Humentashen(Cookies)

Prep: 20 min

Humentashen cookies are tender pastries filled with sweet poppy seed or jam, perfect for traditional gatherings or afternoon treats with a delightful, nutty flavor.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla
  • 1 3/4 cups flour
  • 1 can poppy seed filling or 1 1/2 cups jam

Instructions

  1. Cream butter and sugar together until smooth.
  2. Add egg and vanilla extract; beat until well combined.
  3. Mix in flour and baking powder until a dough forms.
  4. Chill the dough for 20 minutes before shaping and filling.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and adding a pinch of salt. You can substitute the poppy seed filling with any jam of your choice, such as apricot or raspberry, to suit your taste. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour while rolling it out. Chilling the dough is crucial; it helps maintain the shape during baking.

Serving Suggestions

These humentashen are delightful on their own but can be served with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon snack. They also make a great addition to holiday gatherings, alongside other treats like Holiday Biscotti.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover humentashen in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to a month. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, ensuring they stay crisp.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Humentashen(Cookies) contains roughly 1560 calories, with 7g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 125g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (35% of the Daily Value) and calcium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 922mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).

1560 kcal 78% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.2g 14% DV
Total Fat 125.2g 100% DV
Carbs 102.2g 37% DV
Fiber 4.5g 16% DV
Sugar 22.3g 45% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 921.7mg 40% DV
Potassium 498.3mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 377.4mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 20mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 0.6mg 1% DV
Calcium 438mg 34% DV
Iron 6.2mg 35% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but it may result in a denser cookie. You might want to start with a 50/50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour to maintain some lightness.

What other fillings can I use for humentashen?

Besides poppy seed filling, you can use a variety of fruit jams or preserves, such as apricot, cherry, or even chocolate spread. Experimenting with different fillings can lead to exciting flavor combinations.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully before baking.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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