If you’ve never had Maamoul, you’re in for a treat! These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are filled with a sweet and spiced date filling that makes them absolutely irresistible. They are a traditional Middle Eastern dessert, often enjoyed during Ramadan and Eid celebrations, but honestly, they’re delicious any time of the year! With warm spices and a perfectly crumbly texture, these cookies will surely become a favorite in your home. Let’s get baking!
Method
Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, mahlab, ground anise seed, and baking powder. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the dry ingredients. Next, add the butter, vegetable oil, and sweetened condensed milk. Using your hands or a spatula, mix everything together until you get a soft, uniform dough. The dough should feel smooth and slightly crumbly, but easy to shape. Set it aside to rest while you prepare the filling.
Prepare the Date Filling
In another small mixing bowl, combine the date paste, vegetable oil, and cinnamon. Mix everything together until the date paste is soft and easy to work with. Once fully combined, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. These will be used as the sweet filling for your cookies.
Shape the Maamoul
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Take about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten it slightly to create a small disk in the palm of your hand. Place one of the date balls in the center of the dough and carefully wrap the dough around it, sealing any openings by pinching the edges together. Roll it lightly between your hands to smooth out the shape.
If you have a maamoul mold, place a piece of plastic wrap over the mold (to prevent sticking). Then, place the filled dough ball into the mold, press gently, and flip it over to release the beautifully shaped cookie. If you don’t have a mold, you can simply press the ball lightly with a fork to create a simple design.
Bake the Maamoul
Place the shaped maamoul cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, until the edges turn light golden brown.
For an extra golden top, broil the cookies for the last minute. Keep a close eye on them as they can toast quickly! Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!
Once the cookies have cooled slightly, they’re ready to enjoy! Serve warm or at room temperature with a cup of tea or coffee. These cookies also store well, so you can enjoy them for several days!
Necessary Tools
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
- Maamoul mold (optional)
- Plastic wrap (to prevent sticking)
- Spoon or spatula
- Oven
Maamoul Recipe
Cuisine: LebaneseDifficulty: Easy14
servings20
minutes14
minutes34
minutesIngredients
For the Dough:
2.5 cups flour
½ tsp mahlab
½ tsp ground anise seed
½ tsp baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter
¼ cup vegetable oil
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
For the Filling:
1 package date paste (370g)
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp cinnamon
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, mahlab, ground anise seed, and baking powder. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the dry ingredients. Next, add the butter, vegetable oil, and sweetened condensed milk. Using your hands or a spatula, mix everything together until you get a soft, uniform dough. The dough should feel smooth and slightly crumbly, but easy to shape. Set it aside to rest while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare the Date Filling: In another small mixing bowl, combine the date paste, vegetable oil, and cinnamon. Mix everything together until the date paste is soft and easy to work with. Once fully combined, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls. These will be used as the sweet filling for your cookies.
- Shape the Maamoul: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Take about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball. Flatten it slightly to create a small disk in the palm of your hand. Place one of the date balls in the center of the dough and carefully wrap the dough around it, sealing any openings by pinching the edges together. Roll it lightly between your hands to smooth out the shape.
If you have a maamoul mold, place a piece of plastic wrap over the mold (to prevent sticking). Then, place the filled dough ball into the mold, press gently, and flip it over to release the beautifully shaped cookie. If you don’t have a mold, you can simply press the ball lightly with a fork to create a simple design. - Bake the Maamoul: Place the shaped maamoul cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, until the edges turn light golden brown.
For an extra golden top, broil the cookies for the last minute. Keep a close eye on them as they can toast quickly! Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes before serving. - Enjoy: Once the cookies have cooled slightly, they’re ready to enjoy! Serve warm or at room temperature with a cup of tea or coffee. These cookies also store well, so you can enjoy them for several days!
Notes
- Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too dry, add a teaspoon of oil or milk to soften it. If it’s too sticky, add a little extra flour.
- Sealing the Cookies: Ensure the dough completely wraps around the date filling to prevent it from leaking during baking.
- Mold Sticking: If using a maamoul mold, don’t forget to place plastic wrap inside before pressing the dough to prevent sticking.
- Baking Watch: Keep a close eye while broiling to avoid burning the tops of the cookies.
Serving Suggestions
- Traditional Style: Serve with Arabic coffee or mint tea for an authentic experience.
- Festive Touch: Dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful, sweet finish.
- Nutty Version: Add crushed walnuts or pistachios inside the date filling for extra crunch.
- Chocolate Twist: Drizzle with melted chocolate for a modern twist on the classic cookie.
Fun Fact
Did you know that maamoul cookies date back centuries and are often made for special occasions like Ramadan and Eid? In many Middle Eastern households, making maamoul is a family tradition, with different generations coming together to prepare and shape these delicious treats!
Conclusion
Making Maamoul at home is a wonderful experience that brings tradition, flavor, and joy into the kitchen. These buttery, spiced cookies are perfect for celebrations or even just as a sweet treat with tea. Whether you’re new to making maamoul or have been enjoying them for years, this recipe is sure to become a go to favorite. Try them today and savor the delicious taste of tradition!
