How to Make a Traditional Middle Eastern Ma’amoul Cookie

Ma’amoul cookies are a beloved treat in Middle Eastern countries, particularly during holidays like Eid, Easter, and Christmas. These shortbread-like cookies are filled with various fillings, such as dates, nuts, or figs, and are often served as a sweet delicacy for guests. The process of making traditional Ma’amoul cookies requires patience and attention to detail, but the end result is worth it. Here’s how to make them.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup semolina
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk (or as needed)
• 1 tsp rose water (optional, for fragrance)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• A pinch of salt

For the date filling:

• 1 1/2 cups pitted dates (or more, depending on the size of the cookies)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp rose water (optional)
• 1 tbsp chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pistachios)

For the nut filling (optional):

• 1 cup ground nuts (e.g., walnuts, pistachios, or almonds)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp orange blossom water (optional)

Equipment:

• Ma’amoul molds (or you can use a fork or your hands to shape the cookies)
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, semolina, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
2. Mix in the butter: Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and rub it in with your fingers until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
3. Add sugar and liquids: Mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and rose water if using. Gradually add the milk, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together and is smooth. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
4. Rest the dough: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the semolina to absorb the liquids and soften.

Step 2: Prepare the Fillings

1. Date filling: In a small pan, heat the pitted dates and butter over low heat. Stir occasionally until the dates soften and form a smooth paste. Add cinnamon and rose water to taste, then remove from heat and let cool. Optionally, you can mix in chopped nuts for added texture.

2. Nut filling (optional): In a separate bowl, combine the ground nuts, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and orange blossom water. Stir until fully incorporated, and set aside.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

1. Divide the dough: After the dough has rested, divide it into small balls (about the size of a walnut). If you’re using two types of filling, divide the dough into two portions accordingly.
2. Flatten the dough: Roll each dough ball between your hands to form a small ball, then flatten it slightly with your fingers or a rolling pin to form a small disc.
3. Add filling: Place a small amount of your chosen filling (date or nut) in the center of the disc. Be sure not to overfill.
4. Shape the cookie: Fold the dough around the filling, pinching the edges to seal it into a ball or oval shape. Press the filled dough ball into a Ma’amoul mold to imprint the traditional design. If you don’t have a mold, you can shape the cookies by hand or use a fork to press the edges for decoration.
5. Repeat: Continue this process until all of the dough and filling are used up.

Step 4: Bake the Ma’amoul

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange the cookies: Place the shaped Ma’amoul cookies on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced about an inch apart.
3. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies should remain pale with just a slight golden color on the edges.
4. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. They will firm up as they cool.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your Ma’amoul cookies are cool, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. Serve them with tea or coffee, and enjoy their delicate flavors.

These cookies are not only a great treat for special occasions but also make wonderful gifts. The traditional Ma’amoul cookies’ combination of buttery dough and sweet fillings makes them an irresistible delight that brings people together, especially during festive times.