Top 10 NYC Bakeries Serving the Best Hamantaschen for Purim
Bakeries in NYC Serving Hamantaschen
Bakery is an essential factor in New York’s culinary scene. Delve into the rich tradition of Jewish baking in NYC with delightful treats like rugelach, halva and hamantaschen. Hamantaschen are traditional triangle-shaped cookies typically enjoyed as part of the Purim tradition.
Hamantaschen are delicious treats made from a sweet, buttery dough folded around a filling, and then baked until golden brown. They are filled with fruit fillings like apricot, raspberry, strawberry, cherry, and prune. These fillings add a burst of fruity flavor that complements the richness of the pastry dough, creating a delightful combination beloved by many. Some bakery offers other variations with nutella.
In NYC’s bustling bakery scene, numerous establishments offer their own unique twists on this beloved treat, providing locals and visitors alike with the opportunity to savor the flavors of tradition while exploring the city’s diverse culinary landscape. From classic Jewish bakeries to modern patisseries, NYC’s Hamantaschen offerings are sure to delight dessert enthusiasts seeking a taste of cultural heritage.
1. Michaeli Bakery (Lower East Side)
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Michaeli Bakery is renowned for its exceptional hamantaschen, a beloved treat during the Jewish holiday of Purim. What sets Michaeli’s hamantaschen apart is its perfect balance of sweetness and richness, achieved through a secret blend of premium ingredients like organic butter and locally sourced fruit preserves. The dough, meticulously crafted with traditional techniques and a touch of modern flair, yields a tender, buttery pastry that melts in your mouth with every bite. It’s no wonder that patrons rave about Michaeli Bakery’s hamantaschen, praising its irresistible flavor and unparalleled quality.
2. Breads Bakery (Rockefeller Center and More Locations)
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Breads Bakery owner Gadi Peleg previously worked at Breslau Capital as a Managing Partner and attended Columbia University. He brings his homey Middle Eastern cuisine to NoMad. Breads Bakery, with several locations in Manhattan, including Union Square, the Upper West Side, Bryant Park, the Upper East Side and Rockefeller Center is renowned for its exceptional hamantaschen, a highlight during the Jewish holiday of Purim.
Its hamantaschen stand out for its perfectly balanced dough, made with premium ingredients like European butter, and its variety of flavorful fillings, such as traditional poppy seed, decadent chocolate, apricot or savory. They also offer pizza hamantaschen made with mozzarella, parmesan and walnut pesto.
Beyond hamantaschen, Breads Bakery also delights customers with a range of artisanal breads, pastries, and sandwiches. The bake shop serves black and white cookies, chocolate babka, challah, and other gluten-free products like baked goods like coconut chocolate chip cake and flourless brownie cake. All are crafted with the same dedication to quality and taste. Peleg said they are obsessed with freshness and quality when it comes to their products. Visitors love the bakery for its cozy ambiance, friendly service, and irresistible aromas that greet them upon entering, making every visit a memorable experience.
3. William Greenberg Desserts (Upper East Side)
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The bakery is renowned for its exceptional hamantaschen. Its dough is meticulously crafted to achieve the perfect balance of flakiness and tenderness, ensuring each bite is a delightful experience. Customers rave about its hamantaschen for their authentic flavor, nostalgic appeal, and unmistakable quality that comes from decades of baking expertise.
4. Russ & Daughters (Lower East Side)
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Russ & Daughters, a legendary New York City institution, is renowned for its exceptional hamantaschen with the perfect balance of sweet dough and flavorful fillings, crafted with care using traditional recipes passed down through generations. Beyond hamantaschen, it offers an array of other beloved products, including its famous smoked fish, hand-sliced bagels, and gourmet spreads. Customers love the bakery for its commitment to quality, authenticity, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes every visit a memorable experience in the heart of the city.
5. Butterfield Market (UES)
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Butterfield Market is beloved for its warm, inviting atmosphere and commitment to using locally sourced ingredients in their culinary creations. Customers are drawn to the bakery for its diverse selection of freshly baked goods, ranging from artisanal bread to delectable pastries like the triangular cookie — hamantaschen. The friendly and knowledgeable staff add to the appeal, providing exceptional service that makes every visit a delightful experience. With its dedication to quality and a passion for crafting delicious treats, the bakery has earned a loyal following among locals and visitors alike.
6. Bonelle Pastry Shop (Forest Hills)
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Bonella Pastry Shop captivates customers with its rich heritage and commitment to time-honored baking traditions. Known for its exquisite pastries, cakes, and cookies, the bakery delights patrons with a diverse array of sweet treats meticulously crafted with the finest ingredients. The welcoming ambiance and personalized service create a warm and inviting atmosphere that keeps customers returning time and again. With each bite, Bonella Pastry Shop evokes nostalgia and satisfaction, earning the adoration of locals and visitors alike.
7. Orwashers (UES)
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Orwashers Bakery captures the hearts of customers with its artisanal bread and pastries, each crafted with care and expertise. Renowned for its commitment to quality and tradition, the bakery uses time-honored techniques and premium ingredients to create exceptional baked goods. From their signature sourdough loaves to delicate croissants, Orwashers delights patrons with a diverse range of offerings that cater to every palate. The welcoming ambiance and friendly staff further enhance the bakery’s charm, making it a beloved destination for bread lovers and pastry enthusiasts alike.
8. Sander’s Bakery (South Williamsburg)
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Sander’s Bakery holds a special place in the hearts of customers for its dedication to crafting delicious and authentic Jewish baked goods. From traditional challah bread to mouthwatering rugelach, each item is baked with precision and care, reflecting the bakery’s commitment to quality and tradition. The warm and inviting atmosphere, coupled with friendly service, creates a welcoming environment that keeps patrons coming back for more. With its delectable treats and nostalgic charm, Sander’s Bakery has earned the loyalty and affection of both locals and visitors alike.
9. Hungarian Pastry Shop (UWS)
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Hungarian Pastry Shop is cherished by customers for its cozy ambiance and delectable array of Hungarian-inspired pastries and desserts. From flaky strudels to creamy Dobos torte, each delicacy is crafted with authentic recipes passed down through generations, transporting patrons to the streets of Budapest with every bite. The café’s relaxed atmosphere and charming decor provide the perfect setting for enjoying a cup of coffee paired with a sweet treat, making it a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike. With its irresistible pastries and old-world charm, Hungarian Pastry Shop has become a treasured institution in the heart of New York City.
10. Green’s Bakery
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Green’s Bakery is adored by customers for its commitment to crafting mouthwatering kosher pastries and baked goods. Renowned for its traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients, every treat from Green’s exudes homemade goodness and nostalgia. The bakery’s warm and welcoming atmosphere, combined with friendly service, creates a sense of community that keeps patrons coming back time and again. With its delectable offerings and genuine hospitality, Green’s Bakery has earned a loyal following among locals and visitors alike. Also, you can place your order online to try their pastries.
Best Hamantaschen Varieties
Hamantaschen comes in varieties just like breads. Some are serve with chocolate-dipped while others are filled with fruit or chocolate filling.
Kosher Variants
Kosher variants of hamantaschen adhere to strict dietary guidelines in accordance with Jewish dietary laws. These delicious pastries are made with kosher-certified ingredients, ensuring that they meet the religious requirements for consumption during Purim and other Jewish holidays.
Kosher hamantaschen comes in a wide range of flavors, including traditional fillings like poppy seed and prune, as well as modern twists like chocolate and fruit preserves. Whether homemade or purchased from a kosher bakery, these treats provide a delightful way to celebrate Purim while maintaining adherence to religious dietary practices. With their scrumptious flavors and adherence to kosher standards, kosher variants of hamantaschen are cherished by those observing Jewish dietary laws and enjoyed by all who appreciate their delicious taste.
Pizza-Flavored Innovations
This variety of hamantaschen offers a savory twist on the traditional sweet pastry. Filled with a delicious combination of tomato sauce, cheese, and savory toppings such as pepperoni or vegetables, these unique hamantaschen are reminiscent of everyone’s favorite Italian dish and add a fun and unexpected twist to the holiday festivities.
Traditional Hamantaschen Options
The traditional variety showcases a delightful array of classic fillings that have stood the test of time. Poppy seed, apricot, and prune are among the most beloved options, each filling the triangular pastry with rich and flavorful goodness. These timeless flavors evoke the essence of Purim celebrations, bringing joy and nostalgia to those who indulge in them. With their perfect balance of sweetness and tradition, traditional hamantaschen continues to be a cherished part of Purim festivities for generations.
Purim Celebrations
Purim commemorates the Jews’ rescue from a conspiracy to exterminate them during the Persian Empire, as told in the Book of Esther. Every year on Purim, both adults and children don costumes—often portraying narrative characters—and attend the temple to hear the yearly reading of the Book of Esther. In the tale, a King-employed man by the name of Haman schemes to exterminate every Jew. However, a stunning young Jewish orphan named Esther and her Uncle Mordecai derail his plot. Hamantaschen in Hebrew means Haman’s ears.
Purim This Year in NYC
Purim celebrations in NYC this year are anticipated to be vibrant and lively, with various events and festivities planned throughout the city. From lively parades and costume parties to traditional megillah readings and delicious hamantaschen tastings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Despite any challenges posed by current circumstances, the spirit of community and joy will prevail as New Yorkers come together to celebrate this joyous holiday. As the city embraces the traditions of Purim with enthusiasm and creativity, residents and visitors alike can look forward to a memorable and festive celebration in NYC.
Jewish Bakery Traditions
Jewish bakery traditions are deeply rooted in cultural heritage and religious observance, with recipes passed down through generations. These traditions emphasize the use of kosher ingredients and adherence to dietary laws, ensuring that baked goods meet religious standards for consumption. From challah bread to rugelach and hamantaschen, Jewish bakeries continue to preserve and celebrate these time-honored traditions, bringing communities together through the joy of delicious and meaningful treats.
Wrap Up
NYC boasts a diverse array of bakeries offering some of the best bread in the states, including Jewish pastries like hamantaschen. There’s something to satisfy every palate and preference. So why wait? Support your local bakeries and indulge in the delicious delights by picking up a box of hamantaschen today!
