Cardamom Maamoul is a traditional Middle Eastern cookie, delicately flavoured with cardamom and filled with dates or nuts. These buttery, crumbly cookies melt in your mouth and are often served during festive occasions. The combination of aromatic cardamom and a rich, sweet filling makes them irresistible treats, perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
2 cups semolina
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup clarified butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
1 cup dates, pitted and mashed
1 tablespoon clarified butter
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
Recipe:
1. Prepare the filling: In a small pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over low heat. Add the mashed dates and ground cardamom, stirring to combine until smooth. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool.
2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine semolina, flour, and sugar. Add melted butter, vanilla, cardamom, and salt, mixing until the dough resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add milk, kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and pliable. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. Shape the maamoul: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Take a small piece of dough and flatten it in your hand. Place a spoonful of the date filling in the centre, then fold the dough over to enclose the filling, forming a ball or traditional maamoul shape. Use a maamoul mold or gently press the top of each cookie with a fork to create a decorative pattern.
4. Bake: Arrange the maamoul on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow them to cool completely before serving.
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