Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Date maamoul, easy recipe

Date Maamoul Recipe – Middle Eastern Cookies with a Soft Filling

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Amour de cuisine
  • Total Time: 1h 15min
  • Yield: 50 cookies

Description

Lebanese date maamoul are exquisite pastries made with an ultra-tender dough, generously filled with a sweet and luscious date paste.

These delightful treats are a staple of Eid celebrations and are widely enjoyed across the Middle East. They are also known as Ramadan date cookies, cherished for their rich flavor and festive significance.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

  • 3 cups fine semolina 520g
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour 70g
  • 1 ¼ cups melted butter 250g
  • 2 pinches of salt
  • ½ cup powdered sugar 100g
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons rose water
  • Milk ¼ to 1 cup, depending on absorption

For the Filling:

  • 200 g date paste
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter or smen, a fermented butter
  • 4 tablespoons orange blossom water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine fine semolina and flour.
  • Add salt, powdered sugar, and baking powder, then mix well to distribute the dry ingredients evenly.
  • Pour in the melted butter and rub the mixture between your fingers until it resembles wet sand. This step ensures a perfectly crumbly texture.
  • Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for at least 4 hours. This resting period allows the semolina to absorb the butter, making the dough tender.

Step 2: Hydrate the Dough

  • After the resting time, gradually add milk (a little at a time) while gently mixing with your fingertips. Avoid over-kneading, as this can make the dough tough.
  • Once the dough comes together into a soft ball, cover it and let it rest for another hour.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

  • In a bowl, mix date paste, cinnamon, melted butter (or smen), and orange blossom water until well combined.
  • Divide the filling into 50 small balls, cover, and set aside.

Step 4: Shape the Maamoul

  • Divide the rested dough into 50 small balls.
  • Take one dough ball, flatten it slightly in your palm, and place a date filling ball in the center.
  • Gently fold the edges of the dough over the filling, sealing it completely.
  • Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

Step 5: Shape Using a Maamoul Mold (Optional)

  • Lightly flour a maamoul mold and place one filled dough ball inside.
  • Press it gently to shape, then tap the mold lightly on the top to release the shaped maamoul.
  • Transfer the shaped cookies onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 6: Bake the Maamoul

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the maamoul turn light golden.
  • Let them cool completely before handling, as they will firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Finishing Touch

  • Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
  • Prep Time: 1 h
  • Cook Time: 15 min
  • Category: desserts
  • Cuisine: lebanese cuisine

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece
  • Calories: 102 kcal

Find it online: https://www.amourdecuisine.fr/en/article-maamoul-lebanese-date-filled-cookies-recipe.html