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If there is ever a cookie that knows how to multitask, it’s Lemon Glazed Chocolate Hamantaschen. These little triangles show up loud, proud, and unapologetically extra. First, they honor history. Then, they steal the entire Purim party without even trying.
So, let’s rewind. Purim is a joyful Jewish holiday that celebrates survival, courage, and dramatic plot twists. The story comes from the Book of Esther. The villain is Haman. He is a power-hungry official who plans to wipe out the Jewish people. Spoiler alert. He fails. Hard. Therefore, Purim becomes a celebration filled with costumes, noise, wine, and cookies. Especially cookies.
Enter hamantaschen. Traditionally, these triangular pastries represent Haman’s hat, pockets, or ears, depending on who you ask. Either way, they are symbolic, delicious, and deeply rooted in Ashkenazi Jewish baking traditions from Eastern Europe. However, tradition also likes a remix. And that’s where Lemon Glazed Chocolate Hamantaschen strut onto the scene.
Instead of plain dough, this version goes full chocolate. Rich. Dark. Slightly dramatic. Furthermore, the filling skips poppy seeds and jams and goes straight for semi-sweet chocolate chips. Because obviously. As a result, every bite feels indulgent and just a little rebellious. Purim would approve. Here’s a little secret. I put black pepper into the chocolate dough. Becasue it gives the cookie a bit more oomph.
Lovely Lemon Glaze
Then comes the glow-up. Once cooled, these cookies get drizzled with a lemon sugar glaze made from powdered sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice. The citrus cuts through the chocolate. The sweetness pops. Consequently, balance is restored to the universe. Or at least on your dessert plate.
Lemon Glazed Chocolate Hamantaschen are not shy cookies. They demand attention. In addition, they photograph beautifully, which is crucial in modern holiday survival. One bite delivers chocolate richness. The next brings zesty brightness. Together, they taste like joy.
So yes, this version bends tradition. But they keep the spirit. They tell an ancient story with modern flair. And honestly, that feels very on brand for Purim. Bake them. Share them. Make noise. And always boo Haman.
Chocolate Lemon Glazed Hamantaschen
Ingredients
Chocolate Dough:
- 2+1/4
cups
flour - 1/4
cup
cocoa powder - 1
teaspoon
ground black pepper - 1/4
teaspoon
salt - 3/4
cup
butter
cut into pieces - 2/3
cup
sugar - 1
teaspoon
vanilla - 1
egg
Filling:
- 1
cup
semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Glaze:
- 1
cup
powdered sugar - 2
tablespoons
freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
Make the dough:
-
Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
-
Cream together butter and sugar.
-
Mix in vanilla and egg.
-
Turn the mixer down to a low speed.
-
Slowly add dry ingredients until incorporated into the dough.
-
Pick up the dough and knead by hand just until a smooth dough forms.
-
Form into a disk, wrap in plastic cling film, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Make the Hamantaschen:
-
Preheat oven to 350F.
-
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
-
Remove dough from the fridge and roll out (about 1/8 inch thick).*
-
Cut with a 3.5″round cookie cutter.
-
Place a small amount of chocolate chips in the middle.
-
Fold the bottom piece up and tuck the corners under the others on top.
-
Add some more chocolate chips into the well.
-
Place in the freezer for 10 minutes.
-
Bake for 10-12 minutes.
-
Transfer to a wire rack positioned over a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
-
Let cool completely.
Glaze the Hamantaschen:
-
Whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice.
-
Dip the hamantaschen in the glaze and replace them on the rack.
-
When the glaze has hardened completely, plate and serve.
Recipe Notes
*If the dough is cracking when you roll it out. Knead it with your hands to warm it up until it’s pliable.
So, do you like these Lemon Glazed Chocolate Hamantaschen? Then also check out some of these other delicious recipes:
PRESERVED LIME DEVILED EGGS
SPELT BROWN SUGAR HAMANTASHEN WITH RED CURRANT AGAVE FILLING
CHOCOLATE RED WINE GUGELHUPF
