Apple-Studded Hanukkah Fritters

Best served warm, these fragrant, golden morsels are by turns tender, crisp, and fruity. A simpler (no-yeast) alternative to sufganiyot — the traditional jam-filled Jewish doughnut served during Hanukkah — the fritters are studded with diced sweet apples and generously dusted with confectioners’ sugar. Be forewarned: They can be addictively delicious.

See More: Quick, One-Pot Meal Ideas To Feed the Whole Family

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon coarse salt
3/4 cup whole milk
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 sweet apples, such as Rome, McIntosh, or Gala, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch pieces (about 3 cups)
Safflower oil, for frying
Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, butter, and vanilla. Gently fold milk mixture into flour mixture until just combined. Fold in apples.

2. Meanwhile, heat 2 inches of oil in a medium heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until a thermometer registers 350 degrees. Set a wire rack in a rimmed baking sheet.

3. Working in batches, drop heaping tablespoons of dough into oil. (A small ice cream scoop works especially well for creating uniform-size fritters.) Cook, turning once, until puffed and golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to rack with a slotted spoon. Let cool slightly, dust with confectioners’ sugar, and serve.

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