Millionaire’s Shortbread Hamantaschen

24k hamantaschen magic in the air!! Millionaire’s Shortbread Hamantaschen are a buttery cookie dough, stuffed with rich caramel and chocolate glaze. The result is totally Esther-worthy. Edible gold is optional.

Purim is arguably the most fun of all the Jewish holidays.

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But what is Purim? Glad you asked!

According to the story of Purim, years ago (around 400 BCE), the Persian queen, Esther, saved all the Jews from the murderous plot of the king’s advisor, Haman. She did so by revealing her hidden Jewish identity under the guide of her cousin, Mordechai. So we rejoice and celebrate Esther! Here are my top reasons why Purim is the best.

Purim Costumes

Move over Halloween. Kids and adults alike dress up and wear masks as a nod to Esther and her hidden identity. Wearing costumes is also a reference to the miracle of Purim that masqueraded as natural events. Some dress as traditional heroes Esther or Mordechai, but you can get as creative as you like with your costume choices. 

Purim Carnivals

Once you are all dressed up, you go to a carnival to show off your ensemble, play games, do crafts and of course eat hamantaschen. These festivals are generally geared towards kids, but I see no reason why you can’t have an adult Purim carnival.

Drinking on Purim

And speaking of adult activities, the story of Purim tells us to rejoice by getting so drunk (for the legal crowd, of course) you cannot distinguish the evil Haman from the hero Mordechai. You don’t have to tell me twice. 

Booo Haman

When the story of Purim is read, we are supposed to boo and shake noisemakers called groggers whenever the name of the evil Haman is mentioned. A fun yet therapeutic way to get any modern day stresses out too. 

Mishloach Manot and Purim Charity

Purim is not all about hedonism; we give back too. It is traditional to give mishloach manot aka Purim gift baskets filled with snacks to friends and family. We also donate to the poor to show gratitude for being saved and to share the joy of the holiday so everyone can celebrate. 

Why do we eat hamantaschen on Purim?

I saved the best for last. Most Jewish holidays revolve around food and Purim is pretty much synonymous with the hamantaschen. These triangular shaped cookies, representing the fashionable three-cornered hat Haman was known to sport, are traditionally filled with apricot, poppy seed or prune, though non-traditional fillings have gotten quite trendy. 

However popular the Purim cookie is, it is also plagued (no Passover pun intended) by a less than stellar reputation. They are known to be dry, with fillings that leave something to be desired. For a holiday as glorious as Purim, I wanted to make an Esther-worthy hamantaschen. I started thinking of my favorite flavor combinations and recalled the appropriately named Millionaire’s Shortbread. Buttery shortbread, topped with a layer of caramel and a coating of chocolate. These are the hamantaschen Esther deserves.

Get the full recipe for Millionaire’s Shortbread Hamantaschen on Food Network!