5 Delicious Chanukah Treats You Can Make with Challah

5 Delicious Chanukah Treats You Can Make with Challah

Imagine this: The warm glow of menorah candles, the happy sounds of dreidel spinning, and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked treats wafting through your home. Chanukah celebrations have always centered around delicious foods that bring families together, creating memories as sweet as the treats themselves.

In Jewish culture, Chanukah treats hold a special place in our hearts. They’re not just desserts – they’re edible stories of miracles, tradition, and celebration. While traditional favorites like sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) and latkes reign supreme, there’s something magical about incorporating challah into our holiday treats.

Our beloved challah, with its rich, eggy texture and subtle sweetness, becomes a canvas for culinary creativity during Chanukah. Whether you’re working with day-old challah or starting fresh with a warm loaf from Bread Artist’s organic kitchen, these recipes transform this traditional bread into holiday showstoppers.

Ready to add some delightful twists to your Chanukah celebration? I’m excited to share five of my favorite challah-based treats that’ll make your holiday extra special. From stuffed delicacies to sweet surprises, these recipes combine tradition with innovation – perfect for creating new family favorites.

Let’s dive into these delicious creations that’ll bring extra joy to your Festival of Lights! 🕎✨

1. Latkes Stuffed Challah

Transform your Chanukah celebration with this innovative fusion of two holiday favorites: crispy potato latkes wrapped in soft, golden challah bread. This showstopping creation combines traditional flavors in an exciting new way.

For the latkes:

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and grated
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the challah:

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 large eggs plus 1 for egg wash
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Instructions:

1. Make your latkes first – combine grated potatoes and onion, squeeze out excess moisture
2. Mix in eggs, flour, salt, and pepper
3. Fry until golden and crispy, then let cool
4. Prepare challah dough and let rise once
5. Roll out dough, place cooled latkes in center
6. Carefully fold dough over latkes, seal edges
7. Braid remaining dough on top
8. Let rise again, brush with egg wash
9. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until golden brown

Serve warm with applesauce or sour cream for a delightful combination of textures and flavors that honors both Chanukah traditions in one delicious package.

2. Challah Bread Pudding

There’s something magical about transforming day-old challah into a luxurious bread pudding. This beloved recipe turns what might have been destined for the compost bin into a heavenly dessert that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Let me share my favorite recipe that brings warmth to our Chanukah celebrations:

Ingredients for the Perfect Custard Base:

• 4 cups cubed day-old challah
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk (or non-dairy alternative)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of cinnamon

The secret to achieving that dreamy, cloud-like texture lies in letting the challah cubes soak up the custard mixture for at least 30 minutes. I’ve discovered that gently pressing down the bread helps it absorb all those delicious flavors.

Pro Baking Tips:

• Bake at 350°F
• Look for golden-brown edges
• The center should slightly wobble when done

My grandmother taught me to serve this pudding warm, drizzled with maple syrup for breakfast, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. The way the ice cream melts into the warm pudding creates little rivers of sweetness that remind me of lighting the menorah with my family.

This recipe has become our cherished Chanukah morning tradition – the perfect way to start a day of celebration while honoring our commitment to mindful cooking. If you’re looking for a different twist on this classic dish, you might want to explore bread and butter pudding or brioche french toast casserole, both of which offer unique variations using similar techniques.

3. Jam Doughnut Pull-Apart Challah

Who says you need to fry everything during Chanukah? Let’s shake things up with a delightful twist on traditional sufganiyot that’ll still make your taste buds dance!

Picture this: soft, pillowy challah pieces from Bread Artist, each hiding a sweet surprise of strawberry jam, all nestled together in a beautiful braided loaf. This pull-apart creation brings the joy of jam doughnuts to your table without the hassle of deep frying.

Here’s what makes this treat extra special:

• The Dough: Our organic challah dough from Bread Artist creates a lighter, airier texture than traditional sufganiyot.
• The Filling: Rich strawberry jam adds that perfect burst of sweetness in every bite.
• The Method: Baking instead of frying means less mess and a healthier treat.

The magic happens when you stuff each small piece of challah dough with jam before braiding them together. As the loaf bakes, the jam creates little pockets of sweetness throughout the bread.

My kids love helping with this one – it’s become our special Chanukah tradition. They take turns filling each piece with jam, and there’s always a bit of friendly competition about who can make the neatest jam pockets. The best part? The heavenly aroma of freshly baked challah filling our home as we light the menorah.

If you’re interested in trying other unique bread creations, I recommend exploring some options like the Classic Rye Sourdough or even the Muffin Mystery Box from Bread Artist for a fun surprise!

And if you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in the celebration of Hanukkah for the first time, you might find it helpful to check out this guide on what you’ll need to properly celebrate Hanukkah.

4. Challah French Toast

There’s something magical about transforming our organic challah into a decadent French toast that fills the kitchen with warm, holiday aromas. The secret? Thick-cut slices – about 1½ inches – that create the perfect canvas for soaking up our rich custard mixture.

Here’s our treasured recipe that brings smiles to sleepy faces on Chanukah mornings:

The Perfect Custard Mix:

• 4 farm-fresh eggs
• 1 cup whole milk (or non-dairy alternative)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• A pinch of kosher salt

The key to achieving that dreamy golden-brown exterior lies in patience. Let each slice soak in the custard for 30 seconds per side. Then, cook on medium heat in a buttered skillet until each side develops a beautiful caramel color – about 3-4 minutes per side.

I love watching my little ones’ eyes light up as they choose their toppings. We set up a French toast bar with:

• Warm maple syrup
• Fresh berry compote
• Whipped cream
• Toasted pecans
• A dusting of powdered sugar

Last Chanukah, my daughter created what she called a “rainbow tower” – layers of French toast with different fruit compotes between each level. It’s these sweet moments that make holiday breakfasts so special.

For an extra touch of luxury, try using our Cinnamon Apple Challah – it adds another layer of warmth to this beloved breakfast treat.

5. Challah Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here’s a little secret: those last few slices of challah can transform into the most incredible chocolate chip cookies you’ve ever tasted! The bread crumbs add a magical depth and texture that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Here’s what you’ll need for these delightful treats:

• 2 cups crumbled leftover challah
• 1½ cups all-purpose organic flour
• 1 cup premium chocolate chips
• ½ cup butter, softened (or use coconut oil for non-dairy cookies)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup brown sugar

I love watching my kids’ faces light up when we turn our leftover challah into cookie crumbs. They take turns dropping the pieces into the food processor, creating a fine, golden mixture that’ll give our cookies their signature texture.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies:

• Pulse the challah until it resembles fine breadcrumbs
• Let the dough rest for 30 minutes before baking
• Space cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheet
• Bake at 350°F for exactly 12 minutes for the perfect chewy center

My daughter Brocha always sneaks an extra handful of chocolate chips into the mix – a tradition she started during her first Chanukah baking session. Now it’s become our special touch, making each batch uniquely ours. These cookies bring such joy to our holiday celebrations, especially when we package them in little gift boxes for friends and neighbors.

Celebrate Chanukah with Delicious Treats Made from Challah!

These five delightful challah creations bring warmth and joy to your Chanukah celebrations. Each recipe carries the sweet promise of family time in the kitchen, filled with laughter and the irresistible aroma of fresh-baked treats.

Ready to start your own challah adventure? At Bread Artist, we lovingly craft organic challah using traditional methods and the finest ingredients. Our kosher parve, pas yisroel challah makes the perfect foundation for these festive treats.

🕯️ Create memories this Chanukah with our weekly challah selection:

• Traditional
• Cinnamon Apple
• Lemon Blueberry
• Chocolate Coconut
• Mini Challah Rolls

In addition to our delicious challah, we also offer a variety of other baked goods such as our organic garlic knots, perfect for any meal during the holiday season.

To explore more about our offerings and to order your challah, visit breadartist.com and start a new holiday baking tradition with your loved ones. Happy Chanukah!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are some popular Chanukah treats that can be made with challah?

Some popular Chanukah treats that can be made with challah include Latkes Stuffed Challah, Challah Bread Pudding, Jam Doughnut Pull-Apart Challah, Challah French Toast, and Challah Chocolate Chip Cookies.

What is the significance of using leftover challah in recipes?

Using leftover challah in recipes like Challah Bread Pudding promotes sustainability and creativity in cooking. It allows for delicious desserts while minimizing waste, as leftover bread can be transformed into delightful dishes.

What makes Jam Doughnut Pull-Apart Challah a unique treat?

Jam Doughnut Pull-Apart Challah is a lighter alternative to traditional sufganiyot. It features a dough filled with strawberry jam and is baked instead of fried, making it a healthier option while still celebrating the festive spirit of Chanukah.

What are some tips for making perfect Challah French Toast?

To make perfect Challah French Toast, use thick slices of challah and incorporate rich flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg. Cooking techniques such as ensuring even heat distribution will help achieve golden-brown perfection. Serving suggestions include syrup or fruit compote for added sweetness.

How can leftover challah be used to make chocolate chip cookies?

Leftover challah can be creatively used in chocolate chip cookie dough to add texture and flavor. Key ingredients include chocolate chips, and baking instructions should focus on achieving chewy cookies. Family stories often recount making these cookies as a fun holiday activity.