Get ready to indulge in a sweet and satisfying celebration with these 20 festive Purim recipes! Purim, the joyous Jewish holiday that commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from the evil plans of Haman, is just around the corner. As we mark this significant occasion, what better way to bring family and friends together than with a table full of delicious treats? From classic hamantaschen to innovative twists on traditional recipes, we’ve got you covered with these mouthwatering Purim desserts and snacks that are sure to impress.
Whether you’re looking for sweet or savory options, our list includes something for everyone. Take a journey around the world with us as we explore flavors and traditions from across the globe. From poppy seed filling to apricot jam, chocolate swirls to raisins and cinnamon, each recipe is carefully crafted to bring a touch of joy and celebration to your Purim table.
Hamantaschen with Poppy Seed Filling
Celebrate the joy of Purim with these traditional Hamantaschen, filled with a sweet and nutty poppy seed filling. These triangular cookies are a beloved treat during this festive holiday.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– Poppy seed filling (see below)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Poppy Seed Filling:
– 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Cut into triangles using a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass.
7. Place a tablespoon of poppy seed filling in the center of each triangle.
8. Fold dough over filling, forming a triangle, and press edges together to seal.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
10. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chocolate-Dipped Hamantaschen
Celebrate the joy of Purim with these decadent chocolate-dipped hamantaschen. This unique twist on the traditional Jewish treat combines rich, velvety chocolate with flaky pastry and sweet fruit filling.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of hamantaschen dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup of fruit filling (such as strawberry or apricot)
– 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out hamantaschen dough and cut into desired shapes.
2. Place a spoonful of fruit filling in the center of each shape. Fold and press edges together to seal.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Melt chocolate chips with butter in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
5. Dip cooled hamantaschen into melted chocolate, letting excess chocolate drip off.
6. Place on parchment paper and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Savory Spinach and Cheese Hamantaschen
Savory Spinach and Cheese Hamantaschen: A Twist on a Classic
These bite-sized treats combine the classic hamantaschen filling with the added bonus of spinach and cheese, creating a deliciously savory and satisfying snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of active dry yeast
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup spinach puree
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 egg, beaten
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast and warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
3. Add flour, spinach puree, cheese, parsley, and egg to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Cut into desired shapes (traditional hamantaschen shapes or squares work well).
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Purim Rugelach with Apricot Jam
Celebrate Purim with a sweet and flaky twist on the classic rugelach recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup apricot jam
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon orange zest
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
3. Spread apricot jam evenly over the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, and cardamom over the jam.
5. Fold the edges of the dough up over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
6. Brush the pastry with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a splash of water) and cut into 8-10 triangles.
7. Place rugelach on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each triangle.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Triple-Layer Honey Cake
A classic dessert with a twist, this triple-layer honey cake combines the warmth of honey and spices with the tender crumb of a traditional cake. Perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add egg and honey; beat until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Beat just until combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 60-75 minutes (3 x 20-25 minutes)
Purim Challah with Raisins and Cinnamon
Celebrate the joy of Purim with this sweet and flavorful challah, perfect for a special holiday treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup warm water
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup raisins
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and yeast.
2. Add sugar, warm water, and melted butter. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place raisins and cinnamon on top of the dough and knead until well combined.
5. Shape into a loaf and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Miniature Fruit-Filled Hamantaschen
These bite-sized hamantaschen are a delightful twist on the traditional Triangular Cookies, filled with sweet and tangy fruit preserves. Perfect for Purim celebrations or as a special treat any time of the year!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Fruit preserves (such as strawberry or raspberry) for filling
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
4. Cut into small squares, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) per side.
5. Place a small spoonful of fruit preserves in the center of each square.
6. Fold the dough over the filling, forming triangles or shapes, and press edges together to seal.
7. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
9. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Purim-Inspired Babka with Chocolate Swirls
Celebrate the joy of Purim with a sweet and indulgent babka, filled with rich chocolate swirls. This recipe combines the traditional Jewish bread with a playful twist, perfect for a festive treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, salt, and melted butter to the mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Roll out the dough into a rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
5. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. Spread evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides.
6. Roll the dough into a tight log, starting from the long side.
7. Place the log onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, seam-side down.
8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Let it cool before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Gluten-Free Almond Hamantaschen
These chewy cookies are filled with a sweet and nutty almond filling, making them the perfect treat for Purim or any time of year. This gluten-free recipe is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– Filling of your choice (e.g. almond paste, jam, or Nutella)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Cut into desired shapes (e.g. triangles, circles).
6. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each cookie.
7. Fold dough over filling to form a triangle or circle shape.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
9. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet before transferring to wire rack.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Persian Purim Cookies (Naan-e Berenji)
Persian Purim Cookies (Naan-e Berenji): A traditional Persian cookie that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, flavored with rose water and saffron.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon rose water
- 1/8 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
- Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add vegetable oil, sugar, egg, rose water, and saffron mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth.
- Shape into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Dust with confectioners’ sugar (if desired). Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Purim Charoset Balls with Dates and Nuts
Celebrate Purim with these bite-sized charoset balls, infused with the sweetness of dates and crunch of nuts. This traditional treat is a perfect addition to your holiday party or as a gift for friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup chopped dates
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped almonds
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon apricot jam
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine dates, oats, brown sugar, and almonds.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the honey and apricot jam over low heat until smooth.
3. Pour the warm mixture over the date mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Shape into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
6. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: None, as this recipe does not require baking or cooking.
Enjoy your delicious Purim Charoset Balls with Dates and Nuts!
Sweet Purim Wine Poached Pears
Sweet Purim Wine Poached Pears Recipe
Sweet and tender pears poached in a fragrant wine syrup, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou work well)
- 1 cup sweet purim wine
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large saucepan, combine sweet purim wine, granulated sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Pearfully cut the pears in half lengthwise and remove the cores. Place the pear halves in the poaching liquid, cut side up.
- Cook the pears for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Strain the poaching liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a serving dish. Add honey to taste. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with cinnamon sticks if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Purim Platter of Assorted Middle Eastern Sweets
Celebrate Purim with a colorful platter of sweet treats inspired by the rich traditions of the Middle East. This assortment of sweets will delight your guests and add a festive touch to your holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of baklava (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup of dates, pitted
– 1 cup of apricots, dried
– 1 cup of pistachios, chopped
– 1/2 cup of rose water syrup (or substitute with orange blossom water)
– 1/4 cup of confectioner’s sugar
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Arrange the baklava pieces on a large platter or tray.
2. Scatter the dates, apricots, and pistachios around the baklava.
3. Drizzle the rose water syrup over the top of the platter.
4. Sprinkle confectioner’s sugar over the sweet treats.
5. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None! Simply assemble the platter and serve.
Purim-Themed Rainbow Cookies
These vibrant cookies are a perfect treat to share with friends and family during the joyous celebration of Purim. With their colorful layers, they’re sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– Food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
3. Gradually mix in flour, adding color as you go (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple). Mix until just combined.
4. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Savory Mushroom and Onion Hamantaschen
These flaky, savory pastries are a delicious twist on the traditional sweet hamantaschen, perfect for a unique Purim celebration. The combination of sautéed mushrooms and onions with thyme and parmesan cheese adds depth and complexity to these bite-sized treats.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and button), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Roll out puff pastry to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut into squares or use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes.
6. Spoon a small amount of mushroom mixture onto one half of each square, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the filling.
7. Fold the other half over the filling to form a triangle or shape of your choice. Press edges together to seal.
8. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Purim Honey and Nut Baklava
Celebrate Purim with a sweet and nutty twist on the classic baklava recipe, featuring honey and nuts.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of phyllo dough (usually found in the freezer section)
– 1 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 cup chopped almonds
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Thaw phyllo dough according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, mix together sugar, honey, cinnamon, and cardamom.
4. Layer the phyllo dough in a 9×13 inch baking dish, brushing each layer with melted butter.
5. Sprinkle chopped nuts evenly over the phyllo layers.
6. Repeat steps 4-5 until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of phyllo on top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Purim Spiced Tea Cookies
Celebrate Purim with a warm and aromatic treat that combines the traditional flavors of spiced tea with sweet, chewy cookies. These flavorful bites are perfect for sharing with friends and family during this joyous holiday.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Vegan Chocolate Hamantaschen
Vegan Chocolate Hamantaschen Recipe
Hamantaschen are traditional Jewish cookies typically filled with fruit preserves or nuts, but we’re giving them a chocolatey twist! These vegan treats are perfect for Purim celebrations or just as a sweet indulgence.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– 1/4 cup non-dairy milk (such as soy or almond)
– 1 egg replacement (such as flaxseed or chia seed)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, cocoa powder, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add chocolate chips, maple syrup, non-dairy milk, and egg replacement. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into shapes of your choice (e.g., triangles or circles).
5. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until firm to the touch.
Purim-Inspired Apple Strudel
Celebrate Purim with a sweet and flaky apple strudel, inspired by the festival’s joyous spirit.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 2-3 apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together sliced apples, granulated sugar, honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
4. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the 1-inch borders up over the apples, then fold in the sides and roll into a neat log shape.
6. Brush the beaten egg over the strudel for a golden glaze.
7. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Traditional Purim Kreplach with Beef Filling
Celebrate the joy of Purim with these classic Jewish dumplings filled with savory beef and served in a rich chicken broth. These kreplach are a beloved tradition in many Jewish communities, especially during the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup warm water
– Filling ingredients:
+ 1 pound ground beef
+ 1 onion, finely chopped
+ 1 egg, beaten
+ 1 tablespoon paprika
+ Salt and pepper to taste
– Chicken broth for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Gradually add warm water and mix until dough forms.
3. Knead dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
4. Divide dough into small balls, about the size of a walnut.
5. Roll out each ball into a thin circle.
6. Place about 1 tablespoon of beef filling in the center of each circle.
7. Fold dough over filling and press edges together to seal.
8. Cook kreplach in boiling water for 10-12 minutes or until they float to the surface.
9. Serve with warm chicken broth.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to celebrate Purim with these 20 festive and delicious recipes! From classic hamantaschen filled with poppy seed or chocolate, to savory options like spinach and cheese, there’s something for everyone. Try your hand at traditional desserts like rugelach, challah, and babka, or go bold with unique treats like Persian cookies, charoset balls, and honey and nut baklava. Plus, find inspiration for vegan and gluten-free options. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to add some Purim flair to your table, these recipes are sure to delight.
