Description
Traditional Middle Eastern shortbread cookies filled with dates and flavored with a hint of orange blossom water, perfect for special occasions or tea time.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup semolina
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon orange blossom water (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup dates, pitted and mashed
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, semolina, powdered sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Add the softened butter and mix until the dough has a crumbly texture. Gradually add the milk and orange blossom water (if using), kneading the dough until it comes together.
- Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Use your thumb to make an indentation in each ball to form a little well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the mashed dates and chopped walnuts (if using). Place a small spoonful of the date mixture into the center of each dough ball and gently seal it to enclose the filling.
- Shape the filled dough into a round shape and flatten slightly. You can also use a Maamoul mold for a traditional design.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the Maamoul cookies to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.
Notes
- If you prefer, you can replace the walnuts with pistachios for a different flavor.
- Make sure to allow the cookies to cool before dusting them with powdered sugar to prevent it from melting.
- These cookies are perfect for special occasions like Eid or Ramadan.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
