Recipes

Purim: Ginger-Infused Hamantaschen Recipe

Posted by Niel Neethling on March 05, 2025

Purim is a joyous Jewish holiday celebrating the triumph of good over evil, as told in the Book of Esther. A key tradition is baking hamantaschen—triangular cookies symbolizing the villain Haman’s hat, ears, or pockets. This recipe adds a modern twist with ginger-infused dough, blending warm spice with sweet fillings. Beyond cookies, Purim in 2025 (starting March 13th evening) brings costumes, storytelling, and community spirit, making it a festive occasion for all.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Quality ingredients elevate your ginger-infused hamantaschen. Fresh ginger is essential for that spicy kick, while premium flour and butter ensure a tender dough. Select fillings like black sesame paste, fruity jams, or nut spreads to complement the ginger. Fresh, high-quality components make every bite memorable.

The Dough

The foundation of great hamantaschen is the dough. Freshly grated ginger infuses it with warmth and depth. Combined with butter, sugar, and flour, it creates a soft yet workable texture perfect for shaping into triangles.

Filling Options

Fillings add personality to your hamantaschen. Traditional poppy seed honors Purim’s roots, while apricot jam or almond paste pairs beautifully with ginger. Experiment to find your favorite balance of sweet and spicy.

Step-by-Step Baking Guide

Bake perfect ginger-infused hamantaschen with these steps:

Gather ingredients and preheat oven to 350°F.
Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs, milk, and grated ginger.
Mix in flour and baking powder to form dough. Chill for 1 hour.
Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut 3-inch circles.
Add a small spoonful of filling to each circle.
Fold edges into a triangle, sealing with a dab of water.
Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden. Cool before serving.

Attention to detail ensures delicious, well-shaped cookies.

Preparing the Dough

Cream butter and sugar until smooth. Blend in eggs, milk, and ginger, then gradually add dry ingredients. Chill the dough to firm it up, making it easier to roll and shape without sticking.

Shaping the Cookies

Roll chilled dough evenly and cut circles. Place filling in the center, then fold three edges to form a triangle. Seal well to prevent leaks during baking—a key step for perfect hamantaschen.

Baking Tips

Bake at 350°F on a parchment-lined tray. Watch for a golden hue, about 18-20 minutes. Let cookies cool fully to maintain their shape and enhance flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

These hamantaschen offer more than taste. Ginger aids digestion and adds anti-inflammatory benefits. Fillings like nuts or fruit provide protein and vitamins, making this treat a wholesome indulgence.

What to Serve with Hamantaschen

Pair your cookies with tea or coffee to balance the ginger’s spice. For Purim festivities, include them in mishloach manot gift baskets alongside fruits or other sweets.

Celebrating Purim

Share your hamantaschen with friends and family during Purim 2025, starting March 13th evening. Complement them with costumes and community events for a full holiday experience.