Chocolate Cream Cheese Hamantaschen

As a child, my favorite time of year was Purim. The joy, the costumes, and oh, the food! One treat that always stood out was the delectable Chocolate Cream Cheese Hamantaschen. These delightful cookies are not only a feast for the eyes but also a burst of flavor in every bite. The buttery dough, combined with a creamy filling and a hint of chocolate, creates a unique experience that I can never resist. Every year, my family gathers in the kitchen to make these together, and it’s a cherished tradition that brings us even closer. The smell of freshly baked pastries wafting through the house fills my heart with nostalgia and joy. Making Chocolate Cream Cheese Hamantaschen isn’t just about baking; it’s about creating memories with loved ones, sharing laughter, and indulging in sweet treats that symbolize togetherness. So, let’s dive into this recipe and recreate that cherished experience!

Recipe Ingredients for Chocolate Cream Cheese Hamantaschen

When it comes to baking, quality ingredients make all the difference. The combination of flour, cream cheese, and a touch of chocolate creates a delightful harmony of flavors in these Chocolate Cream Cheese Hamantaschen. Let’s explore what you’ll need to bring this recipe to life.

• 5 cups Flour: The foundation of our dough, giving it structure and texture.
• 1 pound Vegetable Shortening (room temperature): This adds richness and keeps the dough tender.
• 1 cup Pineapple Juice: A surprising twist that adds moisture and a hint of sweetness.
• 1/2 cup Sugar: Sweetens the dough just right.
• 1 teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
• 1 1/2 cups Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a slight caramel flavor.
• 6 ounces Cream Cheese: The star of our filling, providing a creamy and rich texture.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla: An essential flavor that brings everything together.
• 1 cup Chocolate Chips: Adds indulgent chocolatey goodness to the filling.

Preparation Steps for Chocolate Cream Cheese Hamantaschen

Ready to create something special? Follow these simple steps to bring your Chocolate Cream Cheese Hamantaschen to life. Just gather your ingredients, and let’s get started!

1. Begin by mixing all the ingredients together in a large bowl until a soft dough forms. Using a stand mixer for this step will make the process easier and faster, but you can also do it by hand if you prefer. Just ensure that the dough is well combined.
2. Once the dough is mixed, knead it into a ball and transfer it to a bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least a few hours or overnight. This chilling process helps the flavors meld and makes the dough easier to work with.
3. While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. Cut the cream cheese into small chunks and combine it in a bowl with the chocolate chips, brown sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until the filling is well combined and smooth.
4. After the chilling time is up, remove the dough from the refrigerator. If it feels too hard, let it sit out for about 15 to 20 minutes to soften slightly. Divide the dough into four manageable pieces.
5. Take one piece at a time and roll it out on a lightly floured surface using a rolling pin. Aim for a thin layer, as the cookies will puff up during baking. Keep your rolling pin floured to prevent sticking.
6. Once rolled out, use a round cutter to cut the dough into 3 to 4-inch circles. Place these circles onto an ungreased cookie sheet, ensuring there’s enough space between each one.
7. Now for the fun part—fill them! Place a teaspoon of the chocolate filling in the center of each circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause them to spill out during baking.
8. To shape the hamantaschen, fold the left side of the circle towards the center, covering a third of the circle. Then fold the right side over, slightly overlapping the left flap to create a triangular shape.
9. Finally, fold the bottom flap up to secure the shape, ensuring that the left side of this flap tucks under the left corner of the triangle while the right side overlaps. Pinch the corners gently but firmly to secure your pretty cookies.
10. Repeat this process for the remaining circles of dough. Once all your hamantaschen are shaped, bake them in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 to 25 minutes. Bake until they turn a light golden brown, then cool them on a wire rack before serving.

Ways to Customize

Looking to put your unique spin on traditional Chocolate Cream Cheese Hamantaschen? Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different fillings such as peanut butter, fruit preserves, or even different types of chocolate!
• Alternative Sweeteners: Consider using honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to make these cookies accessible to everyone.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use coconut oil as a shortening for a vegan-friendly version.
• Festive Decorations: After baking, consider dusting your hamantaschen with powdered sugar or drizzling them with melted chocolate for an extra touch.

Side Dish Ideas for Chocolate Cream Cheese Hamantaschen

These delightful Chocolate Cream Cheese Hamantaschen can shine in various settings, making them perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving ideas:

• Coffee or Tea Pairing: These cookies make an excellent companion for your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Their rich filling complements the warmth of your favorite beverage.
• Snack for Any Time: Enjoy them as a sweet snack during the day; these cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
• Holiday Celebrations: Serve them at your Purim celebration or any festive gathering, as they are sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.
• Make-Ahead Treat: Prepare batches in advance and store them, making them a quick dessert option for unexpected visitors.
• Seasonal Touch: Consider incorporating seasonal flavors like pumpkin or spices during the fall or citrus flavors in the spring!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Chocolate Cream Cheese Hamantaschen is a delightful treat that combines rich flavors and a fun tradition. They not only taste delicious but also bring a sense of joy and celebration to any occasion. I invite you to try making these cookies in your kitchen; they’re sure to become a beloved favorite for you and your loved ones. So gather your ingredients and let the baking magic begin!

Chocolate Cream Cheese Hamantaschen

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Chocolate Cream Cheese Hamantaschen. These delightful cookies, filled with a luscious chocolate cream cheese mixture, are the perfect treat for any celebration. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they are sure to delight your family and friends. Why not try making them tonight?

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 70 cookies

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: Jewish

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 5 cups Flour
• 1 pound Vegetable Shortening room temperature
• 1 cup Pineapple Juice
• 1/2 cup Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 1/2 cups Brown Sugar
• 6 ounces Cream Cheese
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla
• 1 cup Chocolate Chips

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Frying Pan
• Food Processor
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Mix all ingredients together until soft dough forms. The easiest way to do this is with a stand mixer.
2. Knead the dough into a ball, place into a bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for a few hours to overnight.
3. Cut the cream cheese into small chunks. Mix together all filing ingredients until well combined.
4. Remove dough from refrigerator. If the dough has turned hard, allow to soften for 15-20 minutes. Divide the dough into four pieces.
5. Pound each piece out, one at a time, then use a rolling pin to roll out the dough on a floured surface. The dough should be rolled quite thin, as cookies will puff up during baking. Note: As the dough warms it will become sticky. Keep your rolling pin lightly coated in flour to prevent it from sticking.
6. Cut the dough into 3-4 inch circles. Place circles onto ungreased cookie sheet.
7. Place a teaspoon of filling into the center of each circle. Do not use more than a teaspoon of filling, or you run the risk of your hamantaschen opening and filling spilling out during baking.
8. Assemble the hamantaschen in three steps. First, grasp the left side of the circle and fold it towards the center to make a flap that covers the left third of the circle.
9. Grasp the right side of the circle and fold it towards the center, overlapping the upper part of the left side flap to create a triangular tip at the top of the circle. A small triangle of filling should still be visible in the center.
10. Grasp the bottom part of the circle and fold it upward to create a third flap and complete the triangle. When you fold this flap up, be sure to tuck the left side of this new flap underneath the left side of the triangle, while letting the right side of this new flap overlap the right side of the triangle. This way, each side of your triangle has a corner that folds over and a corner that folds under– it creates a “pinwheel” effect. This method of folding is not only pretty– it will help to keep the cookies from opening while they bake.
11. Pinch each corner of the triangle gently but firmly to secure the shape.
12. Repeat this process for the remaining circles. When all of your hamantaschen have been filled, bake them on the ungreased cookie sheet at 400 degrees F for 20-25 minutes till cookies turn light golden brown. Remove the cookies from the pan and cool them on a wire rack. Cool the cookie sheet completely before making more cookies.

Notes

• Kosher Note: Cookie Dough Pareve, Filling Dairy

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Meet Harper Dean

I love the creative challenge of making weeknight dinners feel special without the fuss. I work alongside the team to develop and test recipes that are reliable but never dull. I prepared this meal in my own kitchen, refining the steps to make sure your cooking experience is smooth, fun, and delicious.