Hamantaschen cookies are a traditional Jewish pastry, enjoyed during the holiday of Purim, which commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia. The next month will find them in all GAIL’s bakeries, with two sweet fillings to choose from.
History Of Hamantaschen Cookies
The holiday of Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia, as told in the biblical Book of Esther.
The name ‘hamantaschen’ is commonly thought to come from the villain of the story, Haman, who plotted to kill the Jewish people, with the triangular shape of the pastry symbolising his three-cornered hat. While the etymology is debated, the symbolism is clear, that of the defeated enemy of the Jewish people.
Eating the cookies is a beloved Purim tradition and it's a treat that is enjoyed by both adults and children alike. Many families and communities hold baking parties and bake dozens together. It’s a great way to celebrate the holiday and create memories with loved ones.
Hamantaschen Recipe
Traditionally, the dough was made with yeast. However, with the popularisation of baking powder in the twentieth century, baking powder replaced yeast and the recipe developed from yeast dough to cookie dough.
Hamantaschen cookies are shaped into a circle and then filled before being folded into a triangular shape and baked.
They are typically filled with a variety of sweet fillings, such as fruit preserves or poppy seeds. One of the most traditional fillings is called ‘mohn’, which is a filling made from ground poppy seeds and sweetened with sugar.
Sweet Fillings At GAIL's
At our bakeries, we have two varieties to celebrate with - Poppy Seed and Marzipan. Our crumbly, sweet buttery pastry is filled with poppy seeds, honey, almonds and vanilla, or homemade marzipan flavoured with lemon zest, vanilla and ground coriander seeds.
Celebrate the holiday, together, with GAIL’s hamantaschen cookies - they’re too good not to share.