Recipe Review: Earl Grey and Apricot Hamantaschen

Introduction

This is the best cookie in Dessert Person and one of the best cookies I’ve ever had. The recipe is fairly involved, but it’s worth the effort. Claire says that you can swap out making the earl grey and apricot filling with a store-bought alternative. Don’t do that. Or at the very least only try some store-bought preserves/jams in addition to the earl grey and apricot. It’s arguably the star of the recipe.

Recipe Outline

Recipe: Earl Grey and Apricot Hamantaschen	Special Equipment: Food Processor
Source: Dessert Person	Time: 5 hours
Author: Claire Saffitz	Difficulty: 3/5
Type: Dessert (Baking)	Score: ★★★★★

Making The Dough

Tip: To get a nicely wrapped and rolled slab follow these steps:

Lay down a long piece of plastic wrap with much excess length, about 3 times the length of the longer side of the dough.
Lay down the dough atop the plastic wrap so that the longer side is on the longer side of the plastic.
Fold the longer sides of the plastic wrap in and over the dough, to the point that they meet or come close to meeting.
Fold the two other two sides of the plastic wrap in wards to the end of the dough on the opposite side; the dough will be completely covered now.
Flip the dough over and roll the excess into the corners gently with a rolling pin until the slab is even.

Making The Filling

Tip 1: It can take a very long time for the filling to cook to the point that a dragged spoon will leave a mark that doesn’t immediately disappear. You may be tempted to stop earlier, but don’t. The filling will reach a point where it suddenly achieves the right consistency to achieve that indicator. Remember to cook to the indicator and not the time.

Tip 2: If using a store-brought filling make sure you buy one that is thick. If not it will start to seep out of cookie during baking.

Assembling And Baking The Cookie

Tip 1: Fold the cookies tightly because they will expand outwards as they bake.

Tip 2: Be careful to not get the egg wash under the cookie. It can cause the bottom to burn.

Final Product

Key Takeaways

The earl grey and apricot filling is incredible. You will have enough dough to try other fillings though. Make sure you use a thick jam or preserve if trying other fillings.
It’s very difficult to make the cookies all look identical given the precise folding and how they expand during baking. They will all taste great, though.
Final Score: 5/5 – A nearly perfect cookie. This one is a must-do.