Date-Filled Ghraybeh Cookies

Image for recipe: Date-Filled Ghraybeh Cookies
Dessert

Ingredients: 8

Experience the delightful flavors of these traditional Middle Eastern cookies, known as Ghraybeh. These delicate treats are filled with a luscious date paste and feature a buttery, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. Perfect for serving with tea or coffee, these cookies are sure to impress guests with their unique taste and beautiful presentation.

Ingredients

Ingredients
500 grams unsalted butter, good quality (to be clarified)
1 cup powdered sugar
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
750 grams dates, best quality
2 tablespoons orange blossom water
1 teaspoon canola oil
1 teaspoon mastic gum, crushed (optional)

Instructions

  • Preparation

    1. Begin by clarifying the butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and skim off any white foam that rises to the surface. Allow the butter to rest for 10 minutes, then strain it through a cheesecloth-lined sieve to remove the milk solids. Your clarified butter is now ready.
    2. For the date filling: Use a serrated knife to remove the pits from the dates. Place the dates in a food processor, add oil, orange blossom water, and mastic gum if desired, and blend until a smooth paste forms. Roll the paste into small balls the size of a grape and set aside.
    3. Preheat the oven to 200°C/ 400°F and position the rack in the center.
    4. To make the cookie dough: In a large bowl, combine the clarified butter and powdered sugar. Add the flour and baking soda, mixing well with your fingertips. Knead the mixture until a smooth dough forms.
    5. Divide the dough into small balls the size of an apricot. Make a hole in each ball, fill it with a date ball, then seal and roll it into a smooth ball. Repeat for all the dough.
    6. Arrange the date-filled balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each. Bake for 12-15 minutes until they are creamy in color, taking care not to brown them. Allow to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving dish.
    7. For a decorative touch, garnish with ground pistachios if desired.

Jul 24, 2024