The Ultimate Maamoul Recipe: Authentic Date-Filled Cookies

The Ultimate Maamoul Recipe: Authentic Date-Filled Cookies

Summary

Maamoul is a traditional Middle Eastern shortbread cookie stuffed with delicious date, walnut, or pistachio fillings. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are especially popular during Eid, Christmas, and other festive celebrations. This ultimate guide will walk you through an authentic Maamoul recipe, ensuring you achieve the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and flavor.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, and Servings

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 25-30 cookies
• Calories per cookie: ~180 kcal

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Dessert, Snack
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 cups semolina flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup warm milk (or warm water)
• 1/4 cup rose water or orange blossom water
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Date Filling:

• 2 cups pitted dates (Medjool preferred)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
• 1 teaspoon orange blossom water

Optional Nut Filling:

• 1 cup crushed walnuts or pistachios
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon rose water

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Maamoul molds or cookie stamps
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Food processor (for date filling)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix the semolina, all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Pour in melted butter and rub it into the flour mixture using your fingertips until it forms a crumbly texture.
3. Gradually add the warm milk and rose water, kneading gently until a smooth, pliable dough forms.
4. Cover and let the dough rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour to absorb moisture and improve texture.