Maamoul is one of the most popular types of sweets in many Arab countries and is especially common during Eid. It can be prepared in different ways and with various fillings—most often dates or nuts—and shaped into an array of forms and sizes.
Cooking Time
60 minutes
Serves
4 people
Ingredients
For the dough
-
5 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 tablespoon baking powder
-
2 teaspoons ground mastic (mistika)
-
2 tablespoons maamoul spice mix
-
2 tablespoons nigella seeds (black cumin)
-
200 g unsalted butter
-
1 cup vegetable oil
-
¼ cup rose water
For the filling
-
500 g date paste
-
¼ cup vegetable oil
-
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
-
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Method
-
Combine the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, ground mastic, maamoul spice, and nigella seeds. -
Add fats and liquid
Melt the butter with the cup of vegetable oil. Pour this mixture over the flour mixture and stir. Add the rose water, then knead until you obtain a smooth, cohesive dough. -
Prepare the filling
In a separate bowl, drizzle the ¼ cup of oil over the date paste. Add the nutmeg and cinnamon, then knead together until evenly blended. -
Shape and fill
Take pieces of dough, fill each with the date mixture, and shape as desired—either by hand or using maamoul molds. -
Bake
Place the filled cookies on a baking tray and bake in a pre-heated oven at 180 °C (350 °F) for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Enjoy your homemade maamoul!
