Lebanese Maamoul Pastry with Date and Nut Filling
Traditional Lebanese sweet cookies filled with dates and nuts
Discover the charm of Maamoul, a beloved Lebanese pastry that's a hit during festive occasions and perfect with your afternoon tea. These buttery, rich cookies encase a deliciously sweet date and nut filling.
- 2 h 30 min
- 24 cookies
- Intermediate
Ingredients
For the Dough
For the Date Filling
For the Nut Filling
Preparation
Preparing the Dough
Combine dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, semolina, and sugar.
Add butter
Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Form the dough
Gradually add in the milk, rose water, and orange blossom water, kneading gently to form a soft dough.
Rest the dough
Cover and let the dough rest for 2 hours.
Allow the dough to rest for the full time to ensure a soft, workable texture.
Preparing the Fillings
Make date filling
Melt butter in a pan over low heat, stir in dates, cinnamon, and orange blossom water. Cook until dates are soft and blended.
Make nut filling
Mix chopped walnuts with sugar and rose water until well combined.
Ensure the fillings and dough are cool to handle before shaping.
Cooking Process
Shaping the Cookies
Pinch a small piece of dough and flatten it in your palm. Place either date or nut filling in the center, fold over and seal edges.
Stamping the Cookies
Press each filled dough ball into a maamoul mold to shape and imprint. Gently tap out onto a baking sheet.
Baking the Cookies
Place filled cookies on a lined baking tray. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 min until light golden.
Plating & Serving
Lebanese Maamoul Pastry with Date and Nut Filling
Lebanese Maamoul Pastry with Date and Nut Filling
Presentation
Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate, and dust lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.