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
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.
Maa'moul - Date Cookies
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.
Ingredients
For the Biscuits
- 1 and ¼ cup flour
- ½ cup ghee/ clarified butter
- ¼ cup condensed milk
For the Filling
- 100 grams Soft dates like Mejdool or Sukari
- Mixed nigella and sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
For the Biscuit
- Mix flour, ghee and condensed milk to form a soft dough.
For the Filling
- Chop pitted dates and make them into a paste.
- Make small balls according to the size of your moulds.
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 375F until light golden on the sides and bottom.
- Cool and optionally dust with icing sugar.
Notes
*You can use splash of orange blossom water to make the date paste at home.
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