This website may include affiliate links and advertisements, which help us share delicious recipes with you. For more details, please read my disclosure policy. These delightful triangle-shaped hamantaschen cookies are soft and filled with a variety of tasty jams and a homemade poppy seed filling. Elevate your dessert game and wow your guests with this unique treat!
I enjoy creating fun and distinctive desserts for holidays or special occasions. If you’re looking for more ideas, check out my easy crème brûlée, Neiman Marcus bars, or this scrumptious pound cake.
What Are Hamantaschen?
Before we start baking, let’s explore what hamantaschen are! Pronounced “haa-muhn-taa-shn,” these traditional Jewish cookies are not only soft but also incredibly delicious! They maintain their triangular shape during baking while being filled with jam or other fillings. The classic options include poppy seed filling as well as raisin or fruit jams; however, feel free to get creative—these cookies can be stuffed with anything from Nutella to savory ingredients like smoked salmon!
Hamantaschen cookies are typically enjoyed during the Jewish holiday of Purim—a festive occasion often likened to Halloween where people dress up in costumes and indulge in treats. This holiday commemorates Queen Esther’s bravery in revealing her Jewish identity to the King. The triangular shape symbolizes Haman’s hat, representing Esther’s defiance against his wicked plot against the Jews. Not only is the story behind these cookies inspiring, but they’re also irresistibly tasty!
Ingredients for Hamantaschen
Despite their complex name, making hamantaschen is quite straightforward! You likely have many of these common ingredients already on hand:
- Butter: Use unsalted butter softened to room temperature for a smooth dough.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the dough perfectly.
- Egg: Allow eggs to reach room temperature before mixing; they incorporate better into the dough.
- Lemon Zest: Adds a refreshing tang that complements the fillings beautifully!
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all sweet flavors in your recipe.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works best here.
- Salt: A small amount enhances flavor without overpowering it.
- Water: Add sparingly if needed to bring the dough together without making it sticky.
- Assorted Jams: Feel free to use various jams as additional fillings.
Simple Poppy Seed Filling
For an easy poppy seed filling:
- Poppy Seeds: Provide texture and visual appeal.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Serves as a base while adding sweetness.
How to Make Homemade Hamantaschen
This recipe is simple yet impressive—perfect for any gathering! Plus, they taste amazing!
Preparing the Dough
- In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (about 1–2 minutes).
- Mix in egg, lemon zest, and vanilla until fully combined; scrape down sides of bowl as needed.
- Gradually add flour and salt until just combined into a crumbly mixture; use hands if necessary to form into dough (add water one tablespoon at a time if too dry).
- Shape into a disk wrapped in plastic wrap; chill for 2 hours while preparing poppy seed filling.
Making Poppy Seed Filling
- Grind poppy seeds using a spice grinder until powdered; combine with sweetened condensed milk in medium bowl until smooth.
- Cover mixture tightly & refrigerate until ready for use.
Assembling & Baking
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll chilled dough on lightly floured surface until about ⅛ inch thick (let sit briefly if cracking occurs).
- Cut out circles using a 3-inch round cutter & transfer them onto parchment-lined baking sheets leaving space between each cookie. 3 . Place about 1 teaspoon of filling at center of each circle then fold edges up forming triangles by pinching corners securely closed (use water/egg wash if necessary). 4 . Gather remaining scraps carefully without overworking them & repeat process before baking! 5 . Bake for approximately 12–15 minutes or just golden brown around edges then cool on wire rack after letting sit briefly on sheet pan.
Tips for Perfect Hamantaschen
To ensure your hamantaschen turn out wonderfully every time:
- Use chilled fillings: Fruit-based or cream cheese fillings work best when refrigerated beforehand—they hold their shape better!
- Avoid overfilling: Stick strictly within recommended amounts—too much will cause leakage during baking!
- Cool before serving: Let baked cookies rest at least 10–15 minutes post-baking so that hot centers can settle safely inside shells!
Storing Leftover Hamantaschen
While fresh hamantaschen taste best right away here’s how you can store any leftovers:
- In Refrigerator: Keep them sealed within an airtight container up-to five days maximum freshness-wise!
- In Freezer: Baked ones freeze well too—label containers clearly noting date stored—they’ll last three months frozen solidly thawed overnight prior serving again later down line!
Feel free now pin this recipe so you can easily find it later! Happy Baking!