Hamantaschen Cookies Recipe
Hamantaschen Cookies are classic triangle-shaped pastries with a crisp, buttery crust and a sweet filling. Traditionally enjoyed during Purim, they come in flavors like poppy seed, apricot jam, and even modern twists like Nutella. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 stick ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ¼ cup orange juice or milk for a richer dough
For the Filling:
- ½ cup apricot jam raspberry jam, or Nutella
- ½ cup poppy seed filling
- ½ cup prune or date paste
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest, mixing well. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the orange juice, until a smooth dough forms. Wrap it in plastic and refrigerate for at least an hour.
Roll and Cut the Dough
- Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about ⅛-inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut 3-inch circles. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Fill and Shape the Cookies
- Spoon 1 teaspoon of filling into the center of each circle. To shape the cookies, pinch three edges together, leaving a small opening at the top. Press the corners firmly to prevent them from opening while baking.
Bake to Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.