The gold foiled-covered chocolate coins may or may not have been part of your childhood celebrations, but they’re readily available to anyone who wants to indulge in and celebrate Hanukkah traditions. Presents are given on each night of Hanukkah, and kids might be gifted chocolate coins as their “money.” It’s a playful idea that gives children a sense of responsibility and joy. You’re probably familiar with the game of dreidel too. The coins become a necessity when playing, and it wouldn’t be as fun without eating along the way.
It doesn’t stop with gelt. Our homemade rugelach is just what you might want with a butter crust wrapped around a jammy or chocolate filling of walnuts. Hamentashen (a personal favorite) is associated with Purim, which comes weeks after Hanukkah’s end BUT is such a pretty cookie to eat with tea. Jelly donut lovers included—you will be nonstop eating sufganiyot fresh off the fryer.
Brief history of gelt
Besides the cute story of chocolate money, gelt actually means “money” in German. In Eastern Europe, it was given to workers as an “extra tip” at the year's end.
How to make gelt
It’s quite simple and requires a tool that you more than likely have at home. I used mini cupcake or muffin tins to make the small coins. The key is to grease each one so it's easier to extract later. Brush neutral oil in the pans, pour 1 to 2 teaspoons of melted chocolate in the bottom, tap the pans to level the chocolate, and chill. Keep them plain or use any toppings, from sprinkles to edible gold dust, crushed almonds or pistachios, sea salt, cocoa nibs, dried fruit, etc.
If you want a more traditional look, you could buy special molds that have patterns associated with the Jewish holiday.
What else to serve during Hanukkah
After chocolate coins and challah rolls, we live for some really hearty braised brisket and noodle kugel. We also LOVE matzo ball soup, with or without chicken. And our latkes are coming in hot with sour cream or applesauce on the side.
Did you make this recipe? How did it go?
