Main page
Recipes
Special Israeli Dishes
Poppy Seed Hamantaschen Recipe – A Sweet Israeli Tradition

Poppy Seed Hamantaschen Recipe – A Sweet Israeli Tradition

Celebrate heritage with a beloved Purim pastry

A sweet taste of tradition, these poppy seed hamantaschen are a cherished part of Israeli and Jewish culture. Each bite connects you to generations of family stories and the enduring spirit of celebration.

27 November 13:07

Discover the heartfelt tradition behind poppy seed hamantaschen, a beloved Israeli treat with roots in Jewish heritage. This recipe brings a taste of Israel into your home while supporting families who lovingly craft these meaningful delights.

A Sweet Treat with Heart

Poppy seeds are a source of dietary fiber and essential minerals like calcium and iron.
Homemade hamantaschen allow you to control ingredients, reducing added sugars and preservatives.
Baking together can be a joyful, stress-relieving activity that strengthens family bonds.

What You'll Need

All-purpose flour

2 ½ cups

Sugar

½ cup

Baking powder

1 tsp

Salt

¼ tsp

Unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)

1 cup

Eggs

Vanilla extract

1 tsp

Poppy seed filling (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup

Baking Tips from Our Israeli Kitchen

For the best texture, chill your dough before rolling it out. When sealing the corners, pinch them firmly so the filling stays inside while baking. And don’t overfill—just a teaspoon of poppy seed mixture is enough for each cookie.

How to Make Poppy Seed Hamantaschen

1

1

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until a dough forms. Wrap and chill for 1 hour.
2

2

Roll and Cut

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut into 3-inch circles using a cookie cutter or glass.
3

3

Fill and Shape

Place a teaspoon of poppy seed filling in the center of each circle. Fold edges to form a triangle, pinching corners to seal.
4

4

Bake

Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until lightly golden. Cool on a wire rack.

The Story Behind the Pastry

FAQ

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling it out.

Are there other fillings I can use besides poppy seed?

Traditional hamantaschen are filled with poppy seed, but you can also use fruit preserves, chocolate, or even date paste for variety.

How long do poppy seed hamantaschen stay fresh?

Hamantaschen are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.