Irresistible Iraqi Klaicha Date Cookies
Indulge in the delightful taste of Iraqi Klaicha, a traditional date-filled cookie that beautifully combines rich flavors and textures. These delightful cookies are made from a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth dough, infused with fragrant orange blossom water, and generously filled with sweet, softened dates. Perfect for sharing with family and friends during festive occasions or as a cozy treat for tea time, these cookies are sure to impress anyone who tries them. With a perfect balance of sweetness and subtle aromatic notes, these cookies capture the essence of Iraqi culinary tradition. Follow this recipe to create 10 delightful servings of these exquisite cookies.
10
Servings
250
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flour
3 cups (Sifted)
Sugar
1/2 cup (Granulated)
Butter
1 cup (Softened)
Orange Flower Water
3 teaspoons (N/A)
Water
1/4 cup (N/A)
Dates
8 ounces (Pitted and chopped)
Butter for Filling
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour and sugar. Once combined, cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3
In a small bowl, mix together the orange flower water and water until well combined. Gradually pour this liquid into the flour mixture while kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4
Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and allow it to rest for about 35 minutes at room temperature.
5
In a small saucepan, melt the additional 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add the chopped dates and cook gently until the dates are soft and pliable, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
6
Once the dough has rested, pinching off a piece about the size of a walnut, roll it into a ball and then flatten it into a disc.
7
Place a teaspoon of the date filling in the center of the disc, then fold and roll the edges over the filling to encase it. Pinch to seal the edges, and use a fork to score a decorative pattern on top of each cookie.
8
Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 30 minutes or until they turn lightly golden.
9
Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy your delicious Iraqi Klaicha!
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
26.7g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
6g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Iraqi Klaicha cookies?
Iraqi Klaicha are traditional date-filled cookies known for their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth dough infused with orange blossom water and a sweet date filling.
What is the main filling used in this recipe?
The main filling consists of 8 ounces of pitted and chopped dates cooked with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until soft and pliable.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 10 servings of cookies.
What is the required oven temperature for baking Klaicha?
The oven should be preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius).
What type of flour is recommended and how is it prepared?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of sifted flour.
How much sugar is included in the dough?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of granulated sugar sifted with the flour.
How much butter is needed for the cookie dough?
You will need 1 cup of softened butter to cut into the flour mixture.
What aromatic ingredient is used in the dough?
3 teaspoons of orange flower water are used to provide the traditional fragrant aroma.
How much water is mixed with the orange flower water?
1/4 cup of water is combined with the orange flower water before being added to the dough.
How long should the Klaicha dough rest?
The dough should rest for about 35 minutes at room temperature, covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap.
How are the dates prepared for the filling?
Cook 8 ounces of chopped dates in a saucepan with 2 tablespoons of melted butter over low heat until they are soft.
What size should the dough pieces be before filling?
Pinch off pieces of dough approximately the size of a walnut.
How do you shape the individual cookies?
Roll a walnut-sized piece of dough into a ball, flatten it into a disc, place a teaspoon of filling in the center, and fold the edges over to seal.
How are the cookies decorated before baking?
Use a fork to score a decorative pattern on the top of each cookie once they are sealed.
What is the baking time for Iraqi Klaicha?
Bake the cookies for 30 minutes or until they turn lightly golden.
How many calories are in one serving of Klaicha?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 17.5 grams of fat in each serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each cookie serving?
Each serving contains 26.7 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is provided per serving?
Each serving provides 2.5 grams of protein.
What is the sugar content per serving?
There are 6 grams of sugar per serving.
What is the first step in preparing the cookie dough?
Sift together the flour and sugar in a large bowl and then cut in the softened butter until it looks like coarse crumbs.
What should the dough consistency be after kneading?
The dough should be kneaded until it becomes smooth and elastic.
What should you do to prevent the dates from sticking while cooking?
Stir the dates frequently while cooking them gently in melted butter over low heat.
What type of baking surface should be used?
Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
How should the cookies be cooled?
Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The recipe is categorized as taking less than 4 hours to complete.
What tools can be used to incorporate the butter?
A pastry cutter or a fork can be used to cut the butter into the flour mixture.
Are there any dietary fiber details available?
The nutritional data for fiber is not specified for this recipe.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include Iraqi, cookies, date cookies, klaicha, baking, desserts, and traditional.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, Klaicha is a traditional Iraqi date-filled cookie often served during festive occasions.