TRADITIONAL HAMANTASCHEN
Rated 1.7 stars by 3 users
Category
COOKIES
Author:
Spice & Spirit
Traditional Hamantaschen are classic triangular pastries filled with sweet fillings like poppy seed, prune butter, or fruity jams. These delightful treats are a staple for Purim celebrations, with each cookie showcasing a tender, slightly crisp dough that perfectly encases the flavorful filling. Shaping the dough into triangles adds a festive and recognizable touch, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat any time.
Ingredients
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4 eggs
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1 cup sugar
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½ cup oil
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Juice of 1 lemon, grated
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Rind of 1 lemon, grated
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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5 cups flour
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2 tsp baking powder
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1 pound prepared mohn filling (poppy seed)
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1 pound lekvar (apple or prune butter)
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Jam or preserves (strawberry, apricot, etc.)
Fillings (choose one):
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease cookie sheets.
Beat eggs and sugar. Add oil, lemon juice, lemon rind, and vanilla; mix well.
Gradually add flour and baking powder, mixing until smooth.
Divide the dough into four parts.
Hamantaschen Assembly (Step-by-Step)
Prepare Dough: Place a portion of your dough on a lightly floured surface.
Roll and Cut: Roll out each portion to about ⅛ inch thick and use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut circles.
Add Filling: Place ½ to 1 teaspoon of your chosen filling (poppy seed, jam, or prune butter) in the center of each circle.
Shape into Triangles (First Fold): Lift two sides of the circle and pinch them together at the top to start forming a triangle.
Shape into Triangles (Second Fold): Bring the third side of the dough up to meet the pinched edges, creating a triangular shape. Pinch the edges together to seal.
Bake: Place shaped cookies on greased cookie sheets and bake in a 350°F preheated oven for 20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Note: For a glossy finish, brush the tops with beaten egg before baking if desired.
Recipe Note
Yields: 4 dozen hamantaschen
Why You'll Love Traditional Hamantaschen
Traditional Hamantaschen are the ultimate festive cookie, combining heritage and flavor in one delightful package. Their tender, slightly crisp dough beautifully cradles sweet fillings like poppy seed, prune butter, or fruity jams. The triangular shape adds a unique charm that makes them instantly recognizable and perfect for Purim or any occasion. These cookies bring a sense of nostalgia and celebration to your table. Whether you’re baking them for family traditions, gifting them to loved ones, or enjoying them yourself, hamantaschen are a treat that everyone will love.
Tips for Even Better Hamantaschen
Achieve bakery-quality hamantaschen with these tips:
- Chill Dough for Stability: Refrigerating the dough before rolling ensures cleaner cuts and prevents sticking.
- Don’t Overfill: Keep fillings to ½ teaspoon per cookie to avoid leaks and maintain the classic triangular shape.
- Pinch Edges Tightly: Seal the edges well to prevent the cookies from opening during baking.
- Bake One Sheet at a Time: Rotate the sheet halfway through for even cooking.
- Store for Freshness: Place cookies in an airtight container layered with parchment paper to keep them fresh.
Creative Hamantaschen Fillings to Try
Raspberry Cheesecake: Blend raspberry preserves with cream cheese for a tangy-sweet twist.
Salted Caramel and Chocolate: Combine salted caramel sauce with a dollop of chocolate ganache for indulgent flavor.
Apple Pie Filling: Use spiced apple compote for a warm, comforting variation.
Matcha and White Chocolate: Add a modern twist with earthy matcha paired with creamy white chocolate.
Pumpkin Spice: Combine pumpkin puree with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves for a seasonal favorite.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
Elegant Dessert Display: Arrange hamantaschen on a tiered platter.
Festive Party Favors: Wrap cookies in cellophane with colorful ribbons.
Themed Dessert Spread: Pair with teas or coffees to complement flavors.
Custom Colors and Fillings: Coordinate dough and fillings for themed events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I add flavors to the dough itself?
Yes, adding vanilla, almond extract, or citrus zest enhances the dough’s flavor.
What’s the best way to ensure cookies hold their shape?
Pinch the edges tightly and chill shaped cookies before baking to help retain their triangle shape.
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Absolutely. Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but monitor dough consistency as it may need slight adjustments.
