This weekend, Jewish people around the world will be celebrating Purim—a holiday that commemorates a time when Jews living in Persia were saved from being executed. Haman, the king’s advisor, lead the charge of this failed attempt and thus on Purim, it is customary to have Hamentashen cookies meant to symbolize Haman’s triangular hat.
This holiday is celebrated by lots of revelry—kids dress up in costumes (many times representing the heroes of Purim), there are carnivals, parties and everyone partakes in the Megillah or story of Purim.
Feeling in the festive spirit, I decided to make Hamentashen. It is traditionally made with a fruit filling or poppy-seeds, but did I mention that I dislike any sort of fruit fillings or sauces in my desserts? So, I used Speculoos as a filling. It is an incredibly delicious cookie spread that is very popular in the Netherlands. If you have never tried it, you need to get it. It has the consistency of creamy peanut butter (and looks like it) but tastes like melted gingerbread biscuits. It is AMAZING!! I could not wait to try it in the Hamentaschen. In addition, I also bought some fig spread to use in half the cookies to satisfy the cravings of those who do enjoy fruits in their baked goods.
Both were delicious but I clearly preferred the Speculoos flavor—to the point where I had to give them away to anyone I saw or I would have eaten all of them! Although typically made for Purim, I would not hesitate making this Hamentaschen any other time of the year!
Enjoy and for those who celebrate-Happy Purim!
Hamentashen Cookies
Ingredients:
3/4 Cup granulated suger
2 Cups whole-wheat flour
1 ½ Teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 Stick butter, softened
½ Teaspoon vanilla extract
1 Egg
1/4 Cup warm water
2 Tablespoons orange juice
Optional: Powdered Sugar to garnish
Filling:
Speculoos spread (http://www.amazon.com/Trader-Joes-Speculoos-Cookie-Butter/dp/B007SYX9B8/ref=sr_1_2?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1394650761&sr=1-2&keywords=trader+joe%27s+speculoos)
Fig preserves or any other fruit flavor you enjoy
Directions:
In a large bowl, mix the sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter, 1 egg, vanilla extract, warm water, and orange juice to the bowl. Mix until it is well combined and you can form a ball. If too crumbly, add more warm water. Chill for 2+ hours (you can let chill overnight).
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Roll out dough on a floured surface, Cut into circles using a 3” round cookie cutter or use a wine glass like I did.
Place 1 teaspoon of filling into the center of each circle and then fold over the 3 corners to form a triangle. Bake on a lined cookie sheet for 12-15 minutes until browned.
Cool before serving. If you would like, sprinkle with powdered sugar to garnish.
Newlyfed 