33 Delicious Traditional Hanukkah Desserts to Wow Your Family Gathering

Posted on September 23, 2025 by Maryann Desmond

Honoring the spirit of Hanukkah with delicious desserts is a beloved tradition for many families. Whether you’re looking for classic treats or modern twists, this collection has something for everyone.

With eight days of celebration to fill, you’ll want to have a variety of dessert recipes on hand. When it comes to Hanukkah desserts, the possibilities are endless!

Jelly Donuts

Jelly Donuts

Keeping in mind that simplicity can sometimes be an understatement, making jelly donuts at home is surprisingly effortless. These soft and airy treats are essentially just a vessel for your favorite jelly filling, which makes them incredibly easy to prepare. No need to be intimidated by this seemingly daunting task – with this recipe, you’ll find it’s actually quite straightforward and requires minimal effort.

Bring joy to those around you with a freshly baked batch of these scrumptious jelly donuts.

Babka

Babka

Gelt

Gelt

Elevate your Hanukkah celebrations with homemade gelt that’s sure to impress. This recipe allows you to create melt-in-your-mouth treats from the comfort of your own kitchen, ensuring every loved one can indulge in a deliciously rich experience. With gelt this exceptional, the traditional dreidel competition is bound to become even more thrilling! By whipping up a batch or two, you’ll help keep the festive atmosphere alive and well-stocked during the holiday season.

Shabbat Cake

Shabbat Cake

Ease into the weekend with a sweet treat that’s sure to become a new tradition. The rich flavors and tender crumb of this scrumptious Shabbat cake are designed to bring a smile to your face, making it the perfect way to start your day off right. And don’t worry if you’re short on time – this easy-to-make recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, even for those with the busiest of schedules.

Whether you’re looking forward to a relaxing morning at home or a fun-filled day out, take a moment to create something truly special and set aside some quality time in the kitchen.

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Olive Oil Donuts

Olive Oil Donuts

Often, the simplest treats are the most satisfying. Olive oil donuts have been gaining popularity in recent years due to their unique flavor and versatility. To make these tasty pastries, heat up your oil and start mixing the ingredients, as they won’t prepare themselves! The best part is that you can customize them with a variety of toppings, from cinnamon sugar to traditional glaze, making each bite a delight.

Whether you’re in the mood for a breakfast treat or an afternoon indulgence, these sweet donuts are sure to hit the spot.

Chocolate Filled Hamantaschen

Chocolate Filled Hamantaschen

Gather ’round, sweet-tooths, for we have discovered the ultimate treat to elevate your Purim celebrations: chocolate-filled hamantaschen. These delightful pastries are not only a delicious indulgence but also a labor of love, crafted with care and attention by skilled bakers who take pride in every detail.

As you spend quality time with loved ones carefully crafting a batch of these beautiful treats, the sense of joy and camaraderie is palpable, making the experience even more special than the finished product.

Mandel Bread

Mandel Bread

Year after year, families around the world celebrate Hanukkah with their loved ones, sharing in the warmth and joy of the season. And what’s often at the heart of these gatherings is this classic bread: Mandel bread. The rich aromas and familiar flavors are sure to evoke memories of your own childhood holiday traditions.

Dreidel Cake

Dreidel Cake

Taking inspiration from traditional Hanukkah treats, you can now indulge in dreidels made from cake instead of clay. This scrumptious yellow cake recipe is remarkably adaptable and can be easily molded into a stunning festive dreidel.Transform your holiday gatherings by adding this visually appealing edible decoration to your table. Not only will it delight the palate with its divine taste, but it will also create a breathtaking visual display that’s sure to impress.

Gelt Cookies

Gelt Cookies

Rich in history and tradition, gelt chocolate pieces are one thing, but gelt cookies take it to a whole new level! Whether you incorporate them into your family game night or simply serve them as a tasty snack, these cookies are guaranteed to be the life of the party. Bake up a fresh batch for the loved ones you celebrate with and make the experience even more special!

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Dreidel Cookies

Dreidel Cookies

A delightful twist on traditional cookies, these festive treats are sure to bring a smile to your face. Soft, moist, and scrumptious in texture, they’re shaped into a familiar holiday motif that’s perfect for the season. Whether you’re looking to add some whimsy to your holiday spread or simply want to indulge in a tasty treat, these cute and charming dreidel cookies are the perfect choice.

And don’t worry if you’re not a master baker – this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal expertise, making it accessible to anyone who wants to shine with a show-stopping dessert!

Coconut Macaroons

Coconut Macaroons

Drenched in the richness of sweet and nutty coconut, these macaroons take center stage. Delighting the senses with every bite, the perfect harmony of tropical coconut and decadent chocolate will leave you wanting more. Coconut’s luxurious flavor is so inviting that it’s a wonder how utterly scrumptious these cookies are until you taste them for yourself.

Rugelach

Rugelach

Delighting family and friends during Hanukkah is a breeze with these scrumptious curled cookies. Not only do they spread joy, but they also make for a delightful treat to share with loved ones. Holiday baking often involves trying out new recipes, and this one is definitely worth the effort. Whether you’re in the midst of the celebration or nearing its end, be sure to squeeze in some time to bake these rugelach, as they are an excellent addition to any Hanukkah gathering.

Honey Cake

Honey Cake

Renowned for its irresistible charm, this sweet and sticky honey cake is an ideal Hanukkah treat that can be savored throughout the year. The inherently sweet flavor of honey provides a rich foundation for this recipe, elevating the pastry to new heights of decadence.

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Kugel

Kugel

Navigating the world of traditional Jewish dishes can be a delightful adventure, but sometimes it’s nice to have a reliable go-to option that never fails to impress. Noodle kugel is one such treat that fits the bill perfectly – especially when it comes to taking something along for a holiday pitch in. Its dense and warm texture is precisely what desserts should be all about, evoking feelings of comfort and nostalgia with every satisfying bite.

Sprinkle in the cinnamon and layer on the noodles carefully, ensuring each component melds together beautifully.

Tzimmes Cake

Tzimmes Cake

Elevate your Hanukkah celebrations with the sweet and traditional taste of our raisin-filled tzimmes cake. The warm, cooked raisins explode in every bite, releasing a burst of flavor that’s sure to delight. This indulgent treat is perfectly spiced and visually appealing, making it an essential addition to any holiday gathering. Whether you’re hosting friends and family or enjoying a quiet evening with loved ones, this tzimmes cake is sure to bring warmth and joy to your festivities.

Applesauce Donuts

Applesauce Donuts

You simply can’t go wrong with this third donut on our list, it’s a must-have. These naturally-sweetened applesauce donuts make for the perfect Hanukkah dessert due to their unique flavor profile and texture.Their light and airy nature makes them incredibly easy to devour, which is perhaps why you’ll find yourself eating more than one – it will be challenging not to indulge in the entire batch!

Halva

Halva

Unlock the world of traditional halva recipes with these five delicious variations. Whether you have a sweet tooth for chocolate, a penchant for fruity flavors, or a love for nutty textures, there’s something here to suit every taste. With each one, you’ll be sure to impress your guests at this year’s Hanukkah celebration.

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