Aromatic Ma'amoul (Arabian Date Filled Cookie)

Soft & Chewy cookies filled with dates and aromatic flavor of your choice!

The history of date-filled Ma'amoul traces back centuries and is deeply intertwined with the cultural and culinary traditions of the Middle East. Ma'amoul, which is derived from the Arabic word "ma'amel," meaning "filled," is a type of stuffed pastry that comes in various shapes and sizes, often associated with religious and celebratory occasions, particularly during festive times like Eid.

The Arab world, with its rich culinary traditions, played a significant role in shaping the modern version of Ma'amoul. The spread of Islam across the Arabian Peninsula and beyond also contributed to the popularity of Ma'amoul, as it became associated with Islamic holidays, particularly Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.

Ingredients of Aromatic Ma'amoul:

For the dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup corn starch

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened.

• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 cup milk or orange blossom water (as needed)

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional)

For the filling:

• Baking date from Ziyad brand just ready to use!

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, saffron, or ground cardamom (optional)

For dusting (optional):

• Powdered sugar

Directions of Aromatic Ma'amoul:

1. Prepare the Filling:

1. unpack the baking date.

2. mix it with any aromatic flavor you prefer like cinnamon, saffron, or ground cardamom. Then, set the filling aside.

2. Make the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar. Mix until creamy and well combined.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, corn starch, and baking powder.

3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing to form a crumbly dough.

4. If the dough is too dry, add milk or orange blossom water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together without being too sticky.

5. Knead the dough gently until smooth, but do not overwork it.

3. Assemble the Cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Take a small portion of dough (about the size of a walnut) and roll it into a ball.

3. Flatten the ball slightly in your palm, creating a small well in the center.

4. Place a small amount of the date filling (about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon) into the well you created in the dough.

5. Carefully enclose the filling by folding the edges of the dough over it. Gently roll it back into a ball shape.

6. If you have a Ma'amoul mold, press the ball of dough into the mold to create decorative patterns. Otherwise, you can use a fork to make some simple designs on the surface.

4. Bake the Cookies:

1. Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.

2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are just starting to turn golden around the edges. Be careful not to overbake.

3. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Optional Dusting:

1. Once the cookies are completely cooled, you can dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

6. Serve:

1. Serve these delicious Ma'amoul cookies with dates as a treat with a cup of Arabic coffee or tea.

These Ma'amoul cookies are a delightful Arabic dessert that combines the rich flavors of dates with a delicate, crumbly corn starch and flour dough. Enjoy making and savoring these traditional treats!