Maamoul

Indulge in the timeless elegance of Maamoul, a Middle Eastern cookie that combines buttery semolina dough with a luscious date filling, delicately perfumed with rose water and orange blossom water. These tender, melt-in-your-mouth pastries are artfully shaped using a traditional mold to create intricate patterns, making them as stunning to serve as they are delightful to eat. Perfectly spiced with hints of cinnamon and naturally sweetened by pitted dates, Maamoul is a festive treat often enjoyed during celebrations like Eid and Easter. With simple ingredients and a touch of patience, you can master the art of crafting these sophisticated cookies, which pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. Bake a batch for loved ones and savor the warmth of tradition in every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:90 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 24

Ingredients

• 300 grams semolina
• 100 grams all-purpose flour
• 250 grams unsalted butter
• 50 grams powdered sugar
• 60 milliliters milk
• 1 teaspoon yeast
• 2 tablespoons rose water
• 2 tablespoons orange blossom water
• 300 grams pitted dates
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 60 milliliters water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine 300 grams of semolina and 100 grams of all-purpose flour. Set aside.

Step 2

Melt 250 grams of unsalted butter and pour it over the semolina and flour mixture. Mix it well using your hands until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

Step 3

Add 50 grams of powdered sugar to the butter and flour mixture. Mix well.

Step 4

Dissolve 1 teaspoon of yeast in 60 milliliters of warm milk and let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 5

Add the milk and yeast mixture to the semolina mixture along with 2 tablespoons of rose water and 2 tablespoons of orange blossom water. Knead lightly until the dough is smooth. Cover it and let it rest for 1 hour.

Step 6

For the filling, place 300 grams of pitted dates in a saucepan with 60 milliliters of water, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Cook on low heat, stirring frequently until it forms a smooth paste.

Step 7

After the dough has rested, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

Step 8

Take a small piece of dough and flatten it in your hand. Place a small amount of date paste in the center and fold the edges of the dough over to enclose the filling, forming a ball. Gently press into a maamoul mold for decorative patterns, or shape it into a round disk.

Step 9

Place the shaped maamoul on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the maamoul are lightly golden.

Step 11

Allow the maamoul to cool before serving. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1202.9 grams (1202.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4455

Total Fat 233.70g	300%
Saturated Fat 128.30g	642%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.40g
Cholesterol 559mg	186%
Sodium 73mg	3%
Total Carbohydrate 576.40g	210%
Dietary Fiber 37.00g	132%
Total Sugars 252.30g
Protein 59.30g	119%

Vitamin D 27IU	136%
Calcium 419mg	32%
Iron 11mg	63%
Potassium 2954mg	63%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.3%

Protein: 5.1%

Carbs: 49.6%