There are few things as exciting as Purim season! Fun fact: I was born on Purim back in the early 90s, so it is without-a-doubt my favorite holiday. For those of you who are not familiar, Purim is a Jewish holiday that celebrates perserverance of good over evil. (More on the history below👇🏼)

We celebrate by eating triangular foods #hamantaschen and wearing costumes (similar to the American Halloween). 🎭

This year the Zikster and I made so many cookies for the holiday and went out on a little date to give them out to out to all of our friends in anticpation of the weekend!

Today: Purim Cookies 🎭

1. History + Origin: Purim & Hamantaschen

2. 🍊 Pistachio Orange Hamantaschen Cookie Recipe

3. 🍫 Nutella Hamantaschen Cookie Recipe

📜 History + Origin: Purim & Hamantaschen

Purim, a significant Jewish holiday commemorating the salvation of the Jewish people from the treacherous Haman, is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative of Esther. During this festivity, the Book of Esther is recited, recounting how Esther's courage thwarted Haman's plot to annihilate the Jews in Persia. The celebration encompasses various customs, including dressing in costumes, staging parades and plays, organizing carnivals, and indulging in special pastries and festive meals. Additionally, acts of charity such as matanot l'evyonim and the exchange of food baskets, known as mishloach manot, are prevalent during Purim, fostering community bonds and compassion.

Ashkenazi Jews hold a distinctive culinary tradition associated with Purim, prominently featuring triangular-shaped foods like Hamantaschen. These pastries, with a history tracing back to medieval Europe, were originally called Mohntaschen, referring to their filling of poppy seeds and pocket-like shape. Over time, the name shifted to Hamantaschen, a nod to the villain Haman, whose pockets supposedly overflowed with bribe money. The triangular design of the Hamantaschen has been subject to multiple interpretations, from symbolizing Haman's hat to embodying the strength of Queen Esther's lineage through the three patriarchs. Meanwhile, in Israel, these treats are known as oznei haman, drawing from a Midrashic tale depicting Haman's humiliation and clipped ears post-defeat, serving as a symbolic gesture to obliterate his memory.

Traditionally, consuming Haman's pockets or ears during Purim symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, a practice passed down through generations to commemorate the miraculous events surrounding the holiday. Today, these delectable pastries not only preserve cultural heritage but also serve as a sweet accompaniment to the vibrant and joyous celebrations of Purim, igniting spirits and fostering unity among communities.

🍊 Pistachio Orange Hamantaschen

Dear, awesome YASSSletter reader. Zikki here, coming to you on behalf of these insane cookies. You MUST make these cookies. I’ve had alot of Hamantaschen in my day, but never has one stopped me in my tracks, like this. The flaky cookie dough in these cookies in incredibly special, as it is infused with orange zest and stands perfectly salted serving as an excellent foundation for the decadent and course pistachio filling. Sweet and savory, these cookies will have you reaching for one more, every time.

Serve with a glorious cappuccino or an afternoon tea!

🍫 Nutella Hamantaschen

Tiny, triangular, and terrific for a snack at any time of the day, these Nutella Hamantaschen will have you baking all weekend long! Gingis, please note that almost everyone over cookies these cuties - and the secret is to take them out of the over JUST as they begin to change color - don't want for them to full turn!