Print Recipe

Date Filled Ma'moul

Prep Time1 hr 30 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Total Time1 hr 50 mins
Course: Dessert
Servings: 16 cookies

Ingredients

dough

  • 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla
  • ¼ cup butter (melted and hot)
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • ¼ cup milk

filling

  • ¾ cup dates (pitted and chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder

Instructions

MAKING THE DOUGH

  • mix the liquid ingredients in a bowl and set aside
  • add all the dry ingredients in a different bowl and stir well
  • pour the hot butter into the flour and mix it, using a whisk until well combined (this might not look like dough to you at first since it can be flaky)
  • add the milk and knead for at least 5 minutes
  • cover the bowl and leave in a warm place for one hour

MAKING THE FILLING

  • add all the ingredients in a saucepan and stir on medium heat (the dates will soften with time and will develop a sticky dough-like texture
  • let the mixture cool completely

MAKING MA'MOUL

  • preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F
  • grease a baking pan with butter or use a baking sheet
  • form around16 equal balls from the dough
  • take a ball and flatten it slightly in your palm, place a ball of date in the centre and close the dough forming a sealed ball
  • place the ball in a mould, press it gently until the surface is even
  • slam the edge of the mould on a folded towel a few times to release the dough
  • place the Ma'moul on your greased baking pan (or baking sheet)
  • bake for 15 - 20 minutes
  • let them cool and dust them with confectioners’ sugar if you wish (optional)

Notes

Usually you would use a traditional Ma'moul mould for making the cookies, but if you're like me and don't have one and can't / don't want to invest in one, you can simply use the back of a juicer top as a mold! I saw this trick (along with this awesome recipe, which I changed to my personal liking, here!