Go Back

Hamantaschen Purim Cookies

Buttery, golden triangle cookies filled with sweet jam or poppy seed — these traditional Jewish Purim treats are soft, crumbly, and perfect for sharing. Easy to make and endlessly customizable with your favorite fillings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 20 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Eastern European
Calories: 140

Ingredients
  

For the dough:
  • 2/3 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 –2 tablespoons milk if needed, for consistency
For the filling (choose one or mix):
  • 1/2 cup poppy seed filling
  • 1/2 cup fruit preserves apricot, raspberry, or prune
Optional: chocolate spread, lemon curd, or date paste for variety

Method
 

Step 1 – Make the dough:
  1. Beat butter and sugar together until light and creamy. Add egg and vanilla, and mix well. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. If it feels too dry, add a tablespoon or two of milk.
Step 2 – Chill the dough:
  1. Shape the dough into a flat disc, wrap it in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps it roll out easily and hold its shape.
Step 3 – Roll and cut:
  1. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/8-inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter (or glass) to cut circles about 3 inches across.
Step 4 – Fill and fold:
  1. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of filling into the center of each circle. Fold up the edges into a triangle shape, pinching each corner tightly so they don’t open during baking.
Step 5 – Bake:
  1. Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes, until the edges turn light golden.
Step 6 – Cool and enjoy:
  1. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, enjoy as-is or dust lightly with powdered sugar.

Notes

If your cookies open while baking, your dough might be too warm or overfilled. Chill them briefly before baking, and make sure the corners are pinched well. These cookies are also fun to make with kids — everyone gets to choose their favorite filling! They keep well for several days in a tin or airtight jar.