As the joyous festival of Purim approaches, immerse yourself in the spirit of celebration with these delectable Date Filled Purim Hamantaschen cookies. These delightful treats boast a tender, golden-brown exterior that cradles a luscious center of sweet date spread. The perfect blend of tradition and innovation, these hamantaschen are a delightful twist on the classic recipe, ensuring every bite is a celebration in itself.
What does hamantaschen mean
Hamantaschen, derived from the Yiddish words "Haman" (the villainous figure in the Purim story) and "taschen" (meaning pockets or pouches in German), holds a symbolic significance in Jewish tradition. These triangular-shaped cookies are traditionally prepared during the festival of Purim, commemorating the triumph of the Jewish people over the villain Haman, as told in the Book of Esther. The three corners of the pastry are said to represent Haman's hat or ears, embodying the defeat of evil. Beyond their delicious taste, hamantaschen serve as a tangible reminder of the resilience and victory of the Jewish community, making them a cherished treat during this festive time. In Hebrew the cookies are called "oznei haman" which translates to Haman's ears.
When I was a child, there were only 2 options for hamantaschen cookies: poppy seeds and dates. The poppy seed filling needs to be precooked so for this recipe I went for a simpler option - date spread. Nowadays you can find many types, sizes, colors and fillings for hamantaschen that everyone seems to have forgotten the old traditional tastes.
These hamantaschen are actually pretty natural in taste, you can fill them up with any spread you want, even a savory one.
Date spread
Date spread, commonly used as a filling in various culinary applications, is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can be enjoyed in both sweet and savory dishes. It can be purchased pre-made from stores, offering convenience and a consistent taste. Store-bought date spread typically combines dates with minimal additional ingredients, providing a quick and easy solution for adding natural sweetness to recipes. In this recipe I used store-bought date spread.
On the other hand, making date spread at home allows for customization and control over the ingredients. Homemade date spread often involves blending softened dates with water and, if desired, other flavor-enhancing elements like vanilla or citrus zest. This DIY approach allows individuals to tailor the sweetness and texture to their preferences, ensuring a personalized touch to the final product. Whether store-bought or homemade, date spread adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to dishes, making it a delightful choice for filling hamantaschen and other treats.
How to make hamantaschen
Crafting these mouthwatering treats is a breeze, thanks to this straightforward recipe that requires only a handful of readily available ingredients. The dough is so simple to whip up as you just need 3 ingredients then roll the dough and you don’t even need to wait and cool it. The dough, is made with combination of all-purpose flour, vegetable oil, and boiling water and forms the perfect foundation for these triangular delights. The process of rolling, cutting, filling, and baking is not only easy but also an engaging activity that can be shared with family and friends.
Roll the dough on a floured surface, and cut perfect circles using a glass or a round cookie cutter. You fill each circle with a teaspoon of delectable date spread. To close the cookies into a triangle shape simply pinch 3 corners.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, watching as they transform into golden perfection. Once baked, let them cool at room temperature.
FAQS
Yes, you can use store-bought date spread or make your own at home. Both options work well for the filling, providing a deliciously sweet and caramel-like flavor to the hamantaschen.
Yes, you can experiment with different oils, such as canola or melted coconut oil, based on your preferences. However, keep in mind that it may slightly alter the taste and texture of the dough.
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough after preparing it, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator and proceed with rolling, filling, and baking.
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies typically remain fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them and thaw as needed.
Certainly! While the date spread is traditional, feel free to get creative. You can experiment with various fruit preserves, chocolate, or even incorporate nuts for added texture.
Yes, you can try using a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute. Keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly.
Ensure a tight seal when folding the dough to prevent it from opening. Press the edges firmly to secure the filling, and avoid overfilling each cookie.
Absolutely! These Hamantaschen can be baked in advance and stored in an airtight container until needed, making them a convenient and delightful treat for your Purim festivities.
Other Purim recipes to try:
If you have been following the blog then you know I already shared a vegan hamantaschen recipe. The recipe was different and so was the filling. The current recipe is much more simple and quick to create. If you are looking for more hamantaschen recipes, check out my gluten free hamantaschen made with almond flour, my chocolate hamantaschen, my spinach hamantaschen or my pizza hamantachen recipes.
Bake these date filles hamantaschen today!
Whether you're preparing these Date Filled Purim Hamantaschen for a festive gathering or simply to enjoy a moment of culinary delight, have one and embrace the joy of Purim! Wishing you a Happy Purim filled with sweetness and celebration!
Date Filled Purim Hamantaschen Cookies
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup boiling water
For the filling:
- ½ cup date spread
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 180°C / 350°F with the fan.
- In a bowl mix the flour, oil and boiling water to a unified dough.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface.
- Use a glass or a round cookie cutter to cut circles out of the dough.
- Fill each dough circle with 1 teaspoon of date spread and close the dough into triangular-shaped cookies.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool at room temperature.
- Have a hamantaschen and Happy Purim!
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