A Heart-Healthy Twist on a Purim Classic: Apricot–Walnut Hamantaschen

Published On: February 9, 20262 min read

Purim is a holiday filled with joy, generosity, and celebration. From dressing in costumes to sharing mishloach manot (gift baskets) and enjoying festive treats, Purim reminds us to lean into community, connection, and laughter.

And yes—there’s always room for dessert.

This Purim, we’re offering a heart-healthy twist on one of the holiday’s most beloved traditions: hamantaschen. With a few simple swaps, this recipe keeps all the flavor and symbolism while supporting heart health and overall wellness.

Why Heart Health Matters—Even During Celebrations

Caring for our hearts doesn’t mean skipping celebrations or favorite foods. It means finding balance and making thoughtful choices that support long-term wellness—especially important as we age.

These lighter hamantaschen are:

  • Lower in saturated fat

  • Higher in fiber

  • Made with heart-healthy fats

  • Naturally sweetened

They’re a wonderful example of how tradition and wellness can live side by side.

Heart-Healthy Apricot–Walnut Hamantaschen

This version features whole wheat flour, olive oil, and a naturally sweet filling made from dried apricots and walnuts—ingredients known to support heart health.

Why These Ingredients Work

  • Whole wheat flour provides fiber that supports healthy cholesterol levels

  • Olive oil replaces butter with heart-healthy unsaturated fats

  • Apricots add natural sweetness, fiber, and antioxidants

  • Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart and brain health

Ingredients

Dough

  • 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • ⅓ cup pure maple syrup or honey

  • ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • Zest of 1 orange (optional)

Filling

  • ¾ cup dried apricots, finely chopped

  • ¼ cup walnuts, finely chopped

  • 1 tablespoon orange juice or water

  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough
    In a bowl, whisk together the egg, maple syrup, olive oil, vanilla, and orange zest. In a separate bowl, combine flours, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix wet and dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.

  2. Make the filling
    Combine apricots, walnuts, cinnamon, and orange juice or water until the mixture is thick but spreadable.

  3. Shape the hamantaschen
    Roll dough to about ⅛-inch thickness. Cut into 3-inch circles. Place about 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of each circle and pinch the sides to form a triangle.

  4. Bake
    Bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden.

  5. Cool and enjoy
    Allow cookies to cool before serving so flavors can fully develop.

A Sweet Way to Celebrate with Intention

Purim teaches us about resilience, generosity, and caring for one another. Choosing recipes that nourish our bodies while honoring tradition is one small—but meaningful—way to live out those values.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or your community, these heart-healthy hamantaschen are a delicious reminder that wellness and celebration belong at the same table.

Chag Purim Sameach!