Lazy Hamantaschen Cookies
This delicious and easy Hamantaschen recipe, adapted from the 'Jewish Holiday Do-book', is perfect for a fun baking session with kids! These delightful triangular cookies are filled with your choice of jam or chocolate chips, making them a favorite treat for Purim or any time of the year. The dough is simple to prepare and can be made in advance, making it a hassle-free option for busy families. With minimal steps and maximum flavor, these Hamantaschen are sure to become a cherished family tradition!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter (or butter-flavored margarine)
1 cup (softened)
Sugar
2 cups (granulated)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure or imitation)
Eggs
3 (large, at room temperature)
Flour
4 cups (all-purpose)
Filling (jam, chocolate chips, or other options)
to taste (your choice)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until creamy.
2
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
3
Gradually add the flour to the mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
4
Divide the dough into thirds and form into 3-inch logs. Wrap each log in plastic wrap and freeze until firm.
5
When ready to bake, remove the logs from the freezer and let them thaw slightly until soft enough to slice.
6
Using a sharp knife, slice the logs into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
7
Place a small spoonful of your chosen filling in the center of each round.
8
To shape the cookies, fold the edges of each round towards the center, pinching the corners to create a triangular shape. Ensure the dough is fully thawed for easier shaping.
9
Place the shaped cookies on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, leaving space between each one.
10
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lazy Hamantaschen Cookies?
Lazy Hamantaschen are simplified triangular Jewish cookies traditionally served during the holiday of Purim, featuring a sweet filling like jam or chocolate chips.
Why is this recipe called 'lazy'?
This recipe is called 'lazy' because the dough is formed into logs and sliced rather than being rolled out with a rolling pin and cut with a cookie cutter, making it much easier and faster.
What ingredients are needed for the dough?
You will need 1 cup of softened butter or margarine, 2 cups of sugar, 3 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 4 cups of all-purpose flour.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use 1 cup of butter-flavored margarine as a substitute for butter in this recipe.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for the best baking results.
How long do these cookies need to bake?
The Hamantaschen should bake for about 20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden.
What can I use for the filling?
Popular filling options include various jams, preserves, or chocolate chips.
How do I prepare the dough logs?
Divide the prepared dough into thirds and form them into 3-inch diameter logs, then wrap them in plastic wrap.
Do I need to freeze the dough?
Yes, the dough logs should be placed in the freezer until they are firm enough to slice easily.
How thick should I slice the dough rounds?
Using a sharp knife, slice the frozen logs into rounds approximately 1/4-inch thick.
Is this recipe suitable for baking with children?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for a fun baking session with kids due to its simple steps and easy shaping process.
How do I shape the cookies into triangles?
Place filling in the center of a dough round, fold three edges toward the center, and pinch the corners together to form a triangle.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, the dough logs can be made and frozen well in advance, making it a great option for busy schedules.
Do I need to thaw the dough before slicing?
The logs should thaw slightly until they are just soft enough to slice with a knife but still firm.
How many eggs are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 large eggs, preferably at room temperature.
What kind of flour is best for these cookies?
All-purpose flour is the best choice for this Hamantaschen recipe.
Should I use parchment paper on the cookie sheet?
Yes, placing the shaped cookies on a parchment-lined cookie sheet prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
How much vanilla extract is required?
You should use 1 teaspoon of pure or imitation vanilla extract.
How much sugar is used in the dough?
The recipe requires 2 cups of granulated sugar.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This specific recipe was adapted from the 'Jewish Holiday Do-book'.
How many cups of flour are needed?
The recipe uses 4 cups of all-purpose flour.
Why should the eggs be at room temperature?
Room temperature eggs emulsify more easily into the butter and sugar mixture, resulting in a smoother dough.
How much filling should I put in each cookie?
Place a small spoonful of your chosen filling in the center of each round; be careful not to overfill or the cookie may leak.
What should I do if the dough is too hard to shape?
Ensure the dough rounds have thawed sufficiently; they need to be pliable enough to pinch the corners together.
Can I use different fillings in the same batch?
Absolutely, you can use a variety of jams and chocolate chips within the same batch to provide different flavors.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are finished when they appear set and have a light golden color around the edges.
How do I prevent the corners from opening during baking?
Firmly pinch the corners of the dough triangles to ensure they stay closed while the cookies expand in the oven.
Does this recipe include nutritional information?
No, nutritional details like calories, fat, and protein are not specified for this particular recipe.
What is the texture of these Hamantaschen?
These cookies have a soft, slightly crumbly dough texture that pairs perfectly with the sweet filling.
How should I store the baked Hamantaschen?
Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.