Maamoul Middle Eastern Cookies

 Maamoul cookies were integral to our family’s holiday traditions. Growing up in Jordan, I remember my mom and aunts spending a whole day in the kitchen, preparing and baking these delicate treats with meticulous care. The entire house would be filled with freshly baked cookies with warm, sweet aromas, signaling the start of the festive season.

Maamoul wasn’t just a cookie – it was a labor of love, a way to bring our family together and honor our cultural heritage. I loved watching my mom shape the dough into perfect rounds, filling them with fragrant dates, walnuts, or pistachios and decorating them with intricate patterns using special wooden molds. Even as a child, I felt a sense of pride in carrying on this centuries-old tradition.

And the taste…oh, the flavor! These cookies were unlike anything else I’ve ever tried. The rich, buttery dough practically melted in my mouth, revealing a sweet, nutty filling that perfectly complemented the delicate flavors. I couldn’t help but reach for seconds, thirds, and sometimes even more – they were that addictive!

 Living far from home, I still make Maamoul every holiday season, following my mom’s cherished recipe and passing on the tradition to my family. These cookies, like the Barazk and Garybeh, are more than a delicious treat – they remind me of my roots, culture, and the love that binds us together.

Ingredients to Maamoul Cookies

For the Dough:

• Fine Semolina: Adds a delightful grainy texture to the dough, giving Maamoul its signature crumble.
•  Mahlab: Mahlab is a prized spice derived from ground seeds of the St. Lucie cherry (Prunus mahaleb) tree, known for its nutty and subtly bitter profile with hints of almond and cherry. It elevates Middle Eastern and Mediterranean desserts, like Maamoul-filled shortbread cookies. For the best flavor, grind mahlab seeds in small quantities using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. You can quickly obtain whole mahlab seeds at Middle Eastern grocery stores or online retailers.
• Mistka Crushed: Mastic, sourced from the resin of the mastic tree, is a versatile ingredient renowned in Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly in Greece and Turkey. It boasts a distinctive piney-sweet flavor that enhances various dishes, from cookies to bread. If unavailable at your local Middle Eastern market, you can conveniently find high-quality mastic at specialty spice shops or online, such as on Amazon.
• Melted Clarified Butter (Ghee) Provides a rich, buttery taste and a tender texture to the pastry.
• Active Dry Yeast: Helps the dough rise, creating a light and airy pastry.
• Warm Water: Necessary to activate the yeast.
• Orange Blossom Water: Imparts a fragrant, floral essence, enhancing the dough’s aroma.

Date Filling:

• Baking Dates: These are specially prepared dates often used in Middle Eastern cuisine, contributing a naturally sweet and caramel-like flavor.
• Clarified Butter (Ghee): Adds richness and a buttery touch to complement the sweetness of the dates.
• Mahlab, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Spice the filling with warm, aromatic notes.

Pistachio Filling:

• Thick Syrup: A sweet, thick syrup that binds pistachios and adds moisture.
• White Sugar: Sweetens the filling and contrasts the nutty pistachios pleasantly.
• Lemon Juice: Offers a tangy kick to balance the sweetness.
• Semi-Finely Chopped Pistachios: Provide a crunchy, nutty texture.
• Orange Blossom Water: Adds a delicate, floral aroma to enhance the pistachio’s flavor.

Walnut Filling:

• Chopped Walnuts: Bring a hearty, nutty crunch to the filling.
• White Sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the walnuts.
• Ground Cinnamon and ground Nutmeg: Infuse warm, spicy notes.
• Orange Blossom Water: Provides a subtle floral fragrance to complement the walnuts.

Each ingredient is crucial in creating the delectable Maamoul, ensuring a delightful balance of flavors and textures in every bite. Enjoy making and savoring these lovely pastries!

Tips for Making The Best Maamoul

Creating the perfect Maamoul is a labor of love; the result is oh-so-worth it! Here are some tips to keep in mind as you embark on your Maamoul-making journey:

• Prep Ahead: Maamoul is a delightful process, but does take time. Consider doing some prep work the day before to streamline the baking process.
• Clarified Butter is Key: When making the dough, opt for clarified butter (Ghee) rather than regular butter. It brings out the best in the Maamoul.
• Semolina Magic: To achieve the best Maamoul texture, use a fine semolina mixture for your dough. It makes a world of difference.
• Date Decisions: You have options when it comes to dates. You can use baking date paste or regular dates. If you choose regular dates, remove the pits and knead the date mixture with ghee, cinnamon, and nutmeg until it transforms into a soft, paste-like texture.
• The Mahleb Magic: Don’t forget to add mahleb spice to the dough. It brings delightful hints of vanilla and floral aromas to your Maamoul.
• Mold Matters: Using a mold is the easiest way to shape your Maamoul cookies, but don’t worry if you don’t have one. You can shape them by hand and create beautiful markings with a fork. Molds can be found on Amazon or at Middle Eastern grocery stores.
• Prevent Stickiness: Before adding the dough to the mold, sprinkle a mixture of semolina and flour. This will help the dough come out smoothly without sticking.
• Backup Dough: Keep a small amount of dough and water handy if the dough sticks to the mold. You can quickly remove any sticky dough by pressing the excess dough into the mold and pulling it out. If you need to wash the mold, ensure it’s completely dry before using it again.

With these tips in your Maamoul-making arsenal, your cookies are sure to turn out wonderfully delicious, just like the ones your mom and aunts used to make back in Jordan. Enjoy your baking journey!

How to Shape the Maamoul Cookies 

Shaping Maamoul is a fun part of the baking journey, and you’ve got two great techniques to pick from

• Using the Mold: Start lightly dusting the mold with the semolina flour mix to keep things from sticking. Then, press a portion of the dough onto the mold, shaping it nicely. Drop in a ball of your chosen filling, fold and seal the dough snugly, and tap it out gently. Your Maamoul will come out looking lovely on a buttered sheet. Repeat this process for each of your first-flavor cookies.
• Using Your Hands: Shape the dough into circles or semi-ovals. Hold the dough in one hand and use your thumb to create a deep pocket. Fill that pocket with your preferred filling, ensuring a smooth, well-sealed dough ball. You can add some artistic flair by using a fork or a special Maamoul tool to pinch and decorate. Keep going until you’ve shaped all your cookies.

Lastly, pop those Maamoul into a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15 minutes. They should come out with a beautiful caramel hue. Once they’ve cooled, give them a gentle dusting of powdered sugar, and get ready to enjoy your homemade delights! Happy eating!