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Maamoul (Arab Stuffed Date & Nut Cookies)

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Delicate and festive, Maamoul are traditional Middle Eastern shortbread cookies filled with sweet dates, ground nuts, or fig paste. Made with buttery semolina dough and often shaped using beautiful carved molds, these cookies are a beloved treat during Eid, Christmas, and special family celebrations.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 2 cups fine semolina

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar

  • 1/2 cup milk (or orange blossom water for traditional aroma)

  • 1/4 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp baking powder

For the Filling (Date & Nut):

  • 1 cup pitted dates, finely chopped

  • 2 tbsp butter or ghee

  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

  • Optional: 1/2 cup ground walnuts or pistachios

For Topping:

  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough:
    In a large bowl, combine semolina, flour, powdered sugar, salt, and baking powder.
    Rub in the softened butter until the mixture is crumbly. Gradually add milk or orange blossom water, kneading until a soft, pliable dough forms. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.

  2. Prepare the Filling:
    In a small pan, melt butter or ghee over low heat. Add chopped dates and cinnamon, stirring until a paste forms. Remove from heat and mix in ground nuts if using. Let cool.

  3. Shape the Cookies:
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
    Take a small piece of dough, flatten it into a disc, place 1 tsp of filling in the center, and seal into a smooth ball. Press into a maamoul mold or shape gently by hand.

  4. Bake:
    Arrange cookies on the baking tray and bake for 15–18 minutes until the bottoms are just golden—tops should remain pale.

  5. Cool & Serve:
    Let cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving or storing.

Notes

  • Orange blossom water adds authentic flavor—use it in place of milk for a traditional touch.

  • Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week or frozen for later.

  • Fillings can also include fig paste, almonds, or a mix of nuts and sugar.

 

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/maamoul-arab-stuffed-date-nut-cookies/