Middle Eastern Maamoul Date Cookies

1

Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F).

2

Combine the sugar, baking powder, sesame seeds, cinnamon, and vanilla in a medium bowl and set aside.

3

Add milk, yeast, and powdered sugar to a measuring jug, mix together to combine. Cover and set aside for 10 minutes.

4

To make the dough; add pure ghee and sugar to the mixer bowl. Mix well on high for 2 minutes until become light yellow. Add flour mixture, mix for 6 minutes on high speed to combine. Add the yeast mixture, mix for about 3 minutes. Cover and set aside for 15 minutes.

5

For the filling: Add dates and butter to the microwave for 2 minutes then mash well until combined. Add cinnamon and ground almonds, pulse to combine until smooth.

6

Roll the date mixture into balls between the palms. Roll the dough mixture into balls as well and stuff the rolled date into the dough.

7

Shape the cookies with a ma’amoul mold, slightly flatten it and gently press it into the dough in the mold. Use different mold shapes as desired.

8

Bake at 180°C (360°F) for 8-10 minutes depending on your oven. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool first.

9

Repeat the process for the remaining. Serve and enjoy.