Ma'amoul (Filled Semolina Cookies)

Ingredients

For the Date Filling

2          cups soft pitted dates, chopped

3          tablespoons vegetable oil

2          tablespoons sesame seeds

1/2       teaspoon ground cinnamon or cardamom

For the Ma’amoul

1          cup butter

1/2       cup milk

1          cup all-purpose flour

2          cups fine semolina flour

1/4       cup sugar

2          tablespoons orange blossom water

Method

For Date Filling

- Mix the dates, oil, sesame seeds, and cinnamon or cardamom to form a paste. Shape into small balls the size of hazelnuts.

For the Ma’amoul

- Place the butter and milk in a saucepan and bring to the boil over a medium heat.

- Mix the all-purpose flour, semolina flour and sugar on a slow speed in the Kenwood bowl using the K-beater.

- Pour the hot milk mix into flour mixture, mixing continuously on medium speed until well combined.

- Add the orange blossom water and continue mixing until fully incorporated.

- Cover with kitchen towel and set aside for at least 3 hours (or preferably overnight).

- Preheat the oven to 180˚C.

- Knead the dough by hand for 5 minutes until soft and pliable. Shape the dough into walnut-size balls.

- Using your thumb, press into balls to make cups. Fill the cups with date balls. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing the seams to seal.

- Roll into balls then put the balls into decorated moulds, tapping them out onto a work surface. Arrange on a baking sheet.

- Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden, allow to cool and then arrange on a serving plate.

- Let cool, then arrange on a serving plate.