Date Preserved Lemon Hamantaschen

Date Preserved Lemon Hamantaschen offers a unique and delightful twist on the classic Purim treat. These triangular pastries, traditionally filled with fruit preserves or poppy seed filling, are given a flavorful makeover.   Dates, preserved lemons, vanilla, and raw brown sugar are blended together. As a result,  each bite is a blend of sweet, tangy, and aromatic flavors. Consequently, this makes them a unique addition to any Purim celebration.

But before we delve into the delicious details, let’s explore the history of these iconic cookies and the significance of Purim. Hamantaschen, which translates to “Haman’s pockets” in Yiddish, is named after Haman. He is the villain of the Purim story. Purim is a joyous Jewish holiday commemorating the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia from the wicked Haman’s plot to destroy them. The holiday is celebrated with festive gatherings. Celebrants read the Megillah (the Scroll of Esther), and give gifts to friends and the needy. Also, of course, indulge in delicious foods like hamantaschen.

The Folding:

Now, onto the special way of folding these cookies. Form these Hamantaschen by folding the edges of dough circles to create a triangular pocket. This symbolizes Haman’s three-cornered hat or his ears. Then, place a teaspoon of the date and preserved lemon filling in the center of each circle. Carefully pinch the edges of the dough together to form a triangle to enclose the filling within. As a result, this unique folding technique ensures that each hamantaschen is filled with deliciousness.

This recipe is a delightful twist on a beloved Purim treat. Furthermore, these cookies will be a hit at any Purim celebration. Whether fresh out of the oven or gifted to friends and family, they are a delicious way to honor the traditions and spirit of this joyous holiday.

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Preserved Lemon Date Hamantaschen

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Jewish

Keyword dates, hamantaschen, Jewish Baking, Jewish recipes, preserved lemon, Purim Cookies, Purim Recipes, Purim treats

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Chill Time: 3 hours

Author Lora Wiley-Lennartz

Ingredients

Dough:

• 2+1/4 cups flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup Butter cut into pieces
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 egg

Filling

• 1/2 preserved lemon
• 1 cup pitted dates
• 2 tablespoons raw brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Sift together the flour and salt and set aside.

2. Cream together butter and sugar.

3. Mix in vanilla and egg.

4. Turn mixer on a low speed and add dry ingredients until the dough is crumbly.

5. Remove dough from mixer and knead by hand just until a smooth dough forms.

6. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic cling film, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

7. Place the preserved lemon and dates in a food processor and blend until smooth.

8. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

9. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

10. Remove dough from the fridge and roll out thin (about 1/8 inch thick).  you might need to warm it up with your hands to make it more pliable.

11. Cut with a 3″ round cookie cutter.

12. Place a teaspoon of filling in the middle and fold the left and right corners over the filling tucking one corner under the other.

13. Fold the bottom piece up and tuck the corners under the others on top.

14. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges start to brown.

15. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Like these Date Preserved Lemon Hamantaschen? Also, check out some of these other recipes:

SPELT BROWN SUGAR HAMANTASHEN WITH RED CURRANT AGAVE FILLING

PRESERVED LEMON POTATO SALAD

FIG DATE MUFFINS WITH OATMEAL GINGER STREUSEL