Mamoul Filled with Dates

معمول بالتمر 

I was experimenting with this Lebanese recipe as there are so many different version of how to make the dough. I came up with this successful recipe to make a small batch.  You can double the recipe.

Makes 15 cookies. 

1 stick of butter, melted(4-ounces)

1 cup fine semolina

3/4 cup all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

2 tablespoons rose water 

8-ounces pressed dates

Melt the butter and pour in a bow. Add the flour, semolina, salt and baking powder and stir. The mixture will harden in five minutes. Add the rose water and mix using your hands. When the mixture becomes soft and the dough holds itself, cover and set a side for 30 minutes.

Prepare the filling:

Sauté the pressed dates in butter and add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and ground cardamoms. Set aside to cool. You can prepare the filling the day before if you wish.

To form the cookie, take a small portion of dough the size of a lime. Flatten it and fill it with 1 teaspoon of dates turn the sides of the dough towards the center to close it. Put it in a wooden mold and press it to make the design. Turn the mold over and tap it on a cutting board to release the cookie. Arrange on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. 

Bake for 20-25 minuted in a 350 degrees preheated oven.

Remover from over and set aside to cool for 10 minutes. Serve with coffee or tea.

Enjoy