Delicious & Easy Nutella Hamantaschen: Your Ultimate Purim Cookie Recipe Guide
Get ready to celebrate Purim with the most irresistible hamantaschen you’ve ever baked! These distinctive triangular cookies are a cherished tradition, but our recipe elevates them to a new level of indulgence with a super buttery, moist dough that practically melts in your mouth, perfectly complementing luscious Nutella and festive sprinkles. Whether you’re a seasoned Purim baker seeking a modern twist on a classic, or a curious newcomer eager to explore the joyful traditions of this vibrant holiday, this comprehensive guide provides everything you need to bake unforgettable hamantaschen. Forget dry, crumbly cookies; prepare for a delightful, tender experience that will have everyone asking for more. Dive into the world of Purim baking and discover how easy it is to create these festive and flavorful treats!
Why You’ll Adore This Nutella Hamantaschen Recipe
This hamantaschen recipe stands out from the rest, promising a delightful baking experience and even more delightful results. Here’s why these buttery, tender cookies will become your new Purim favorite:
- Unbeatable Texture: Unlike many hamantaschen recipes that can yield dry or crumbly cookies, our version is designed for supreme tenderness and moisture. The secret lies in the generous addition of cream cheese to the dough, which imparts an incredible richness and keeps the cookies wonderfully moist and soft. Each bite offers a perfect balance of buttery flakiness and a delightful chew, ensuring no dry crumbs are left behind. You’ll be amazed by how melt-in-your-mouth delicious these truly are!
- Effortless Preparation: Baking delicious hamantaschen doesn’t have to be a labor-intensive task. This recipe prioritizes ease, especially when it comes to preparing the dough. By utilizing a food processor, you can achieve a perfectly blended, smooth dough in mere minutes, saving your arms from strenuous kneading and ensuring consistent results every time. With a ready-made, crowd-pleasing filling like Nutella, the process becomes even more streamlined, making this recipe accessible and enjoyable for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
- Exquisite Flavor Profile: The flavor of these hamantaschen is a harmonious blend of classic comfort and contemporary indulgence. The cream cheese in the dough not only contributes to its exceptional texture but also introduces a subtle, tangy note that beautifully balances the sweetness of the rich Nutella filling. The dough itself is intentionally not overly sweet, allowing the luxurious chocolate-hazelnut spread and any additional festive toppings like sprinkles to shine without being overpowering. It’s a sophisticated sweetness that appeals to all palates, creating a truly memorable treat.
- Time-Smart Baking (with crucial chilling): While the hands-on preparation for these hamantaschen is surprisingly quick, patience is a virtue, and chilling is key. The dough requires two essential chilling periods: an initial rest after mixing to firm up and develop its full flavor, and a second, brief chill after shaping. These chilling steps are absolutely crucial for achieving the perfect texture, ensuring the dough is easy to handle, and most importantly, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, thus preserving their iconic triangular form. Planning ahead for these chilling times will guarantee the best possible results, making the anticipation of these delicious treats even sweeter.
Unveiling Purim: History and the Delightful Hamantaschen Tradition
Purim is one of the most vibrant and joyous holidays in the Jewish calendar, a celebration brimming with merriment, costumes, and delicious food. It commemorates a pivotal moment in ancient history: the miraculous salvation of the Jewish people from a genocidal plot. The story, beautifully recounted in the biblical Book of Esther (Megillah Esther), unfolds in the ancient Persian capital of Shushan.
The narrative centers around the wicked Haman, a high-ranking vizier in King Ahasuerus’s court, who devised a sinister plan to annihilate all Jewish people in the vast Persian Empire. Through the bravery and wisdom of Queen Esther, who concealed her Jewish identity until the opportune moment, and her cousin Mordechai, Haman’s evil scheme was ultimately exposed and thwarted. Instead of destruction, the day Haman had chosen for their demise became a day of triumph, joy, and feasting for the Jewish people.
This incredible tale of deliverance is commemorated with exuberant feasts, costume parties that often draw parallels to Mardi Gras or Halloween, charitable giving to those in need (*Matanot La’Evyonim*), and the exchange of food and drink gifts among friends and family (*Mishloach Manot*). Beyond the revelry, the holiday carries a profound message of resilience, courage, and faith in the face of adversity.
Among the most iconic culinary symbols of Purim are hamantaschen, meaning “Haman’s pockets” or “Haman’s ears.” These distinctive triangular cookies are traditionally said to represent Haman’s three-cornered hat, symbolizing his downfall and the joyous reversal of fate. Baking and sharing hamantaschen is a cherished tradition, a sweet reminder of the holiday’s central theme. Our modern take on these symbolic cookies, with their delightful Nutella and sprinkle fillings, adds an extra layer of contemporary fun and deliciousness to this ancient celebration, making them perfect for sharing joy and spreading sweetness during Purim.
Creative Hamantaschen Fillings for Every Palate
While traditional hamantaschen cookies are most commonly filled with poppy seeds (*Mohn*) or prune jam (*Lekvar*), the true charm of this Purim pastry lies in its incredible versatility. As a self-proclaimed sprinkle and chocolate addict, I couldn’t resist putting a modern, whimsical spin on these classics! This recipe features a delightful chocolate-hazelnut spread (Nutella, of course!), and I’ve also adorned a few with colorful sprinkles. If Purim is truly a ‘Jewish Mardi Gras,’ then we absolutely deserve a burst of festive color and flavor!
But the world of hamantaschen fillings is vast and exciting, extending far beyond chocolate. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with flavors that you and your family love. The key is to use a filling that is thick enough to hold its shape and prevent leakage during baking, ensuring your beautifully formed triangles remain intact. Here are some other fantastic filling ideas to inspire your Purim baking creativity:
- Thick Jam or Conserves: Classic fruit fillings like apricot, raspberry, or strawberry jams are always a hit. The vibrant flavors of fruits like fig or cherry also work wonderfully. Ensure your jam is thick; if it’s too runny, you can gently simmer it on the stovetop for a few minutes to reduce and thicken it before cooling.
- Marzipan: For an almond-lover’s dream, a sweet marzipan filling offers a rich, aromatic, and slightly chewy experience. You can grate or finely chop marzipan and mix it with a little egg white or liqueur to make it more pliable, as showcased by talented bakers like Molly Yeh.
- Halva and Tahini Paste: For a unique Middle Eastern-inspired flavor, crumble halva (sesame paste candy) and mix it with a touch of creamy tahini. This combination offers a delightful nutty, sweet, and slightly savory profile that is truly addictive.
- Peanut Butter and Jelly: A timeless and universally loved combination, peanut butter and jelly hamantaschen appeal to all ages. Use a thick, creamy peanut butter and a fruit jelly or preserve that isn’t too runny.
- Lekvar (Prune Butter): For those who appreciate tradition, Lekvar is a deeply flavorful and often spiced prune butter. It’s rich, dark, and offers a wonderful depth of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the buttery dough.
- Nut Fillings: Finely ground nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds can be mixed with sugar, honey, a touch of cinnamon, and an egg white to create a wonderfully textural and aromatic filling. These provide a satisfying crunch and rich flavor.
- Date Paste: Naturally sweet and incredibly rich, a thick date paste is another popular and delicious traditional filling, especially common in Sephardic communities.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: If you’re a fan of cream cheese, a thicker, stiffer version of your favorite cream cheese frosting can also make a delightful, creamy filling. Just ensure it’s not too soft before baking.
- Chocolate Chips or Chunks: While we use Nutella, simple chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate can also make a quick and easy filling for chocolate lovers.
- The Golden Rule: Regardless of your chosen flavor, always remember that a thick filling is your best friend. It prevents leakage, helps maintain the cookie’s iconic triangular shape, and ensures a clean, beautiful bake every time!
Expert Tips and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Perfect Hamantaschen
Baking hamantaschen is a joyous process, but a few common questions and expert tips can help ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time. Here’s what you need to know to troubleshoot and achieve baking success:
It’s common for the dough to be a bit soft when it first comes out of the food processor. Don’t worry! Transfer it to a lightly floured work surface and gently turn it a few times until all sides are lightly dusted. The most crucial step here is the chilling. Refrigerating the dough for at least an hour (or ideally, even longer – up to three days!) will firm it up significantly, making it much easier to roll and handle without excessive sticking. Always roll it out on a well-floured surface, adding more flour sparingly as needed to prevent sticking to your rolling pin and countertop. A bench scraper can also be useful for managing sticky dough.
The secret to perfectly sealed hamantaschen corners and preventing dreaded filling leaks is a combination of egg wash and firm pinching. Before you add your chosen filling to each dough round, brush the outer edges (about ½ inch) with an egg wash (one egg whisked with approximately 2 teaspoons of milk). This acts as a powerful ‘glue.’ After folding the dough to form the triangle, firmly pinch each of the three corners together. Don’t be afraid to give them a good, secure squeeze! Additionally, resist the urge to overfill your cookies; too much filling can create pressure, causing the corners to burst open during baking. A modest half-tablespoon of filling is usually ideal.
Once baked and completely cooled, hamantaschen should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their freshness and delicious texture for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature, or warm them gently in a low oven (around 250°F/120°C) for 5-10 minutes for a freshly baked feel. You can also prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 6 months. For an even more convenient option, shape the cookies and freeze them unbaked on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake directly from frozen, adding about 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.
Spreading is a common issue, but easily preventable! The main culprits are usually dough that is too warm and/or too much filling. Ensure your dough is properly chilled for at least an hour before rolling and shaping. A second brief chill (10-15 minutes in the refrigerator) after shaping the cookies and right before baking is a pro-tip that helps solidify the butter and maintain the structure of those crisp corners. Also, double-check that your chosen filling is thick and not overflowing the dough rounds. And, as mentioned, firm pinching of the corners is absolutely essential to create a strong seal that will hold up to the heat of the oven.
While this specific recipe relies on butter and cream cheese for its signature rich and moist texture, adapting it for dairy-free or vegan diets is certainly possible! You would need to substitute dairy-free butter (ensure it’s a stick variety suitable for baking, not a soft spread) and a good quality dairy-free cream cheese. For an egg substitute in the dough, a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, allowed to sit for 5-10 minutes until gel-like) can often work well, though the final texture may vary slightly. The egg wash used for sealing the edges can be replaced with a brush of plant-based milk or a little water, and you’ll need to use a dairy-free chocolate spread or another suitable vegan filling. Remember that substitutions can sometimes alter the flavor and texture, so it might take a little experimentation to find your perfect dairy-free/vegan hamantaschen.
Pin This Delicious Hamantaschen Recipe for Later!
Don’t let this incredible recipe get lost! Save it to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily find it whenever the craving for buttery, moist hamantaschen strikes. Perfect for Purim, holiday baking, or simply a sweet treat, these Nutella and sprinkle-filled cookies are always a hit!
Looking for More Delicious Chocolate Recipes?
If you’re a true chocolate enthusiast, you’ll love these other decadent treats that are perfect for any occasion. Expand your baking repertoire with more of our chocolate-centric recipes!
- Irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
- Fudgy Chocolate Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
- Warm & Comforting Spiced Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
We hope this comprehensive guide inspires you to bake a batch of these delightful Chocolate Hamantaschen for Purim. Their buttery, moist texture and crowd-pleasing Nutella and sprinkle filling make them an instant favorite, perfect for sharing the joy of the holiday. If you make this recipe, be sure to tag me on Instagram @alpineella or leave a comment below! We absolutely love seeing your creations and hearing about your baking successes!
Chocolate Hamantaschen Recipe
Chocolate Hamantaschen
Ella Gilbert
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Ingredients
- 170 grams unsalted butter, room temperature ¾ cup
- 113 grams cream cheese, room temperature 4 ounces (full fat recommended for best texture)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 240 grams all-purpose flour 2 cups
- 43 grams granulated sugar ¼ cup
- Nutella or other thick chocolate-hazelnut spread, for filling
- Sprinkles for decoration (optional)
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons milk (any type)
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together the flour, kosher salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
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In a food processor, combine the room-temperature cream cheese, softened butter, granulated sugar, large egg, and vanilla extract. Pulse the mixture until it is smooth and well-combined, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
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Add the dry flour mixture to the food processor with the wet ingredients. Pulse again in short bursts until a cohesive dough just begins to form. Be careful not to overmix.
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Divide the dough in half. Gently flatten each half into a disc, then wrap each disc tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the dough to firm up, making it easier to handle and preventing spreading. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 6 months.
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When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a small bowl, whisk together one egg and 2 teaspoons of milk to create your egg wash. This will be used to seal the hamantaschen and give them a golden sheen.
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Remove one disc of chilled dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes until it is slightly more malleable but still firm. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out the dough to an even thickness of approximately ⅛ inch. Add more flour as necessary to prevent sticking to your rolling pin and countertop. Use a 3-4 inch round cookie cutter (or the rim of a glass) to cut out circles. Carefully transfer each round to a prepared baking sheet. Gather the dough scraps, gently re-roll them, and cut out additional rounds until all dough is used.
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Brush the outer edges (about ½ inch) of each dough disc with the prepared egg wash. Place about ½ tablespoon of Nutella (or your chosen thick filling) in the very center of each round. If using sprinkles, now is the time to add a festive pinch on top of the filling!
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To form the triangle, gently fold one side of the dough over the filling, then fold a second side to overlap the first, and finally, fold the third side to create a triangular shape, leaving about ½ inch of the filling visible in the center. Pinch each of the three corners firmly and securely to ensure the dough sticks together and the filling is contained. Brush the exposed three sides of every formed triangle with a little more egg wash for a beautiful golden finish. Place the shaped cookies on the baking sheet and chill for another 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator to help them hold their shape. Repeat the process with the second disc of dough.
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Bake the first sheet of hamantaschen for 22-27 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the dough is cooked through. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. Once golden, remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Bake the second batch of chilled hamantaschen in the same manner. Enjoy your festive and delicious Purim treats!