Maamoul
Maamoul is a traditional Middle Eastern shortbread cookie filled with dates, nuts, or figs. It's often served during holidays and celebrations like Eid.
Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
15 min
Serving
20
Difficulty
Intermediate
Made with a thick, buttery dough and stuffed with a variety of sweet contents, such as dates, walnuts, pistachios, or figs, maamoul is a popular Middle Eastern dessert. In order to give the dough a lovely scent, it is frequently delicately scented with orange blossom or rose water. These cookies are typically consumed during important holidays like Eid, and special family get-togethers. They are traditionally made using special maamoul molds, giving them lovely designs. They are a popular festive delicacy because of their delicate texture and sweet, nutty stuffing.
Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup semolina (optional)
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp rose water or orange blossom water (optional)
- A pinch of salt
- For the Filling:
- Dates, pitted and chopped (or date paste)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pistachios (optional)
- 1-2 tbsp honey or sugar (optional)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- For Coating:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Directions
- To make Maamoul, start by mixing the flour, semolina (if using), baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
- Add the softened butter, powdered sugar, and rose or orange blossom water, and combine everything until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
- Gradually add milk, a little at a time, until a smooth dough forms.
- Let the dough rest for about 30 minutes.
- For the filling, mix chopped dates with nuts (if using), honey, and cinnamon until well combined. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll the dough into small balls and flatten them, then place a small amount of the date filling in the center and shape the dough around it.
- Use a Maamoul mold to press the cookies into shape, or shape them by hand.
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let them cool, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
