Golden Maamoul: Dreamy Date Filled Cookies Recipe

Soft, buttery, and delicately spiced, maamoul cookies carry centuries of Middle Eastern baking tradition.

These heavenly date-filled cookies transport you to sun-drenched streets of Lebanon with every delicate bite.

Crafted with semolina flour and delicate butter, maamoul represents more than just a sweet treat.

Generations of bakers have perfected this intricate recipe, passing down techniques from one kitchen to another.

The fragrant orange blossom water and ground mahlab spice infuse these cookies with an enchanting aroma.

Delicate piped designs pressed into each cookie tell a story of culinary artistry and cultural pride.

Prepare to savor a slice of Middle Eastern heritage in every crumbly, sweet morsel.

Maamoul Storage to Keep Them Tender

• Store cooled maamoul in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm cookies at 300F for 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore original texture and crispness without drying them out.
• Let frozen or refrigerated cookies sit uncovered for 15-20 minutes to regain soft, crumbly texture before enjoying.

FAQs

• What is mahleb and can I skip it?

Mahleb is a Middle Eastern spice made from ground cherry pits with a subtle nutty, floral flavor. You can skip it if unavailable, but it adds unique complexity to the traditional maamoul taste.

• How do I prevent the cookies from cracking?

Ensure your dough is well-rested and at the right consistency – not too dry or too wet. Knead gently and handle the dough carefully when shaping to maintain moisture and prevent cracking.

• Can I use different fillings instead of dates?

Traditionally maamoul uses date paste, but you can substitute with ground nuts like pistachios or walnuts. Some bakers also use sweet nut mixtures or fig preserves as alternative fillings.

Maamoul Date Filled Cookies Why They’re a Tradition

• Dive into a beloved Middle Eastern dessert that brings generations of family recipes to life with each delicate bite.
• Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe welcoming for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
• Experiment with different fillings like nuts or alternate spices to make the recipe uniquely yours while maintaining its classic charm.
• Perfect for special occasions like Eid, family gatherings, or when you want to impress guests with a sophisticated yet homemade treat.

Ingredients for Authentic Maamoul Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: A soft wheat flour that provides structure and texture to the maamoul cookie base.
• Semolina Flour: A coarse wheat flour that adds a unique sandy and crumbly texture to the cookie.
• Mahleb: An optional aromatic spice ground from cherry pit kernels that adds a subtle, sweet flavor.

• Butter: A rich dairy ingredient that creates a tender and flavorful cookie base.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and provides richness to the cookie dough.
• Orange Blossom Water: A fragrant Middle Eastern ingredient that adds a delicate floral essence to the cookies.
• Milk: Used to adjust the dough consistency and make it more pliable.

• Date Paste: A sweet, smooth filling made from pure dates that creates the traditional maamoul center.
• Confectioners' Sugar: A fine powdered sugar used to dust the cookies and add a sweet, decorative finish.

Tools for Date Cookie Crafting

• Mixer or Hand Whisk: Essential for beating butter and creating smooth, creamy base.
• Baking Sheets: Two lined with parchment paper for even cookie baking.
• Maamoul Mold or Cookie Press: Traditional tool for shaping authentic cookie design (optional).
• Rolling Pin: Helpful for rolling dough evenly if hand-shaping cookies.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Mixing Bowls: For combining dough ingredients and preparing date filling.
• Sifter or Fine Strainer: For dusting confectioners' sugar over finished cookies.

Instructions for Shaping and Filling Maamoul

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

Whip the butter until it becomes light and fluffy.

• Sugar
• Egg
• Orange blossom water

Blend until the mixture turns pale and develops a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 3: Develop Cookie Dough

• All-purpose flour
• Semolina flour
• Mahleb (optional spice)

Mix until the dough becomes crumbly.

Adjust texture by adding milk or flour to create a soft, pliable consistency.

Let the dough rest for 15 minutes to allow ingredients to meld.

Step 4: Shape Delicate Cookies

Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls.

Create a small indent in each ball and fill with date paste.

Carefully seal the cookies, ensuring no filling escapes.

Use a traditional maamoul mold if available, or shape by hand.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Place cookies on prepared baking sheets.

Bake for 15-17 minutes until they reach a delicate pale golden color.

Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

Generously dust with powdered sugar for a sweet, elegant finish.

Pro Tips for Buttery Date Maamoul

• Press edges firmly when filling cookies to prevent date paste from leaking during baking.
• Allow dough to rest at room temperature for better texture and easier shaping.
• Use a small cookie scoop or weigh each ball to ensure uniform cookies that bake evenly.
• Let maamoul cool completely on baking sheet before transferring to prevent crumbling.
• Sift confectioners' sugar lightly over cookies for an elegant, professional bakery-style finish.

Fun Variations for Maamoul Fillings

• Gluten-Free Maamoul: Replace wheat flour with almond flour and rice flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the traditional texture and flavor.
• Nut-Free Variation: Swap traditional date filling with apricot or fig preserves for those with nut allergies, using same cookie dough technique.
• Vegan Maamoul: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace egg with ground flaxseed mixture, and select plant-based date filling for dairy-free option.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener, use sugar-free date paste, and reduce overall sugar content while keeping authentic Middle Eastern cookie profile.

Serving Maamoul for Festive Occasions

• Elegant Dessert Plate: Arrange maamoul cookies on a delicate porcelain platter with fresh mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.
• Tea Time Companion: Serve alongside Arabic coffee or herbal tea to enhance the traditional Middle Eastern flavor experience.
• Holiday Gift Idea: Package maamoul in decorative boxes with tissue paper, perfect for sharing cultural treats during celebrations or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Garnish Enhancement: Sprinkle extra powdered sugar and add a small cluster of chopped pistachios around the cookies for added texture and visual appeal.

Maamoul (Date Filled Cookies) Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 47 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Maamoul, a cherished Middle Eastern date-filled cookie, showcases Lebanon’s rich culinary heritage. Sweet, buttery pastry envelops fragrant date filling, offering a delightful taste of traditional baking. Bakers everywhere can savor this delicate treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 10 ounces (283 grams) date paste or 20 pureed Medjool dates
• 1 1/4 cups semolina flour
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (170 grams) ghee or clarified butter

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1–3 tablespoons milk, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons orange blossom water or vanilla extract

Flavoring and Sweeteners:

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 teaspoons mahleb (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper for even baking.
2. Cream butter until fluffy, then incorporate sugar, egg, and orange blossom water until the mixture becomes smooth and pale.
3. Combine flour varieties and optional mahleb, working the ingredients into a crumbly texture. Gradually adjust consistency with milk or flour until the dough becomes malleable. Allow the dough to rest for 15 minutes to enhance texture.
4. Create small walnut-sized dough portions. Using a traditional maamoul mold or hand-shaping technique, carefully encase date paste filling within each cookie, ensuring complete and secure sealing.
5. Position filled cookies on prepared baking sheets and bake for 15-17 minutes, watching for a delicate golden hue. Remove from oven and let cookies cool completely at room temperature. Generously dust with confectioners’ sugar for a classic finish, creating an elegant and traditional Middle Eastern sweet treat.

Notes

• Choose high-quality, soft dates for the most authentic and rich filling, ensuring a smooth, spreadable texture.
• Experiment with different spices like mahleb or cardamom to add unique Middle Eastern flavor depth to the cookie base.
• Work with cold butter and handle dough gently to maintain a delicate, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth.
• For gluten-sensitive individuals, swap wheat flour with a blend of almond and rice flour to create a delicious alternative without compromising traditional taste.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 17 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 164
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 18 mg