These traditional Rosh Hashanah foods are rich in meaning and symbolism. How many of these stories did you know?
Do You Know These Symbolic Rosh Hashanah Foods?
Updated on Sep. 27, 2024
For most of us, the start of a new year is the chance to go after our goals, dreams and ambitions on the best note possible. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is about doing that literally, with primarily sweet food served to usher in a sweet year of blessings and abundance. The foods on the table are richly symbolic and meaningful. Whether you’re hosting or attending a supper, check out our guide to Jewish foods for Rosh Hashanah. We have also curated a list of the best Jewish cookbooks so that you have recipes handy for holiday comfort foods, easy kosher meals, Israeli dishes and more!
Apples and Honey
Apples and honey are almost synonymous with Rosh Hashanah. One reason is practical: most varieties of apples are hardy in many climates, whether harsh or mild, so they could make appearances at meals no matter the season. There’s also a metaphorical aspect. Some fruit trees shade their produce with new leaves, but apple trees offer their fruit no such protection. Being different could make these trees vulnerable, yet they thrive regardless—a sentiment carried by the Jewish people.
The tradition of dipping apples in honey dates back hundreds of years and was mentioned in the writings of Rabbi Jacob ben Asher, who codified Jewish law in the 1300s. Today, many tables will showcase apple honey cakes. (We also love these simple baked apples with honey.)
Pomegranate
The second night of Rosh Hashanah is time to enjoy the “new fruit,” or seasonal produce that hasn’t been tasted since the start of the season. The fruit symbolizes gratefulness for being alive and allowing us to taste all the delicious fruit the world has to offer.
The most typical new fruit is the pomegranate for its biblical significance—the Land of Israel was known for its pomegranates, and it’s one of the “seven species” of Israel—and for its abundant seeds. It’s hoped that good deeds and actions will be just as copious! Learn the easiest way to deseed a pomegranate. Then sprinkle the seeds on this Rosh Hashanah green bean recipe.
Challah
Another of the most recognizable features of a Rosh Hashanah meal, this braided egg bread is typically served on Shabbat. During Rosh Hashanah, the bread is shaped into spirals or rounds to symbolize continuity. The challah is often dipped in honey before eating, and shared around the table. We’ll show you how to make challah and nail that braiding step.
Honey Cake
Like challah, honey cakes are symbolic of the desire for a sweet, positive upcoming year. Most families have their own generations-old recipes, but it usually includes spices such as cloves, cinnamon and allspice, with some variations calling for coffee, tea or rum mixed in for greater flavor. Our honey cake recipe adds walnuts to add a depth of flavor to the spice.
Fish
Given that Rosh Hashanah translates to “head of the year,” a head has to make an appearance somewhere on the menu. While this may include the head of a sheep or rooster, it’s often as simple as a whole roast fish (vegetarians can swap in a head of cabbage or garlic). As a bonus, fish symbolize fertility and abundance. Vigilant, ever-swimming fish promote a new year of awareness and hard work.
Couscous with Seven Vegetables
This is one of the few savory options you’ll see on the table. The multitude of couscous beads represent the number of blessings you hope to have, while the number seven is considered fortuitous, as the world was created in seven days.
Leeks, Chard or Spinach
Like most Rosh Hashanah foods, the symbolism is tied to a pun on its Hebrew name—in this case, a close cousin of the word karet, which translates to “cut.” Eating leeks means hoping those who wish us ill will instead be cut off and their bad intentions punished.
Dates
Sweet dates, another of the seven species of Israel, may not seem to have much in common with leeks. But the Hebrew name, t’marim, also relates to punishing enemies—in this case, finishing them off. (Note that some rabbis believe that eating these foods actually symbolizes ending our own prejudices.) On a happier note, when the Torah refers to Israel as “a land flowing with milk and honey,” that means date honey.
Whether you’re cooking heirloom family recipes or joining loved ones for your first Rosh Hashanah, it’s a time to honor the past and welcome a year as sweet as the honey you’ll use to smother your challah.
Jewish Desserts Everyone Needs to Try
Rugelach RecipeThis rugelach recipe makes the most amazing cinnamon-sugar treats for your holiday dessert spread.
These bite-sized cookies are filled with spicy cinnamon and nuts, but you can find lots of other rugelach varieties like raspberry rugelach, cranberry rugelach or chocolate rugelach. They make a great Hanukkah dessert, but I'll eat these tiny treats any day of the week.
Chocolate BabkaI love this chocolate babka. It's a rewarding recipe for taking the next step in your bread baking. Even if it's slightly imperfect going into the oven, it turns out gorgeous. Look at those swirls! —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Babka is a dense braided bread stuffed with sweet fillings like chocolate, cinnamon sugar, apples or raisins. You can thank Jewish grandmothers for its creation, as they would often twist leftover scraps of challah with seeds and nuts for a handy Sabbath snack.
Apple Cake for PassoverAdding a dollop of whipped cream is a sweet addition to this Passover apple cake! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
This apple cake uses matzo cake meal instead of flour, making it kosher for your Passover Seder dessert. It would also be great for Rosh Hashanah since apples are eaten for a sweet new year.
Chocolate-Stuffed Dreidel CookiesThese dreidel cookies are sure to spread some smiles this holiday season. Your friends and family will delight in the surprise chocolate filling. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
These cookies are topped with festive Hanukkah decorations, but the surprise chocolate filling is the real showstopper here. To create perfect decorations, use a piping bag and practice your design on waxed paper before adding it to the cookies.
Jewish Apple CakeThis Jewish apple cake recipe makes a dense, moist cake layered with cinnamon and fruit. It's perfect for Rosh Hashanah, or any time you want a delicious dessert (or breakfast!).
Originating from Poland, this traditional Jewish dessert is typically served during Rosh Hashanah. You can also serve this dense apple cake with a cup of coffee for breakfast.
Passover MacaroonsThese easy coconut macaroons from Herbert Borland of Des Moines, Washington are lightly crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside. They're perfect for Passover—or anytime! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
These flourless coconut cookies are particularly popular during Passover, but they're delicious enough to enjoy all year.
Vanilla & Cinnamon-Kissed Apple LatkesLatkes are crispy fried pancakes, often made with potatoes. But this sweet version with apples, orange juice, cinnamon and vanilla falls in the dessert realm. —Candy McMenamin, Lexington, South Carolina
This sweetened version of traditional potato pancakes combines cinnamon, orange juice, vanilla extract and apples. Top them off with cinnamon sugar and they’ll be a dessert you can’t stop thinking about.
Hanukkah CookiesEnriched with cream cheese, these Hanukkah cookies are soft, rich and ultra-tender. They look especially festive when they're decorated with colorful royal icing.
These Hanukkah-themed cookies are perfect for celebrating the Festival of Lights. Made with cream cheese and topped with buttercream frosting, these rich cookies should definitely be in your annual Hanukkah desserts rotation. Get the whole family involved in frosting and decorating them.
Chocolate-Covered MatzoChocolate-covered matzo is layered with toffee, melted chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt for a classic Passover dessert. No Passover Seder is complete without it!
This treat will easily become one of your favorite Passover desserts. The recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make and guests won’t be able to resist the chocolate-covered crackers. Make it your own by adding toppings like sprinkles or nuts.
Passover Rainbow CookiesFor a classic New York treat, bake up a batch of these layered rainbow cookies from cookbook author Shannon Sarna. She uses matzo cake meal and almond flour to make a kosher for Passover version of the colorful cookie.
Shannon Sarna, a home cook and editor at The Nosher, says this is her family's most beloved dessert. These classic New York treats are traditionally served in synagogues and at Jewish celebrations, but they actually have Italian roots.
SufganiyotThese light and fluffy jelly-filled doughnuts are part of the Hanukkah celebration. With just enough sweetness, it's a specialty worthy of the effort.
You’ll like these Hanukkah doughnuts a "hole" lot. Filled with raspberries and topped with confectioners’ sugar, you’ll definitely want to grab seconds of this dessert. If you’re a chocolate lover, give this recipe a creative spin by using a Nutella filling.
Molly’s Sweet and Spicy Tzimmes CakeMy husband and I are always on the lookout for new ways to incorporate Jewish traditions into our interfaith home. Rich with apples, carrots and sweet potato, this sweet and spicy cake is perfect for Rosh Hashanah or any fall holiday. —Molly Haendler, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
This rich cake is a play on tzimmes, a traditional Jewish sweet-and-savory dish of baked carrots, sweet potatoes and prunes. The cake gets its sweetness from carrots, sweet potatoes, cranberries and apples, plus plenty of spices, so it finishes with a little kick. Its sweetness makes it the perfect Rosh Hashanah dessert.
Chocolate Chip Mandelbrot CookiesMandelbrot in Yiddish literally means "almond bread." The twice-baked cookie made with oil and almonds dates back to 19th century Eastern Europe. There are many variations made of different dried fruits and nuts. My chocolate chip version is more modern-American. —Kimberly Scott, Kosciusko, Mississippi
Mandelbrot in Yiddish literally means "almond bread." This cookie consists of almonds, orange zest and chocolate chips for a modern version. Serve it with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee and you won’t be able to resist dunking the cookies for a sweet treat.
Lemon Poppy Seed CakeThis light and lemony Bundt-style lemon poppy seed cake makes for a delightful (and pretty!) summer treat. Serve it with fresh berries and whipped cream for extra fanfare, or enjoy it as is with your morning cup of coffee. It's as versatile as it is tasty!
This uniquely delicious cake is often seen during Purim because the Yiddish word for poppy seed, mohn, is similar to the name of the villain of the Purim story, Haman. The cake can be in the form of a loaf, a Bundt cake or even a towering layer cake.
Matzo ToffeeOnce you start eating matzo toffee, you may not be able to stop! Matzo crackers are topped with buttery caramel, chocolate and slivered almonds and then baked to perfection. —Sharalyn Zander, Jacksonville, Alabama
Chocolate- and toffee-covered matzo are classic Passover desserts that many Jewish children grow up on. This matzo toffee recipe creates the perfect crispy bite.
Rustic Honey CakeServe this sweet, moist honey cake with ripe berries and a sprinkle of crunchy pistachios.
Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) is filled with sweets like apples and honey as a reminder to have a sweet new year. This rustic honey cake is the perfect dessert for your Rosh Hashanah dinner—or anytime you want a simple yet deliciously sweet cake.
Homemade GeltSkip the grocery store gelt! Instead try this quick and easy homemade gelt that will wow all of your Hanukkah guests.
What's a game of dreidel without gelt? These waxy chocolate coins wrapped in shiny gold foil have a rich history and are a staple during Hanukkah, especially for kids. You can make homemade gelt when you prepare other recipes for Hanukkah.
Kugel RecipeNoodle kugel is a popular Jewish dish that's enjoyed year-round, from holiday gatherings to regular family brunches.
Kugel can be sweet or savory, and it is usually served as a side dish. This version is sweet enough that you could serve it as dessert!
Mandel BreadYou don't have to know a lick of Yiddish to love mandel bread, the twice-baked Jewish treat. If you like chocolate chip biscotti, you'll love this recipe.
These biscotti-like cookies are perfect for dipping in coffee or tea. They're often found in Jewish bakeries, but they're easy enough to make at home if you can't find them.
Chocolate RugelachThis chocolate rugelach recipe gives the classic light, flaky and bite-sized pastries a twist with a chocolatey filling. This nuanced and downright delicious dessert would be a wonderful addition to any party.
Chocolate rugelach is my favorite type of rugelach, and that's saying something because there are so many to choose from! These flaky little pastries are just as good for a holiday dessert as they are for an afternoon snack with some coffee.
HamantaschenOur guide walks you through making hamantaschen, traditional triangle-shaped cookies for Purim, and even customizing them with different fillings.
Hamantaschen are a specialty dessert for Purim, the Halloween of Jewish holidays. These triangular cookies are filled with anything from apricot to raspberry to poppy seed, and they're as tasty as they are cute.
BlintzesDon't flip out! Learn how to make blintzes with this easy step-by-step recipe.
I love blintzes, especially when they're topped with a fruity topping. These cherry blintzes are easy to make and can be served as a nice breakfast or dessert, but they're also served on Shavuot when we traditionally eat dairy foods.
Flourless Chocolate CakeFlourless chocolate cake rich is an elegant and decadent dessert that's actually quite easy to make at home.
I love to finish a Passover seder with flourless chocolate cake, but that's not the only time of year I enjoy this gluten-free cake. I make it anytime I need a chocolate bomb of a dessert. It tastes especially good with some vanilla ice cream and berries.
Jewish Desserts FAQ
What Jewish desserts are traditional?
There are many traditional Jewish desserts, and several symbolic foods are incorporated into desserts to make them well-suited for a specific holiday. Rugelach and babka are classic desserts for almost any time of the year. However, they can't be enjoyed on Passover, when we enjoy flourless desserts like macaroons and chocolate-covered matzo. Apple cakes and honey cakes are traditionally enjoyed on the Jewish New Year Rosh Hashanah to ring in a sweet new year.
What desserts are best for each Jewish holiday?
Each Jewish holiday has special desserts and symbolic foods. I love incorporating a flourless chocolate cake into my Passover seder, and any dairy desserts (like blintzes or noodle kugel) will go great on Shavuot. Honey and apples are usually incorporated into Rosh Hashanah desserts, and hamantaschen are essential to eat on Purim since they're shaped like the villain's hat in the Purim story. And it's not Hanukkah without sufganiyot and chocolate gelt!
Is rugelach kosher for Passover?
Sadly, rugelach isn't a Passover dessert. To be kosher for Passover, the recipe can't contain any flour or leavening, both of which are used in making rugelach. But Passover is only eight days out of the year, so you still have plenty of time to enjoy rugelach. Try other Passover desserts like chocolate-covered matzo or coconut macaroons instead.
