Hamantaschen

Name: Hamantaschen
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Yield: about 6 dozen
Cuisine: Jewish
Ingredients: 1 pound dried apricots (2-1/2 cups); 1-1/2 cups water; 1/2 cup sugar; DOUGH:; 2/3 cup shortening; 3 tablespoons 2% milk; 1-1/3 cups sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 teaspoon lemon extract; 4 cups cake flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; Confectioners' sugar, optional

Total Time Prep: 1-1/4 hours + chilling Bake: 10 min./batch

Yield about 6 dozen

Test Kitchen Approved

Our guide walks you through making hamantaschen, traditional triangle-shaped cookies for Purim, and even customizing them with different fillings.

Ingredients

1 pound dried apricots (2-1/2 cups)
1-1/2 cups water
1/2 cup sugar
DOUGH:
2/3 cup shortening
3 tablespoons 2% milk
1-1/3 cups sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon lemon extract
4 cups cake flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
Confectioners' sugar, optional

Directions

In a small saucepan, cook apricots and water over low heat for 45 minutes or until the water is absorbed and apricots are soft. Cool slightly; transfer to a blender. Cover and process until smooth. Add sugar; cover and process until blended. Set aside.
In a large saucepan over low heat, melt shortening with milk. Remove from the heat; stir in sugar. Add eggs, 1 at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in extract. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to the saucepan and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or until easy to handle.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out to 1/8-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 3-in. round cookie cutter. Place 1 teaspoon apricot filling in the center of each. Bring 3 edges together over filling, overlapping slightly (a small portion of filling will show in the center); pinch edges gently. Place 1 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake at 400° for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool. Dust with confectioners' sugar if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 cookie: 81 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 49mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.

Traditionally called hamantaschen, these crisp, buttery triangle cookies truly do melt in your mouth. It's a good thing this classic Jewish dessert recipe makes a big batch because no one can stop after eating just one! —Mildred Lorence, Carlisle, Pennsylvania

Recipe Creator