Traditional Arabic Date Cookies or Biscuits – Kaahk in Egypt, Kulaichay in Iraq and Maa’moul in Lebanon; these date cookies are extremely popular in the Middle East and today I am sharing a very easy version of these cookies without semolina. Maa’moul...

Traditional Arabic Date Cookies or Biscuits – Kaahk in Egypt, Kulaichay in Iraq and Maa’moul in Lebanon; these date cookies are extremely popular in the Middle East and today I am sharing a very easy version of these cookies without semolina.

Maa’moul or Date Cookies are often associated with special occasions such as Eid-ul-Fitr in the Middle East. Maa’moul has a delicate, crumbly texture and a sweet, rich flavor, making it a beloved treat for celebrations and gatherings.

Recipe at a Glance

Ingredients for the Biscuit Ingredients for the Filling

For the Biscuit

Flour- All-purpose flour

Ghee – Clarified Butter

Condensed Milk – not evaporated milk, which is unsweetened

For the Filling

Dates- Any soft variety such as Mejdool or Sukari

Mixed Seeds- Nigella & sesame seeds (optional)

Step by Step Process

For the Biscuit

Mix flour, ghee and condensed milk into soft dough.

For the Filling

Chop the pitted dates and make them into a paste. Add Cardamom powder and a little orange blossom water (optional). Make small balls around according to the size of your moulds (6 grams).

For Assembling

Divide the dough into equal sized balls, based on the mould design. Flatten each dough ball, place the date ball inside, seal and press into a mould. Press some seeds on top and take out from the mould. Place on an ungreased on a lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven for 12-15 minutes at 375 F until light golden on the sides and bottom. Cool and optionally dust with icing sugar.

FAQs

What other fillings can be used in Maa’moul besides dates?

Maa’moul filling can not only be made with dates but also with walnuts, pistachios (grounded with some sugar), figs etc.

Do I need a special mould to make Date Cookies or Biscuits?

These moulds are widely available in the Middle East and you can also find these in Middle Eastern store in non-Arab countries.

However, it is not absolutely necessary to have this mould. This video shows how to make maa’moul without a mould.

Can I make Maa’moul without semolina?

Traditional recipes use semolina in the biscuits dough, which needs some rest time; however this is the quick & easy version.

Serving Suggestions

These, like any other cookies will go great with any kind of hot beverage like tea, coffee or traditional Arabic kahwa.

Substitutions and Variations

If you are making the date paste at home, you can add a little orange blossom water and cardamom powder.

Other than dates, you can also make Maa’moul filling with walnuts, pistachios (grounded with some sugar), figs etc.

Storage and Make Ahead

The best way to store Maa’moul is in an airtight container at room temperature for upto three days, which helps preserve its texture and flavor.

Related Recipes

Looking for other easy recipes for cookies? You can try out these Chocolate Chip Cookies, Marble Cookies or Spritz Cookies recipes by Bakefresh.

The post Maa’moul – Date Cookies appeared first on Bake Fresh.

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