Today we bring you a unique recipe inspired by traditional Arabic pastry: Maamoul, shortbread cookies filled with a date paste. Also known as mamoul, these delightful cookies are made with a dough that combines wheat flour and fine semolina, along with a generous amount of butter. Traditionally, maamoul is shaped using a wooden mold with a circular design and floral patterns, but they can also be shaped manually. This traditional Arabic dessert is perfect for...
Chefadora AI has the answer - timers, swaps, step-by-step help.
Mix the flour, semolina, salt, powdered sugar, and baking powder in a bowl.
Add the melted and cooled butter, and mix well using your fingers.
Gradually add the orange blossom water and room-temperature water until a smooth dough forms.
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for one hour.
Cut the dates in half and remove the pits.
Steam the dates for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let them cool.
Chop the dates finely and mix them with the softened butter and cinnamon until a smooth paste forms. Set aside.
Remove the dough from the refrigerator. If you have special maamoul molds, use them. Otherwise, form medium-sized balls of dough and flatten them with your palm to create a circular shape.
Roll the date paste into smaller balls than the dough balls. Place a date ball in the center of each dough circle and close the dough around it, shaping it into a smooth, round cookie.
If desired, use a fork to create decorative marks on the cookies.
Arrange the maamoul on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper that has been greased and lightly floured.
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes, ensuring they don’t brown too much.
Remove from the oven and let them cool completely before removing them from the baking sheet.
If you don’t have a maamoul mold, you can shape the cookies manually and use a fork to create decorative patterns.
Ensure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the right dough consistency.
Let the cookies cool completely before dusting them with powdered sugar to prevent the sugar from melting.
You can experiment with fillings like nuts or dried fruits for variety.
Can I use a different filling instead of dates?
Yes, you can use a mixture of chopped walnuts and almonds combined with softened butter as an alternative filling.
What can I use if I don’t have a maamoul mold?
If you don’t have a maamoul mold, you can shape the cookies manually and use a fork or other tools to create decorative patterns.
How do I store maamoul cookies?
Store maamoul cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before shaping the cookies.
Why do I need to steam the dates?
Steaming the dates softens them, making it easier to create a smooth paste for the filling.
