Easy Hamantaschen

Hamantashen are triangular fruit-filled cookies traditionally served during the Jewish holiday Purim.

The name "hamantaschen” comes from Yiddish. "Haman" was the villain in the biblical Book of Esther and "Taschen" can mean ears or pockets.

Traditional Hamsntaschen are dairy-free. This easy recipe uses store-bought pie dough. Unfortunately Pillsbury contains lard, which isn't kosher. Look for vegan products or the words "Kosher Pareve" on the packaging.

 

Ingredients

• Pie crust – Use a store-bought vegan or kosher pie crust
• Fruit preserves
• Cinnamon and sugar
• Egg
• Water

 

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (192°C) with the main rack in the middle position.
2. Cut out several circles of pie crust with a 3-inch round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
3. Place the round pieces of dough on a sheet pan or cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Fold one third to the center. Then fold another on top of that, then the final edge. It will make a little pouch that looks like a tricorn hat.
5. Add a dollop (about 1 tsp) of fruit preserves to the center.
6. Prepare the egg wash. Just whisk an egg with a little bit of water in a small bowl.
7. Baste the tops of the cookies with the egg wash, and then sprinkle on cinnamon sugar.
8. Bake at 375°F (192°C) for 12–15 minutes

Allow the hamantaschen cookies to cool for a few minutes after they are done baking, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool the rest of the way. Be careful, the filling will be hot!