Hamantashen

Delicious Homemade Hamantashen: A Traditional Purim Treat

Hamantashen, triangular-shaped cookies filled with sweet fillings like poppyseed or fruit preserves, are a beloved treat during the Jewish holiday of Purim. These delightful pastries are not only delicious but also steeped in tradition, symbolizing the defeat of the villain Haman from the Purim story. Today, we’re sharing a recipe for homemade hamantashen that will fill your home with warmth and joy as you celebrate this festive occasion.

Ingredients:

Refrigerated:

  • 2 Eggs

Condiments:

  • 1 1/2 cups Butter or margarine, softened

Baking & Spices:

  • 4 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp Baking powder
  • 1 (12 ounce) can Poppyseed filling
  • 1 tbsp Vanilla extract
  • 1 cup White sugar
  • 6 tbsp Orange juice

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Dough:
    • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
    • In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of orange juice at a time until it comes together.
  3. Chill the Dough:
    • Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each portion into a disk, and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
  4. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
  5. Roll Out the Dough:
    • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use a round cookie cutter or drinking glass to cut out circles of dough.
  6. Fill and Shape the Hamantashen:
    • Spoon a small amount of poppyseed filling into the center of each dough circle. Fold the sides of the circle up to form a triangle, pinching the corners tightly to seal in the filling. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
  7. Bake the Hamantashen:
    • Place the filled hamantashen onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  8. Cool and Serve:
    • Allow the hamantashen to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Serve and enjoy these delicious Purim treats!

Cook’s Notes and Variations:

  • Experiment with Fillings: While poppyseed filling is traditional, feel free to get creative with your hamantashen fillings. Try using fruit preserves, chocolate hazelnut spread, or even savory fillings like cheese or spinach.
  • Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for easier rolling and shaping.
  • Adjusting the Dough Consistency: If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour. If it’s too dry and crumbly, add a touch more orange juice or water to help it come together.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

  • Substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour to reduce the carb content.
  • Use a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of the white sugar.
  • Look for sugar-free poppyseed filling or make your own using a keto-friendly sweetener.

Low-Carb Version:

  • Use a combination of almond flour and coconut flour to lower the carb content while maintaining a good texture.
  • Opt for a low-carb fruit preserve or make your own using a sugar-free sweetener.
  • Brush the tops of the hamantashen with beaten egg instead of orange juice to reduce the sugar content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I freeze hamantashen dough? Yes, you can freeze hamantashen dough for later use. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag or airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

2. How long do hamantashen stay fresh? Hamantashen will stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze baked hamantashen for longer storage.

3. Can I make hamantashen without a filling? While traditional hamantashen are filled with sweet or savory fillings, you can certainly enjoy them plain if you prefer. Simply omit the filling and proceed with the recipe as directed.

4. Can I make hamantashen in advance for Purim? Yes, you can make hamantashen in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are perfect for preparing ahead of time for Purim celebrations!

Hamantashen are not only a delicious treat enjoyed during Purim celebrations but also a wonderful way to connect with tradition and share in the joy of the holiday. With their tender dough and sweet fillings, these triangular-shaped cookies are sure to delight both young and old alike. Whether you stick to the classic poppyseed filling or get creative with your own favorite flavors, these homemade hamantashen are sure to be a hit at your Purim festivities. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a batch of these delightful treats to share with family and friends!