Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup chopped dates
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Special Equipment Needed:
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheet
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together melted butter, oil, and cold water.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/4-inch thickness.
6. Using a pastry brush, brush the dough with melted butter.
7. Sprinkle chopped walnuts, dates, sugar, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon over the dough.
8. Using cookie cutters, cut out shapes from the dough.
9. Place shapes on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes 24 cookies
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 130
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: whole wheat flour, almond flour, or oat flour
- Unsalted butter: coconut oil or vegan butter
- Vegetable oil: olive oil
- Walnuts: pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts
- Dates: raisins, dried cranberries, or dried apricots
Variations:
- Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom for an extra spiced flavor.
- Substitute chopped pistachios for the walnuts.
- Substitute honey for the sugar.
Tips and Tricks:
- For a crispier cookie, roll out the dough to 1/8-inch thickness.
- For a softer cookie, roll out the dough to 1/2-inch thickness.
- To make the cookies easier to cut out, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling out.
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve on a platter with a variety of other cookies.
- Place in a decorative tin or box and give as a gift.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate.
Pairings:
- Serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Yogurt parfait
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- If the dough is too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Food Safety Advice:
- Keep the dough refrigerated until ready to use.
- Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling the dough.
Food History:
Ma'amoul is a traditional Middle Eastern cookie that is typically served during special occasions. It is made with a shortbread-like dough that is filled with nuts, dates, or other fillings.
Flavor Profiles:
This cookie has a sweet and nutty flavor with a hint of cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a dessert after a Middle Eastern-inspired meal.
- Serve as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Middle Eastern
Taste: Sweet, Spicy, Nutty, Cinnamon, Cinnamon-Flavored