Festive Hamentashen Recipe: The Classic Jewish Purim Treat

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon orange zest
1/2 cup fruit preserves or poppy seed filling

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
In a separate bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until creamy. Then beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and orange zest.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing just until a dough forms.
Divide the dough into two pieces, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a floured surface, roll out one piece of the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using a round cookie cutter or glass, cut out circles from the dough.
Place a teaspoon of fruit preserves or poppy seed filling in the center of each circle. Fold up the edges in three places to form a triangle, leaving the filling exposed in the center.
Place the filled cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Tools for making

Mixing bowls - You will need a few mixing bowls to prepare the dough and combine the ingredients.
Whisk - A whisk will be useful for whisking together the dry ingredients.
Electric mixer - An electric mixer will help in creaming the butter and sugar together.
Plastic wrap - You will need plastic wrap to wrap the dough before chilling it in the refrigerator.
Rolling pin - A rolling pin is necessary for rolling out the dough to the desired thickness.
Round cookie cutter or glass - You will need a round cookie cutter or a glass with a round rim to cut out the circles of dough.
Parchment paper - Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Wire racks - Wire racks will be used to cool the baked cookies and allow air circulation.

Recipe variations

Use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier or gluten-free alternative.
Experiment with different fillings such as chocolate spread, nutella, apple butter, or dulce de leche.
Add spices like cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for extra flavor.
Try a different shape for the cookies, such as squares or pinwheels.
Replace the traditional triangular shape with a different design, such as hearts or stars.
Add chopped nuts or dried fruits to the filling for added texture.
Make savory hamentashen by using a filling like cheese and spinach or mushroom and onion.
For a vegan option, substitute the butter with vegan margarine and use a flax egg or applesauce instead of eggs.

Recipe overview

Get ready to enjoy Hamentashen, a traditional Jewish treat often enjoyed during the Purim holiday. This recipe results in beautifully tri-cornered cookies filled with your choice of fruit preserves or poppy seed filling. The delicate dough is flavored with a hint of orange zest and vanilla, making these cookies a delightful treat for any occasion. Though the process may seem complex, it's quite straightforward. Just prepare your dough, let it chill, roll it out, fill it with your chosen filling, and fold it into its characteristic triangle shape. After a short bake, you'll have delicious Hamentashen cookies ready to enjoy. Whether you're making these for a holiday celebration or just because, you're sure to love these sweet, filled cookies.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of flour, such as whole wheat flour? It's best to use all-purpose flour for this recipe to achieve the desired texture and consistency.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? It's recommended to use unsalted butter so that you can control the amount of salt in the recipe.
Can I substitute the orange zest with lemon zest? Yes, you can substitute orange zest with lemon zest if you prefer a different citrus flavor.
How long does the dough need to chill in the refrigerator? The dough should chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight to make it easier to work with and help the flavors develop.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before rolling and baking.
Can I use different fillings besides fruit preserves or poppy seed filling? Yes, you can experiment with different fillings such as chocolate spread, Nutella, or even savory options like cheese or meat fillings.
How long do I bake the hamentashen? Bake the hamentashen for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
How should I store the hamentashen? Store the cooled hamentashen in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Can I freeze the hamentashen? Yes, you can freeze the hamentashen in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Rolling pin - Used for rolling out the dough to the desired thickness.
Round cookie cutter - Used to cut out circles from the rolled dough.
Baking sheets - Used to bake the hamentashen in the oven.
Parchment paper - Placed on the baking sheets to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Wire racks - Used to cool the baked hamentashen and allow air circulation.

Origin stories

Hamentashen, these delightfully sweet, triangular pastries, originated in the Jewish communities of Eastern Europe. Named after the villain of the biblical Book of Esther, Haman, whose plot to destroy the Jewish people was foiled by the brave Queen Esther, these pastries are traditionally enjoyed during the Jewish holiday of Purim. The name "Hamentashen" is Yiddish for "Haman's pockets," but another interpretation suggests that the shape of these pastries symbolizes the three-cornered hat Haman supposedly wore. Whether savored as a sweet reminder of a heroic tale from antiquity, or simply enjoyed as a delicious treat, Hamentashen carry centuries of tradition in each bite.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.