There’s nobody in the world who can say no to a cookie. If you have a sweet tooth, you need to try Jewish cookies and desserts that are enjoyed on holidays and special occasions.
These cookies are made using ingredients like coconut, dried fruit, prunes, chocolate, and honey, all of which are usually available in a well-stocked kitchen pantry. This means you can easily try your hand at recipes for Jewish cookies at home and enjoy them whenever you want!
Some of the Jewish cookies mentioned in this article require special cooking or preparation techniques. If you are an expert baker or cook, there is no doubt that you can nail the recipe for these Jewish treats on the first try.
If you want to impress your guests and family members and surprise them with a delicious treat, choose some of the best Jewish cookies mentioned below to enjoy.
Here Are Some of the Best Jewish Cookies You Must Try
Rugelach
If you are a fan of Jewish sweet treats, you must have surely tried Rugelach. Rugelach is one of the most popular Jewish treats that is enjoyed on different Jewish holidays. The cookie originated from Eastern Europe and was popular among Jewish immigrants who made it even after arriving in New York.
Rugelach have a horned cookie shape and often contain filling and flavorings such as raspberry, apricot, cinnamon, or chocolate. These can be found in bakeries all across the country and are even quite easy to make at home.
There are also savory versions of rugelach available at many stores and I’ve even seen a spicy pizza rugelach before!
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Duvshaniot
If you have a sweet tooth and aren’t hesitant to try overpoweringly sugary treats, you will love the Israeli treat, Duvshaniot. Duvshaniot is a type of honey cookie that is most commonly enjoyed for Jewish holidays and the shiva.
These honey cookies are prepared with care and taste crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Many people believe that these Jewish honey cookies originated from the German lebkuchen, which is a kind of gingerbread cookie.
Hamantaschen
Every Jewish person you will ever meet will swear that their mom’s Hamantaschen recipe is the best. Although the recipe for Hamantaschen may vary slightly for each family, the cookie’s delicious taste and triangular shape usually stay consistent.
These triangle-shaped cookies are usually enjoyed during the Purim holidays, and there are many traditional stories regarding why Jews eat Hamantaschen for the holidays. The most common belief is that the three-corned cookie resembles the hat worn by the villain Haman.
Any hamantaschen made using a traditional recipe is filled with apricot, chocolate, poppy seed, or prune filling. Nowadays, you can find hamantaschen in stores all across the country. These cookies are available in various flavors, and you can choose your favorite one from the store. If you are up for a small challenge, you can even make your own hamantaschen at home.
Tayglach
Tayglach is another delicious type of Jewish cookie that is made of dough and honey. For this cookie, you need to make many small dough balls and then boil them in honey syrup to cook them to perfection.
After you have prepared Tayglach, you need to arrange them in a beautiful tower of sweetness, so your guests can marvel at the presentation as well as the cookies’ taste. These cookies are usually enjoyed for Rosh Hashanah since sweets and honey are considered to be symbolic treats for a happy and sweet new year.
If you have tried strufoli, an Italian dessert made with frying dough balls and soaking in honey syrup, you may find some resemblance between it and tayglach.
Rainbow Cookies
Although rainbow cookies aren’t technically Jewish desserts, these cookies may as well be Jewish since they are always present on the table during Jewish holidays.
Rainbow cookies can be more accurately called a stacked cake which is cut into small squares. Usually, the colors of the layers of the cake are green, white, and red, which resembles the Italian flag.
Nevertheless, these delicious, colorful treats have become a staple at Jewish delis, synagogue events, and brises.
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Baklava
You may be surprised to see the Greek or Turkish Baklava on the list of Jewish cookies, but it is important to note that Jews also originate from Greece and Turkey.
Baklava is a one-of-a-kind cookie made with delicate layers of phyllo dough and honey syrup. You will also find a variety of ground nuts between the layers, which provide extra texture and taste when you bite into the treat.
Although Baklava may not be a famous Jewish treat in America, it is quite loved by Jews throughout the Middle East region, especially in Israel.
Mandelbrot
Mandelbrot translated to ‘almond bread’ in Yiddish, which can also be called a twice-baked cookie, similar to biscotti.
Mandelbrot is popular among Jews in Italy, and they are responsible for providing its recipe to their German friends and family. Mandelbrot tastes delicious on its own but is recommended to try with hot tea or coffee.
Kichel
If you want to try some of the best-tasting yet easy-to-make Jewish cookies, you need to try a recipe for kichel.
Kichel (aka bow-tie cookies) are made simply with a flour dough that is rolled out, covered in sugar, twisted in the shape of bow ties, and fried or baked.
Although they do not have any fancy fillings, these cookies taste delicious when paired with coffee or tea.
These cookies are most commonly enjoyed by adults since they can be too crisp, crumbly, or dry for children’s liking. Nevertheless, if you ever come across these cookies in the store, or want to make them at home, don’t hesitate to give them a try.
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Black and White Cookies
These black and white Jewish cookies are loved by children, adults, and seniors. They are more similar to a cake texture than a cookie since they are chewier and softer than a crisp cookie.
To make black and white cookies at home, you can simply scoop cake batter into rounds and bake them to golden perfection. It is a Jewish cookie that is popular among Jewish Americans living in New York.
No matter which New York Jewish deli or store you visit, you will always be able to find a packet of black and white cookies to treat yourself and your loved ones. The black and white cookies’ popularity can be owed to Jerry Seinfeld as well, who stated, “Look to the cookie!”
Best Jewish Cookies – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the name of the most popular Jewish cookie?
Rugelach is a well-known Jewish cookie that has been popular among Jews around the world. It can be found easily in various Jewish bakeries as well as superstores all over America. Rugelach roughly translates to “little twists” in Yiddish and has Jewish (Polish) origins.
Can Jews have all types of cookies?
Many orthodox Jews have no problem eating most cookies. However, you need to take care to be on the safe side and avoid eating cookies that say OU-D or dairy on the packaging.
Are Hamantaschen cookies Jewish?
Hamantaschen cookies are traditionally Ashkenazi Jewish triangular cookies that are technically filled pocket-pastry. These pastries are most commonly associated with Purim, a Jewish holiday, and the villain in the Purim story called Haman. The name of cookies is also traditionally Hebrew, which translates to Haman’s ears.
What is the Purim cookie called?
The Purim cookie is called Hamantaschen, which is a triangular-shaped cookie served during the Jewish holiday of Purim, which starts on Wednesday. In the days leading up to the holiday, Peleg can actually sell up to 10,000 Hamantaschen cookies a day. These cookies can contain a variety of fillings, such as chocolate, jam, or poppy seeds.
What are some examples of kosher cookies?
Some popular examples of kosher cookies are Torah cookies, blondies, whole wheat cookies, and almond horseshoes.
You Absolutely Will Not Find a Better Rugelach Recipe Than This One
Rugelach is a delicious pastry-like cookie. This treat is very popular in Jewish communities. Rugelach can be in many flavors, and you can use different fillings. In this video, we decided to make you discover the Chocolate Rugelach. The dough is rich and flaky, while the chocolate filling has a cinnamon punch that makes it perfect. We recommend you try it yourself! This cookie is quite easy to prepare, and it looks awesome!
Summary
Jewish cookies are incredibly diverse and originate from all over the world. They are most commonly enjoyed during Jewish holidays and you can often find them at synagogue events and parties.
The Jewish cookies mentioned in this article can be bought from the store for a special event or made at home along with children using simple ingredients.
No matter if you try store-bought or homemade Jewish cookies, the taste of these sweet treats will surely impress you, and you will become an instant fan.
My name is Jay and I started this website to share my love of Deli Food. I am Jewish with Italian ancestry and grandparents who emigrated to the US from Poland, Russia and Turkey. This website is my celebration of the delicious flavors of international deli culture. Please feel free to send me your suggestions and feedback through the contact form.
