Lebanese Date Delight Cookies (Mamoul)
Experience the enchanting flavors of Lebanon with these delicate and aromatic Lebanese Date Delight Cookies, known as Mamoul. These traditional cookies are made using coarse semolina, giving them a delightful texture reminiscent of shortbread. Each cookie is artfully filled with a sweet and fragrant date paste that is infused with the exquisite essences of orange flower and rose water. Their pale yellow hue and rich taste make them a popular treat during festive occasions, inviting you to indulge in a taste of Middle Eastern culture from the comfort of your home.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Active dry yeast
0.5 (teaspoon)
Lukewarm water
0.25 (cup)
Orange flower water
1 (tablespoon)
Large egg
1
Unsalted butter, melted and cooled
8 (tablespoons)
Coarse semolina
1.5 (cups)
Sugar
2 (tablespoons)
Salt
0.25 (teaspoon)
All-purpose flour
1 (cup)
Milk for brushing
Honey dates, pitted
0.75 (cup)
Sugar for filling
3 (tablespoons)
Orange flower water for filling
1.5 (teaspoons)
Rose water
1.5 (teaspoons)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lebanese Date Delight Cookies (Mamoul)?
Mamoul are traditional Lebanese cookies made with a coarse semolina dough and filled with a sweet, fragrant date paste.
What gives Mamoul its unique texture?
The use of coarse semolina gives these cookies a delightful, crumbly texture reminiscent of shortbread.
What is the filling made of?
The filling is a sweet paste made from pitted honey dates, sugar, orange flower water, and rose water.
What aromatics are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses orange flower water and rose water to provide an authentic Middle Eastern fragrance.
Does the dough require yeast?
Yes, the recipe calls for active dry yeast dissolved in lukewarm water.
What kind of flour is used in Mamoul?
The recipe uses a combination of coarse semolina and all-purpose flour.
What type of dates should be used?
Honey dates that have been pitted are recommended for the best flavor and consistency.
What color should the cookies be after baking?
These cookies are known for their characteristic pale yellow hue.
Why is milk used in this recipe?
Milk is used for brushing the cookies before they are baked.
Are Mamoul cookies suitable for festive occasions?
Yes, they are a very popular treat during festive occasions in Middle Eastern culture.
Is there sugar in the dough or just the filling?
Sugar is used in both the dough (2 tablespoons) and the filling (3 tablespoons).
How much butter is required for the recipe?
The recipe requires 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter, which should be melted and cooled.
Is salt included in the recipe?
Yes, a 1/4 teaspoon of salt is added to the dough to balance the sweetness.
How many ingredients are needed to make these cookies?
There are 14 ingredients in total, including the components for both the dough and the filling.
What is the role of the egg in this recipe?
One large egg is used to help bind the dough and contribute to its rich texture.
Is rose water used in the dough?
In this specific recipe, rose water is primarily used to flavor the date filling.
Can I use regular water for the yeast?
The recipe specifies lukewarm water to properly activate the dry yeast.
What makes these cookies different from standard shortbread?
The addition of coarse semolina and the aromatic date filling distinguishes them from traditional European shortbread.
Are these cookies considered a dessert?
Yes, they are categorized as a dessert and a sweet treat.
Where does the name 'Mamoul' come from?
Mamoul is the traditional Middle Eastern name for these stuffed semolina cookies.
How much semolina is used?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of coarse semolina.
How much all-purpose flour is used?
One cup of all-purpose flour is mixed with the semolina.
Is orange flower water used in the filling?
Yes, 1.5 teaspoons of orange flower water are added specifically to the date filling.
Is orange flower water also used in the dough?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of orange flower water is incorporated into the cookie dough.
Are the dates used in this recipe fresh or dried?
The recipe uses honey dates, which are naturally sweet and soft, ideal for making a paste.
Does this recipe contain sodium?
The recipe contains salt, but specific sodium milligram counts are not provided in the raw data.
Is this a Lebanese recipe?
Yes, it is an authentic Lebanese recipe for traditional Mamoul.
Can I make these cookies without pitted dates?
You must pit the honey dates before creating the filling paste to ensure a smooth texture.
What is the quantity of dates needed?
You will need 0.75 cups of pitted honey dates.
What category does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized under Lebanese cookies, desserts, and Middle Eastern sweet treats.