You don’t need to observe the Jewish holiday Purim to make these buttery cherry-filled cookies. This Hamantaschen recipe appeals to any sweet tooth.
Purim translates to “lots,” and its cheerful celebrations include everything from doing charity work to wearing costumes to exchanging gifts of food.
Legend has it the Hamantaschen pastry is named for a villain, Haman, whose plan to kill Jewish people of the 4th-century Persian Empire was thwarted by Esther, Queen of Persia. Purim is a centuries-long tradition of revelry in her victory.
Hamantaschen cookies are said to represent everything from Babylonian-era dice to Haman’s triangular hat to his ears. Regardless of what inspired them, we think you’ll find this recipe’s a winner.