Ghraybeh – Middle Eastern Shortbread Cookies
Delicate and buttery Middle Eastern shortbread cookies that melt in your mouth. Ghraybeh are made with just a few simple ingredients and traditionally garnished with slivered pistachios, making them a festive treat for Eid, Christmas, or any special occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Slivered pistachios, for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar together until pale and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until a soft, smooth dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop small amounts of dough and roll into 1-inch balls.
- Slightly flatten the tops and press a few slivered pistachios into the center of each cookie.
- Arrange on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between cookies.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the bottoms are just barely golden. Tops should remain pale.
- Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring.
Notes
- Do not overbake—cookies should remain pale on top for the signature soft texture.
- Chilling the dough helps maintain the cookie shape during baking.
- Can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Perfect for gifting during festive holidays.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg