🍩 Sfenj: Moroccan Doughnuts You’ll Fall in Love With

Introduction

Sfenj — pronounced sfehnj — is Morocco’s beloved street doughnut. Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy inside, and shaped like golden rings of joy, sfenj is a favorite Moroccan breakfast or snack, especially when paired with mint tea. If you’re looking to bring the magic of Moroccan mornings into your home, this deep-fried delicacy is your gateway.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to make authentic Moroccan sfenj from scratch, with detailed steps, helpful tips, and variations. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or a first-time cook, this article has everything you need.

What Is Sfenj?

Sfenj is a traditional Moroccan doughnut made from a simple yeast-based dough — no sugar, no eggs, no butter. Unlike American doughnuts, sfenj is chewier, less sweet, and is usually served plain or sprinkled with sugar or dipped in honey.

You’ll find sfenj sold by street vendors in every Moroccan city, hanging on hooks or served hot from giant pans of bubbling oil. It’s comfort food at its finest — humble, nostalgic, and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make a batch of about 12 Moroccan sfenj:

500 g (4 cups) all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt
1 tbsp dry yeast
400–450 ml (1¾ cups) warm water (adjust as needed)

Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
Sugar or honey (optional, for topping)

📝 Note: The dough must be very sticky and elastic — don’t add too much flour!

Step-by-Step Instructions

🥄 Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in a bit of warm water.
Let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

🥣 Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.

Add the activated yeast.
Gradually pour in the remaining warm water while mixing with your hand or a wooden spoon.
Knead the dough until smooth, sticky, and elastic — about 10 minutes. (You can use a stand mixer if you prefer.)

⏳ Step 3: Let It Rise

Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap.
Let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 to 2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

👏 Step 4: Prepare to Fry

Heat a large pot of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Wet your hands with water (to prevent sticking).
Take a small piece of dough, form it into a rough ball, then poke a hole in the center with your finger to shape it like a ring.

🍳 Step 5: Fry the Sfenj

Carefully drop each ring into the hot oil.

Fry on both sides until golden brown — about 2–3 minutes per side.
Remove with tongs and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

How to Serve Sfenj

Sfenj is best enjoyed hot and fresh! You can serve it in several ways:

Plain: Classic and simple.
With sugar: Sprinkle granulated sugar while still warm.
With honey: Dip in warm honey for a sweet twist.

With jam or Nutella: A modern Moroccan fusion.

Serve with Moroccan mint tea or strong coffee for a traditional experience.

Expert Tips for Perfect Sfenj

Wet your hands often while shaping the dough — it prevents sticking.

Do not over-flour the dough; sfenj needs to be sticky.
Let the oil heat properly before frying — if it’s too cold, the dough will absorb too much oil.
Use a deep pan and fry in small batches for even cooking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Adding too much flour — ruins the chewy texture.
❌ Not letting the dough rise long enough.
❌ Using cold oil — leads to greasy sfenj.

❌ Overcrowding the pan while frying.

Variations You Can Try

Stuffed Sfenj: Add a piece of cheese or chocolate inside before frying.
Savory Sfenj: Skip the sugar and serve with olive oil, olives, or harissa.

Mini Sfenj: Make smaller versions for parties or dipping in sauces.

Sfenj vs. Doughnuts: What’s the Difference?

Feature	Sfenj	American Doughnut
Texture	Chewy & airy	Soft & cakey
Sweetness	Low	High
Shape	Freeform rings	Perfectly round
Ingredients	No sugar, eggs, or butter	Includes sugar, eggs, butter
Topping	Sugar or honey	Icing, glaze, sprinkles

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake sfenj instead of frying?

Traditional sfenj must be deep-fried. Baking won’t give the same texture.

Can I freeze the dough?

It’s best to fry sfenj fresh. You can freeze leftovers, but they’re much better hot.

How long does sfenj stay fresh?

Best eaten the same day. You can reheat in the oven for a few minutes the next day.

Conclusion

Sfenj is more than just a doughnut — it’s a symbol of Moroccan hospitality, warmth, and tradition. With simple ingredients and a little patience, you can recreate this beloved street food right in your kitchen. Whether you enjoy it with a sprinkle of sugar or dipped in honey, one thing is certain: sfenj will win your heart — and your taste buds.