Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Cream the butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Add the wet ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
3. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Chill the dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Roll Out and Cut

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
3. Cut circles: Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles from the dough. Re-roll the scraps as needed.

Step 3: Fill and Shape

1. Add the filling: Place 1 teaspoon of your chosen filling in the center of each circle. Avoid overfilling to prevent leaks.
2. Shape into triangles: Fold up three sides of the circle to form a triangle, pinching the edges tightly at the corners to seal.

Step 4: Bake the Hamantaschen

1. Arrange on baking sheets: Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them.
2. Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
3. Cool and serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.