Easy Hamantaschen Jewish Purim Cookies Step-By-Step Recipe
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Hamantaschen cookies are a beloved treat, especially during the Jewish holiday of Purim. These triangle-shaped delights are not only symbolic but also deliciously versatile, with endless filling options like jams, chocolate chips, and poppyseed. With this easy no-chill recipe, you’ll be able to bake perfect Hamantaschen in no time, whether for a celebration or simply to satisfy a craving!
This is the easiest Hamantaschen recipe you’ll ever find! These classic Jewish Hamantaschen triangle cookies are simply amazing!
Why You’ll Love Easy Hamantaschen Jewish Purim Cookies
- Effortless Preparation: This recipe eliminates the need for chilling the dough, making the process quick and beginner-friendly. You’ll love how easy it is to go from mixing to baking in just minutes!
- Customizable Fillings: Whether you prefer classic apricot jam, rich chocolate, or tart berry fillings, these cookies can be tailored to your taste. Get creative and enjoy your favorite flavors in every bite!
- Perfect for Celebrations: Hamantaschen are traditionally enjoyed during Purim, but they’re also a delightful treat for any occasion. Their unique triangle shape makes them a standout dessert.
- Foolproof Dough: This no-fail dough is soft, pliable, and easy to work with, ensuring perfectly shaped cookies every time. Even first-time bakers will achieve bakery-worthy results!
- Fun for All Ages: Making Hamantaschen is a fun activity for families and friends. Kids will especially enjoy shaping and filling these tasty cookies.
Hamantaschen are traditional Jewish cookies made for the Jewish Holiday of Purim. They are so cute and yummy, I enjoy them year round!
Hamantaschen is made out of rolled dough with the filling in the middle, folded like a triangle. The triangle shape makes Hamantaschen cookies so unique and memorable!
Ingredients For Easy Hamantaschen Jewish Purim Cookies
- Eggs – Provide structure and richness to the dough.
- Sugar – Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to the cookies.
- Oil – Keeps the dough soft and pliable, ensuring a tender texture.
- Vanilla – Enhances the flavor with a subtle, warm aroma.
- Flour – Forms the base of the dough, giving it shape and stability.
- Baking Powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly for a soft, light texture.
- Jam – The classic choice for filling, offering sweet and fruity bursts of flavor. You can use any variety you like!
For exact measurements of these ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Easy Hamantaschen Jewish Purim Cookies
- Mixing Bowl – For combining the ingredients into a smooth dough.
- Spoon – Useful for mixing and scooping the filling.
- Rolling Pin – Helps roll the dough evenly to the perfect thickness.
- Small Cup or Round Cookie Cutter – Used to cut out the circular shapes from the dough.
- Baking Sheet – Holds the cookies while they bake.
- Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Ensure precise measurements for consistent results.
This is the easiest Hamantaschen recipe you’ll ever find, it’s totally foolproof! This Hamantaschen dough doesn’ require any chilling, it’s ready to roll immediately after mixing. It’s a one-bowl recipe, just dump the cookie dough ingredients into the bowl, mix into the dough and then roll it out. Cut out the circles, put filling in the middle, fold the dough like a triangle and bake!
You can be really creative with the filling. For the Hamantaschen on the pictures, I used apricot jam. You can use different jam flavors and you can also use chocolate chips for the filling, as well as fresh fruits or canned pie fillings. Poppyseed filling (found at the supermarket in a can next to pie fillings) is another one of my favorites!
How To Make Hamantaschen Step By Step
Step 1: Mix Hamantaschen dough ingredients and roll out the dough
Step 2: Cut out circles with the rim of a cup
Step 3: Put filling in the middle of each Hamantaschen circle
Step 4: Fold Hamantaschen like a triangle, overlapping and pinching the sides as illustrated below.
Step 5: Bake The Hamantaschen at 350F for 12 minutes.
That’s all there is to making Hamantaschen! Just follow these easy steps and your Hamantaschen cookies will turn out amazing! Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Hamantaschen cookies on a decorative platter for festive gatherings or Purim celebrations.
- Pair these sweet treats with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
- For a colorful presentation, use a variety of fillings like watermelon or kiwi jam and arrange the cookies by flavor.
- Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Share these cookies as a thoughtful gift by packaging them in a cute box or bag with a ribbon.
Tips For Success
- Seal the Edges Properly: To prevent the filling from spilling out during baking, pinch the corners of the dough triangles firmly. You can also slightly moisten the edges with water for a better seal.
- Avoid Overfilling: Use about a teaspoon of filling per cookie. Overloading can cause the filling to ooze out and affect the cookie’s shape.
- Roll Dough Evenly: Ensure the dough is rolled out to a uniform thickness of about 1/8 inch. This helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents burning or undercooking.
- Choose the Right Filling: Thicker fillings like jam or poppyseed work best as they stay in place during baking. Avoid runny or overly wet fillings to maintain the cookie’s structure.
- Re-roll With Care: When rolling out scraps, do it gently to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough.
- Prepping Ahead: The dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours if needed. Bring it back to room temperature before rolling out.
- Watch the Bake Time: These cookies bake quickly, so keep an eye on them. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden for the perfect texture.
- Creative Variations: Experiment with different fillings like Nutella, peanut butter, or even savory options for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- Storage Tip: Cool the cookies completely before storing to prevent them from getting soggy. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Variations And Substitutions
- Different Fillings: While jam is a traditional filling, you can use other sweet options like chocolate chips, Nutella, or canned pie fillings. For a unique twist, try peanut butter, caramel, or even dulce de leche.
- Savory Hamantaschen: Give these cookies a savory spin by using fillings like cream cheese and herbs, spinach and feta, or even pizza sauce with shredded cheese.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Ensure the flour you choose has xanthan gum for proper binding.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, but double-check fillings like chocolate chips or pie fillings to ensure they meet dietary needs.
- Egg-Free: Replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) or an egg replacer product.
- Sugar Alternatives: For a reduced-sugar version, use a sugar substitute like erythritol or coconut sugar in the dough and opt for sugar-free jam.
- Shape Variations: While the triangle shape is traditional, you can experiment with other shapes like squares or stars for fun occasions.
- Holiday Themes: Adjust the fillings and colors to fit various holidays. For example, use red and green fillings for Christmas or orange and black for Halloween.
- Add Flavor to the Dough: Incorporate spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of orange zest into the dough for extra flavor.
- Mini Hamantaschen: Use a smaller cutter to make bite-sized cookies, perfect for snacking or party platters.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Allow the Hamantaschen to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, transfer the cookies to the freezer in a sealed container or freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3–5 minutes. This will refresh their texture and make the filling gooey again.
- Freezing Tips: To prevent sticking, place the cookies in a single layer with parchment paper between layers. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
- Unbaked Dough Storage: You can also freeze the unbaked dough. Shape it into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature before rolling it out for easier handling.
What are some traditional fillings for Hamantaschen?
Classic fillings include apricot jam, poppyseed filling, and prune butter. However, you can also use modern options like Nutella, chocolate chips, or cherry pie filling.
How do I prevent the cookies from opening while baking?
Make sure to pinch the edges of the triangles firmly, overlapping the sides slightly to create a secure seal. If needed, moisten the edges with a little water before folding.
Can I make Hamantaschen gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. Be sure to select a blend that includes xanthan gum or a similar binding agent for the best results.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
Add a small amount of flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is no longer sticky but still soft and pliable. Avoid adding too much flour, as this can make the cookies dry.
Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Yes, baked Hamantaschen freeze very well. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
What’s the best way to roll out the dough?
Roll the dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. Keep the thickness consistent at about 1/8 inch to ensure even baking.
Can I use fresh fruit as a filling?
Fresh fruit can be used, but it may release moisture during baking. To prevent sogginess, mix the fruit with a little cornstarch or use a thicker fruit spread.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
No, lining the baking sheet with parchment paper eliminates the need for greasing and prevents the cookies from sticking.
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Delicious Savory Matzah Kugel Recipe: Enjoy a comforting and flavorful matzah kugel that’s ideal for Passover or as a side dish for family meals.
Festive Hanukkah Sugar Cookie Recipe: Create beautifully shaped and delicious sugar cookies that are perfect for Hanukkah celebrations.
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Sweet and Unique Matzah Babka Dessert Recipe: Indulge in a creative twist on traditional babka, made with layers of matzah and sweet filling.
Easy Hamantaschen Jewish Purim Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup oil
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup jam
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Spoon
- Small cup or round cookie cutter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the eggs, sugar, oil and vanilla.
- Add flour and baking powder and mix until combined. If the dough is too sticky to roll, add more flour (1 tbsp at a time) until it's no longer sticky.
- Roll out the dough to approximate 1/8-inch thickness and cut out circles with the rim of a small cup. Shape the dough scraps into a ball and roll it out again and cut out more circles.
- Put approximately a teaspoon of filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold the sides like a triangle and pinch shut.
- Bake for 12 minutes.
Notes
More Baked Recipes
- Chewy Caramel and Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
- Quick and Easy Baked Falafel Using Canned Chickpeas
- Decadent Oreo and Cream Chocolate Cake Recipe
Just made these Hamantaschen and they turned out amazing! Simple and yummy. 😋
Great recipe for Hamantaschen! The filling options are fantastic and they taste great.