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maamoul lebanese date cookies

Date Maamoul Recipe – Middle Eastern Cookies with a Soft Filling

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.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course desserts
Cuisine Lebanese cuisine
Servings 50 cookies
Calories 102 kcal

Ingredients
  

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.