Do you know how I could substitute instant dry yeast into this recipe
the only thing I can think of is fresh yeast but they are hard to find and I have not had the chance to use them.
I share the recipe with all my friends they loved it .
that is wonderful! thank you so much!
Hello,
How many people does this recipe serve?
Thanks
You should have 8-12 donuts
It’s best if the milk is at room temperature or lukewarm, make sure it is not too hot otherwise it will kill the yeast.