Maamoul Is Date Filled Arabian Cookies

This Arabian dessert is a delicate cookie dough filled with dates that are perfumed with cardamom and cinnamon.

Ingredients

FOR THE DOUGH
1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon vanilla
¼ cup butter melted and hot
¼ teaspoon Mahlab optional
2 tablespoon oil
½ teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoon sugar
¼ cup milk

FOR THE FILLING
¾ cup pitted and chopped date
1 tablespoon butter
¼ teaspoon cardamom powder
¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder

Instructions

TO MAKE THE DOUGH
1.Mix the vanilla with milk and oil, keep aside.
2. In a bowl add all the dry ingredients and mix well. Pour the hot butter into the flour and mix using a whisk until well combined.
3. Add the milk and knead for at least 5 minutes. Cover and leave in a warm place for one hour.

TO MAKE THE FILLING
1. In a saucepan, add all the ingredients and stir on medium heat. The date will soften and will form into a dough like texture. This process and depending on the type of dates you are using might take 3 minutes to four minutes.
2. Let the mixture cool completely then form 10 equal balls.

MAKING MAAMOUL
1. Preheat oven to 180C/350F. Grease a baking pan with butter and keep aside.
2. Form 10 equal balls from the dough previously prepared. Take one ball and flatten it slightly in the palm of your hand. Place a ball of date in the center and close the dough forming a sealed ball.
3. Place the ball in a mold, press it gently until the surface is even.
4. Slam the edge of the mold on folded towel, a clean kitchen counter, or cutting board few times to release the dough from the mold.
5. Place the Maamoul on a nonstick or greased baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20 minutes. When it cools dust with confectioners’ sugar if you wish.

Source: Munaty Cooking