Desserts > Cookies > Middle Eastern Cookies

Chocolate Ghoriba with Dates Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped dates

Special equipment needed:
• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
6. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
8. Fold in the chocolate chips and dates.
9. Drop tablespoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes about 24 cookies

Nutritional Information: Per cookie: Calories: 140; Fat: 7g; Carbohydrates: 17g; Protein: 2g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
• Butter: Can be substituted with vegan butter or coconut oil.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Can be substituted with dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips.
• Dates: Can be substituted with raisins or dried cranberries.

Variations:
• Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.
• Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a hint of spice.
• Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.

Tips and tricks:
• Make sure the butter is softened before creaming with the sugars.
• Use a cookie scoop to ensure even-sized cookies.
• Do not over-bake the cookies, as they will become dry and crumbly.

Storage instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the cookies on a plate with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of melted chocolate.

Garnishes:
Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped dates and a few chocolate chips.

Pairings:
Pair with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of fresh fruit.

Troubleshooting advice:
• If the cookies are too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or cream to the dough.
• If the cookies are too crumbly, add an extra tablespoon of butter to the dough.

Food safety advice:
• Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before baking.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming stale.

Food history:
Ghoriba is a traditional Middle Eastern cookie that dates back to the 16th century. It is typically made with flour, butter, and sugar, and is often flavored with nuts, spices, and dried fruit.

Flavor profiles:
This cookie has a rich, buttery flavor with notes of chocolate and sweetness from the dates.

Serving suggestions:
Serve as an after-dinner treat or as a snack with a cup of tea.

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Region: Moroccan

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Chocolaty, Chewy, Date, Date-Y