Ma’moul is a traditional Middle Eastern pastry that is typically enjoyed during festive occasions. This delicious treat is made with a sweet cookie dough that is filled with either dates, nuts or a combination of both. The pastry is traditionally shaped into into unique molds, creating intricate designs on the surface of the pastry. Once baked, the ma’moul is dusted with powdered sugar.
The origins of ma’moul can be traced back to ancient times and have since evolved to become a staple dessert in many Middle Eastern cultures. It is a labor-intensive recipe usually, this version is easier and doesn’t require any special mold. The results are not quite as gorgeous, but very tasty.
Ingredients
Servings 24 cookies
Dough
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/3 cup coconut oil solid
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon orange blossom water
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1/3 cup sugar
- Pinch of salt
Filling
- 1 pound date spread
- 1 cup chopped toasted walnuts
- 3 ounces raisins
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Nutritional Facts
Nutrition Facts
Date Cookies
Amount per Serving
Calories
245
% Daily Value*
Fat
11
g
17
%
Saturated Fat
3
g
19
%
Trans Fat
0.02
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
4
g
Monounsaturated Fat
4
g
Sodium
20
mg
1
%
Potassium
215
mg
6
%
Carbohydrates
36
g
12
%
Fiber
3
g
13
%
Sugar
17
g
19
%
Protein
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
40
IU
1
%
Vitamin C
3
mg
4
%
Calcium
35
mg
4
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Instructions
- In the food processor, combine all the ingredients. Pulse until a soft dough forms. Don’t over process.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Roll each part into a 12 x 4-inch rectangle that is about ½- inch thick.
- Spread date mixture evenly over rectangles and sprinkle with cinnamon and nuts and dates and sugar. Fold bottom over the middle and then over again with the seam down.
- Slice each log into 1-inch wide cookies WITHOUT slicing all the way through the cookies.
- Transfer to baking sheet lined with parchment and bake for about 25 minutes or until golden.
- Transfer to cooling rack and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
