Hanukkah, like the other fall/winter holidays, is especially food-centered. Along with it comes a slew of celebratory dishes: The most famous among them are potato latkes, fried in oil to recall the miracle that this holiday is founded upon. During a rededication of the Holy Temple of Jerusalem during the Maccabean Revolt in around 200 B.C., one night’s supply of lamp oil lasted for eight nights. This is why Hanukkah is referred to as “The Festival of Lights,” and why the menorah is lit with an increasing number of candles each night for eight nights.
The holiday is also big on sweets and baked goods. While gold foil-wrapped chocolate gelt coins might be the most iconic, there are a wondrous array of treats to explore, both traditional treats and new-school varieties. Here are eight locally made Hanukkah goodies from around Pennsylvania to dig into and share this year!
Federal Donuts & Chicken Chanukah Minis: Sufganiyot are round jelly doughnuts covered in powdered sugar, which are traditionally eaten during Hanukkah. Federal Donuts has its own spin on these delights: Chanukah Minis, bite-size doughnuts with a light lemon glaze and the shop’s signature raspberry jam. These babies are available for pre-order for scheduled pickups between December 24 and January 2 (excluding December 25 and 26) from any of its eight store locations during business hours, which includes Fed’Nuts & Chicken Wolf Street (closes at 3 p.m.), 22 Wolf Street, Philadelphia; (267) 687-8258, North Philly, 701 N. 7th St, Philadelphia; (267) 928-3893, South Street, 540 South St., Philadelphia; (267) 761-4512, East Market, 21 S. 12th St., Philadelphia; (215) 964-9810, Parkway, 1776 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., Philadelphia; (215) 560-8112, Center City, 1909 Sansom St., Philadelphia, (215) 665-1101, Radnor, 232 N. Radnor Chester Rd., Radnor; (484) 580-2929 and Wynnewood (closes at 4 p.m.), 15 E. Wynnewood Rd., Wynnewood; (610) 896-3737.
Essen Bakery Chocolate Rugelach: You can find these crescent-shaped filled pastries in lots of places — but they are not all alike. For such a rich, decadent bite, we trust the experts at Essen, a small bakery with an original location in South Philly and new spot near Kensington. This James Beard-nominated shop specializes in scratch-made Jewish baked goods, ranging from babka to bagels. Order chocolate rugelach by the half dozen, for pickup or delivery, through Essen’s online shop. 1437 East Passyunk Ave., Philadelphia; (215) 271-2299 and 110 West Berks St., Philadelphia; (215) 921-5025.
Lore’s Chocolates in Philadelphia’s Hannukah Nonpareils: These beautifully-packaged confections add a pop of fun to your festivities, from this second-generation, family-owned business is in the heart of historic Philly, with strong ties to the candy tradition in the city. The smooth and creamy nonpariels come in seven-ounce bags with both dark and milk chocolate varities coated with tiny blue and white candy beads. Shop online or visit Lore’s retail location in person on 7th Street. 34 South 7th St., Philadelphia; (215) 627-3233.
Sugar Plum Chocolate’s Happy Hanukkah Gift Box: If you’re looking for a heap of sweets to celebrate Hanukkah, this chocolatier in Forty Fort, PA, has you covered. This jam-packed chocolate gift box includes enough handmade artisan kosher chocolates to keep you on a sugar high all Hanukkah-long. The epic assortment in a cute box includes a chocolate menorah, two chocolate Hanukkah lollipops, a four-pack of chocolate-covered sandwich cookies with blue and white sprinkles, a 4-pack of chocolate-covered pretzels with blue and white sprinkles, a four-pack of fluffy milk & dark chocolate-covered marshmallows, a gourmet Hanukkah chocolate bar, a bag of milk chocolate blue and white nonpareils and a bag of chocolate-covered popcorn. Can you handle how much deliciousness this is? Order online.
Pennsylvania Bakery Hanukkah Cupcakes: For an adorable treat that’s especially kid-friendly, check out the blue-and-white Hanukkah-themed cupcakes. An order of a dozen comes with six each chocolate and vanilla, topped with a festive swirl of buttercream, garnished with sprinkles and Mazel Tov decorations. Purchase them online for shipment to your front door, or pop into the shop to purchase in person. 1713 Market St., Camp Hill; (717) 763 – 7755.
Chocolates by Leopold Star of David Milk Chocolate Lollipop: We consider chocolate one of the most crucial food groups during all of the winter holidays. This Star of David-shaped chocolate pop is the perfect little treat to share on any night of Hanukkah, or to sweeten the gelt pot during a competitive game of dreidel. The milk chocolate itself is of a lovely high quality, as is everything you’ll find at this renowned chocolatier with locations in Susquehanna and Centre counties. 180 Church St., Montrose; (570) 278-1230 and 107 West Main St., Boalsburg; (814) 808-6254.
Wild Rise Bakery Challah: Is there anything more divine than a fluffy braided loaf of challah bread? For those who’ve given up gluten, this pleasure might seem to be gone forever. But thanks to Wild Rise Bakery in Pittsburgh, gluten-free challah can be yours! Choose from a medium or large loaf, and grab a Kosher version for a small upcharge. Order online for local delivery or pickup at its store location. 6901 Lynn Way, Pittsburgh; (412) 254-4597.
What PA treats are you going to be indulging in during Hanukkah this year? Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook and Instagram pages!
- Feature photo: Shane Confectionery
- All other photos: from the respective brands
