Creamsicle Hamentaschen Cookies (Print Version)
Vanilla-orange hamentaschen with creamy creamsicle filling for a festive Purim treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dough
01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 tablespoons orange juice
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - 1 teaspoon orange zest
→ Creamsicle Filling
10 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
11 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
12 - 2 teaspoons orange zest
13 - 2 tablespoons orange marmalade
14 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
# How to Make It:
01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until pale, light, and fluffy.
03 - Add the egg, orange juice, vanilla extract, and orange zest to the butter mixture. Beat until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
05 - In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, orange zest, orange marmalade, and vanilla extract. Stir until completely smooth and creamy with no lumps remaining.
06 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
07 - On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Using a 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut out as many circles as possible, re-rolling scraps as needed.
08 - Place 1 teaspoon of the creamsicle filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the edges upward to form a triangle, pinching the three corners firmly to seal.
09 - Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading.
10 - Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The dough comes together with orange juice and zest, so every bite carries a whisper of citrus even before you reach the filling.
- The cream cheese center stays soft and tangy, reminiscent of actual creamsicle ice cream rather than just fruit jam.
- They look stunning on a cookie platter without requiring any decorating skills beyond a good pinch.
02 -
- If the dough gets too warm while you are working, it will stick and the triangles will open up in the oven, so keep popping it back in the fridge between batches.
- Do not overfill the centers, or the filling will bubble out and your beautiful triangles will look like they exploded.
03 -
- Grate your orange zest directly into the bowl rather than measuring it on a spoon first, because the oils release more intensely when fresh.
- The dough tastes better after a full overnight rest in the fridge, so if you have the time, make it a day ahead.