Print

Maamoul (Date-Filled Cookies) Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 53 reviews

Maamoul are traditional Middle Eastern date-filled cookies made with a buttery ghee-based dough infused with rose water. These delicate, lightly sweet pastries are shaped by hand or molded with intricate patterns, then baked until golden and dusted with confectioner’s sugar. Perfect as a festive treat or a sweet snack to accompany tea, Maamoul cookies offer a rich and fragrant flavor with a soft, sweet date filling.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • ¾ cup ghee (or 1 cup butter; you may substitute up to ¼ cup ghee with a neutral oil)
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rose water (or orange blossom water)
  • 2–3 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Filling

  • ¾ lb soft Medjool dates, pitted and chopped (or approximately 13 oz ready-made date paste)

For Dusting

  • Confectioner’s sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: Melt the ghee or butter and stir in the sugar until combined. In a mixing bowl, gradually mix this fat-sugar mixture with the all-purpose flour using your fingers. Add flour little by little, typically between 2¼ to 2½ cups, until the mixture is absorbed and crumbly.
  2. Make the dough pliable: Stir in the rose water and add milk gradually. Knead until a soft, pliable dough forms. If the dough feels sticky, continue kneading until it comes together smoothly.
  3. Rest and portion dough: Allow the dough to rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten. Then divide the dough into 32 equal portions, rolling each into a smooth ball for consistent cookie size.
  4. Prepare the date filling: Place the pitted, chopped Medjool dates in a food processor and blend until smooth. If dates are dry, consider soaking them in warm water briefly before processing (see notes).
  5. Portion the filling: Divide the smooth date paste into 32 equal portions and roll each into a ball. Use oiled hands or gloves if the mixture is sticky to prevent sticking.
  6. Shape the cookies by hand: Flatten one dough ball in your palm and place a date ball in the center. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling, sealing it completely, then gently flatten into a disc shape. Avoid overfilling to prevent cracks in the dough.
  7. Shape the cookies using a mold (optional): Option 1: Press a portion of dough into the mold, layer the date filling on top, then cover with another portion of dough and smooth it out. Option 2 (preferred): Shape the cookie by hand first, then gently press it into the mold to imprint the decorative pattern.
  8. Release the cookies from the mold: To release easily, tap the edge of the mold on a hard surface while supporting your palm underneath. You may line the mold with plastic wrap or dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
  9. Preheat oven and arrange: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the shaped cookies on a baking sheet spaced 1–2 inches apart with the smooth or patterned side facing up.
  10. Bake: Bake the cookies for 15–20 minutes until they are just lightly golden. Avoid overbaking; the cookies should look dry on the surface but not moist.
  11. Cool and finish: Transfer baked cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, then dust generously with confectioner’s sugar.
  12. Store: Store the Maamoul in an airtight container at room temperature, or freeze for longer shelf life.

Notes

  • If dates are dry or hard, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes then drain before processing to achieve a smoother filling.
  • Using neutral oil to replace part of the ghee can make the dough lighter but may slightly affect the traditional flavor.
  • Rose water or orange blossom water adds a fragrant floral note; adjust amount based on your preference.
  • The cookie count and size can be adjusted by dividing the dough and filling into fewer or more portions.
  • Pressing by hand before molding helps maintain the delicate cookie shape and prevents cracking.

Keywords: Maamoul, date filled cookies, Middle Eastern cookies, rose water cookies, Medjool dates dessert, traditional Arabic cookie

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/maamoul-date-filled-cookies-recipe/