Delicate, golden pastries filled with a fragrant date and cardamom mixture, decorated with intricate patterns and garnished with pistachios and rose petals. These traditional Persian cookies offer a delightful balance of sweetness and warm spices, making them perfect for special occasions or as an elegant treat with tea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Persian Delight – A traditional Middle Eastern cookie with rich flavors and cultural significance.
- Fragrant and Spiced – Cardamom, cinnamon, and dates create a warm and aromatic filling.
- Beautiful Presentation – Decorative stamps and toppings of pistachios and rose petals make these cookies visually stunning.
- Perfect for Special Occasions – Ideal for celebrations, holidays, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Customizable – Easily adjust the filling with different nuts or additional flavors.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
- all-purpose flour
- unsalted butter, melted
- warm milk
- sugar
- baking powder
- salt
- ground cardamom
For the Filling:
- pitted dates, mashed
- melted butter
- cinnamon
- ground cardamom
- chopped walnuts (optional)
For Garnish:
- crushed pistachios
- dried rose petals
Directions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and cardamom.
- Add melted butter, sugar, and warm milk, kneading until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
Make the Filling:
- In a separate bowl, mix mashed dates, melted butter, cinnamon, and cardamom. Stir in walnuts if using.
Assemble the Cookies:
- Roll out the dough to 1/8-inch thickness and cut into circles.
- Place a teaspoon of the filling in the center of one circle and cover with another. Press edges to seal and crimp decoratively.
- Use a cookie stamp or fork to create patterns on top.
Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake cookies for 15-18 minutes until golden.
- Let cool, then sprinkle with crushed pistachios and rose petals.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Calories: 190 kcal per serving
Variations
- Orange Blossom Infusion – Add a teaspoon of orange blossom water to the filling for extra floral notes.
- Nut-Free Version – Omit walnuts for a smooth, date-only filling.
- Sesame-Coated – Roll the cookies in sesame seeds before baking for a nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Twist – Mix in a small amount of cocoa powder with the date filling for a chocolatey variation.
- Honey Glaze – Brush the cookies with a light honey glaze after baking for extra sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storing: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookies for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
- Reheating: Warm baked cookies in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes to refresh their texture.
FAQs
What is Kolompeh?
Kolompeh is a Persian date-filled pastry, traditionally made in Kerman, Iran, and often decorated with beautiful designs.
Can I use pre-made date paste?
Yes, store-bought date paste works well and saves time. Just ensure it is soft and easy to spread.
How do I get intricate patterns on the cookies?
Use a cookie stamp, a decorative rolling pin, or a fork to create elegant designs.
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be substituted for a nuttier flavor, though the texture may be denser.
What’s the best way to mash dates for the filling?
Soften pitted dates by soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes before mashing with a fork or blending.
Can I make these cookies without butter?
You can use coconut oil or a neutral-flavored vegetable oil as a substitute.
How do I prevent the cookies from becoming too dry?
Ensure the dough is not overworked and bake just until golden brown to maintain a soft interior.
Can I add a different spice blend?
Yes, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a slightly different spice profile.
What can I serve with these cookies?
They pair beautifully with Persian tea, coffee, or a glass of warm milk.
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling a day ahead, store them separately, and assemble and bake when ready.
Conclusion
Persian date cookies (Kolompeh) are a delightful combination of buttery pastry, fragrant spiced dates, and beautiful decorative touches. Whether served as a teatime treat or shared during celebrations, these cookies offer a taste of Middle Eastern tradition in every bite. Try them for an elegant, homemade dessert that impresses with both flavor and presentation!
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PrintPersian Date Cookies
Delicate, golden pastries filled with a fragrant date and cardamom mixture, decorated with intricate patterns and garnished with pistachios and rose petals. These traditional Persian cookies are a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: PERSIAN
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
For the Filling:
- 1 cup pitted dates, mashed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts (optional)
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons crushed pistachios
- Dried rose petals
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cardamom.
- Add melted butter, sugar, and warm milk, kneading until a smooth dough forms.
- Cover and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
-
Make the Filling:
- Mix mashed dates, melted butter, cinnamon, and cardamom.
- Stir in chopped walnuts if using.
-
Assemble the Cookies:
- Roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness and cut into circles.
- Place a teaspoon of the filling in the center of one dough circle, then cover with another circle.
- Press the edges to seal and crimp decoratively.
- Use a cookie stamp or a fork to create intricate patterns on top.
-
Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
-
Garnish & Serve:
- Let the cookies cool, then sprinkle with crushed pistachios and dried rose petals.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Serve with Persian tea for an authentic experience.
- Try adding a teaspoon of orange blossom water to the filling for extra aroma.