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    Apple Pie Hamantaschen Cookies

    Published: Feb 9, 2021 · Modified: Feb 6, 2025 · by Renana · I may get commission for purchases made through links in this post at no extra cost to you.

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    Home » Recipes » Purim » Apple Pie Hamantaschen Cookies

    Indulge in a delightful twist on tradition with my Apple Pie Hamantaschen Cookies recipe, a fusion of sweet, spiced apples encased in a tender, flaky dough. These triangular-shaped pastries are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a charming addition to your Purim celebration. The combination of juicy apples, warm cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla creates a filling that captures the essence of a comforting apple pie. Paired with a simple yet irresistible dough, these Hamantaschen are baked to golden perfection, making them a must-have for the festive occasion.

    apple pie hamantaschen cookies on a plate

    Purim Cookies

    Purim is coming soon, and apart from all the fun costumes, it’s also time for the second-best part of the holiday - hamantaschen cookies. I have eight amazing recipes for hamantaschen already, 6 are sweet recipes and 2 are savory. I have vegan hamantaschen recipe and gluten free hamantaschen recipe too. Just head to my Purim recipe index to check them all out. This time, however, I am starting my Purim baking celebrations with a classic sweet flavor – apple pie.

    Apple pie cookies

    Everyone loves apple and apple pie even more so. Why wouldn’t we use this delicious flavor in festive hamantaschen? The apple pie filling is made with apples, lemon juice, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon.

    The dough I used to make these apple pie hamantaschen is the same dough as my date hamantaschen. It's made with only 3 ingredients and doesn’t require cooling and waiting before rolling and cutting out the cookies. For that reason, I started this recipe by making the apple pie filling first. The filling is cooked separately and needs to cool down before using it as a filling.

    This recipe is also vegan and therefore pareve (non-dairy).

    Additionally, these apple pie hamantaschen have very little sugar in them, just in the filling. If you want to add more sweetness then sprinkle powdered sugar on the baked hamantaschen.

    Hamantaschen cookies shape

    The tricky part with baking homemade hamantaschen is to get them to hold their shape while baking and to keep the filling from running out. But I have the trick for this! To keep the shape of the cookies as a traditional triangle shape, you need to pinch the 3 corners and pinch very well! Check your pinches before you put the cookies in the oven and start baking. You might see that some opened already.

    To keep the filling inside the cookies you need to use nonrunny filling and get rid of any excess liquids by straining the filling.

    The second part of keeping the filling and shape is to use very little filling - don’t overload the dough with a lot of filling. It all depends on the size of the cookies you cut. I used a cup this time and not a cookie-cutter. It created small cookies so I filled each one with only 3-4 cubes of apple. I know you probably feel like adding more filling but it might cause the dough to open from the triangle shape and the filling will run out. And that defeats the purpose of hamantaschen! I suggest using up to a teaspoon of filling and not more than that if you want nicely-shaped hamantaschen.

    purim cookies

    Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Hamantaschen Cookies:

    Choose the Right Apples

    Select a combination of sweet and tart apples for a balanced and flavorful filling. Popular choices include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix of your favorite varieties.

    Prep Apples Efficiently

    Ensure uniform cooking by peeling, coring, and cutting the apples into small, consistent cubes. This helps the filling cook evenly, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors.

    Don't Overcook the Filling

    When cooking the apples, be mindful not to overcook them. Aim for a tender texture while retaining some structure. Overcooking can lead to mushy filling, and we want that perfect balance of sweetness and bite.

    Strain Excess Liquids

    After cooking, strain the apple pie filling to remove excess liquids. This prevents the Hamantaschen from becoming soggy during baking and ensures a concentrated, luscious filling.

    Precision in Cutting

    Use a cup or cookie cutter to create uniform circles of dough. Consistent sizes ensure that each Hamantaschen bakes evenly, with a well-balanced ratio of dough to filling.

    Mindful Filling Placement

    Place the filling slightly off-center to facilitate proper folding and sealing of the Hamantaschen. This ensures they maintain their triangular shape during baking.

    Seal the Edges Well

    Press the edges of the dough securely to prevent any leaks during baking. A well-sealed Hamantaschen retains its shape and keeps the filling contained.

    Cooling Time

    Allow the Hamantaschen to cool at room temperature after baking. This step ensures that the pastry sets properly and enhances the overall texture.

    Enjoy Fresh or Store Thoughtfully

    Hamantaschen are best enjoyed fresh. If storing, keep them in an airtight container to preserve their texture and flavors.

    hamantaschen cookies filled with apple pie filling

    FAQS

    Can I use store-bought pie filling for the Apple Pie Hamantaschen?

    While store-bought pie filling can be convenient, making your own filling from fresh apples enhances the flavor. However, if you're short on time, you can use a high-quality apple pie filling as a shortcut.

    Can I freeze the Apple Pie Hamantaschen?

    Yes, you can freeze both the unbaked and baked Hamantaschen. If freezing unbaked, assemble and freeze on a baking sheet; once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

    Can I use whole wheat or alternative flours for the dough?

    You can experiment with alternative flours, but keep in mind that they may alter the texture. A mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flours can work well to maintain a balance of tenderness and nuttiness.

    My dough is too sticky. What should I do?

    If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the dough tough.

    How do I prevent the Hamantaschen from opening during baking?

    Ensure that the edges are well-sealed before baking. Press down firmly on the edges to create a tight seal. If necessary, you can also egg wash the edges for a more secure closure. Note that this makes the recipe not vegan.

    Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?

    Certainly! Chopped nuts or raisins can be a delicious addition to the filling. Just be mindful of quantities to maintain a good balance with the apples.

    What's the best way to reheat leftover Hamantaschen?

    To retain their crispness, reheat leftover Hamantaschen in a preheated oven for a few minutes. Microwaving may result in a softer texture.

    Can I use a different shape for the Hamantaschen?

    Traditionally triangular, you can certainly experiment with different shapes. Just ensure the edges are well-sealed to prevent the filling from leaking.

    How long do Apple Pie Hamantaschen stay fresh?

    For optimal freshness, consume within a few days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If stored in the refrigerator, bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

    plate with apple pie hamantaschen cookies

    Other Purim recipes to try:

    • orange cake
      Delicious and Easy Orange Bread
    • Roasted Fennel
    • Savory Cheese Pesto Palmiers
    • Easy Cinnamon Palmiers Cookies

    For more recipes with apples, check out my apple recipe index.

    Bake these apple pie hamantaschen cookies today!

    These apple pie hamantaschen are so unique from the regular hamantaschen you have every year yet they are very simple to make. With rich cinnamon and apple filling and as a new flavor to create a beautiful mishloh manot (sending portions) for your friends and family.

    Let's start making these yummy apple pie hamantaschen cookies:

    apple pie hamantaschen cookies on a plate

    Apple Pie Hamantaschen

    Classic sweet flavor for the traditional Purim cookies. Rich cinnamon and apple filling for a non-dairy simple and quick dough that doesn't need to rest or be cooled.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine Jewish
    Servings 40 cookies

    Ingredients
      

    For the dough

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • ½ cup vegetable oil
    • ½ cup boiling water

    For the filling

    • 3 apples
    • ¼ cup sugar
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Juice of half a lemon

    Instructions
     

    • Peel, core, and cut the apples into small cubes.
    • In a wide pan, place the cubed apples and cook on high for 2 minutes.
    • Add the sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and sugar. Mix well.
    • Cook for another 5 minutes until the apples start to soften a bit.
    • Transfer the apples to a colander placed over a bowl to let the liquids out.
    • Let the apple pie filling cool to room temperature and strain all liquids.
    • Set the oven to 160°C / 325°F with the fan.
    • In a bowl, place all the dough ingredients and mix well.
    • On a lightly floured surface roll the dough.
    • With a cup or a cookie cutter cut out circles.
    • Place ½ teaspoon (or a bit more if you make big circles) of filling in the center of each circle and close the dough to a triangular shape cookie.
    • Bake for 10-12 minutes.
    • Cool at room temperature.
    • Have a hamantaschen and Happy Purim!

    Notes

    *To get the hamantaschen to hold their shape while baking and to keep the filling from running out you need to pinch the 3 corners and pinch very well! Check your pinches before you put the cookies in the oven and start baking. You might see that some opened already.
    *To keep the filling inside the cookies you need to use nonrunny filling and get rid of any excess liquids by straining the filling. In addition, don’t overload the dough with a lot of filling. It all depends on the size of the cookies you cut. I used a cup this time and not a cookie-cutter. It created small cookies so I filled each one with only 3-4 cubes of apple. 
    Keyword apple cookie recipe, apple pie cookie, apple pie cookie recipe, apple pie cookies, Apple Pie Recipes, Apple Recipes, cookie pie crust, Cookie Recipes, Hamantaschen cookies, Hamantaschen Recipes, Jewish Recipes, pie crust cookies, Purim Recipes
    hand holding cut hamantaschen

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      Vegetable Barley Soup
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      Chickpea Blondies
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      Israeli Salad
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      Chocolate Sprinkle Donuts

    Filed Under: Cookies, Desserts, Holidays, Individual Desserts, Parve Desserts, Purim, Vegan Tagged With: Apple

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    Renana Spiegel Levkovich

    Hello!

    I'm Renana and I share kosher recipes for Shabbat, yummy parve desserts, and Jewish holiday recipes - and so much more. I share easy kosher recipes for the whole family, along with some pretty great photographs, and easy-to-follow instructions. Enjoy!

    Contact me for any question →


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