The most well-known item on a Purim menu is the hamantaschen, a triangular cookie that symbolizes Haman’s 3-pointed hat, the villain in the story of Queen Esther. While hamantaschen always have their distinctive shape, they can be filled with anything. Growing up, my  Bubbe (Yiddish for “grandma”) would fill them with either prunes or poppy seeds—and while I loved them, they were a tough sell on the playground for my friends. I didn’t know many 6–year–olds who thought that prunes deserved a place on your dessert spread.   

I’ve made it my mission to upgrade our favorite Purim treat and give it an Italian flair. I’ve combined the traditional hamantaschen cookie with another favorite: a rich, creamy and flavorful tiramisu. Bursting with bitter coffee, a touch of rich cocoa and tangy cream cheese, these hamantaschen take the cake.  

No matter if you fold or pinch your hamantaschen, be sure to use an egg wash to help them keep their shapes.