Ma'amoul / Dates filled cookies / Middle Eastern cookies / Easy date cookies/pie crust cookies

Ma’amoul is Middle Eastern cookies made with a variety of dry fruits and nuts filling like walnuts ,pistachios, dates,raisins etc.Served mostly during festivals.

A traditional short bread /cookie is made with semolina or flour, rich dry fruits and nuts filling seasoned with butter,orange blossom or rose water, molded in a traditional wooden cookie cutter ,baked to perfection,dusted with powdered sugar .This labor of love brings out fragrant ,rich yet mildly sweet bite size heaven…served along with tea.

Variations of filled cookies brought by family and friends returning from Gulf was always present in my house so I was familiar with the texture and crispiness of the cookie that I wanted.Decided to experiment with pie crust dough which is fail proof and there by no worries about making the right dough!!

Other trials with pie crust dough are Easy sugar cookies , Chicken pot pie etc.

See the step by step pictures just follow that and it is a breeze, trust me!

Ingredients- (makes around 18 small cookies)

Pie crust dough – 1 roll ( a pack comes with two rolls )

Baking dates- 13 oz/ 375 gms

Powdered/Confectioners sugar for dusting (OPTIONAL)

Method

1.Defrost the pie crust ahead of time.But keep in the refrigerator till ready to make.

2.Make small round date balls .

3.Spread the pie crust dough .With a cookie cutter or any round container cut out rounds.Put the dates ball inside the pie crust seal the edges and shape it well .
Design the cookies with small flexible container press lightly and level to take shape of container tap it back and use pom tongs gently to make impressions .(see pics hope u get the clue:))

4.Preheat the oven to 350° F and bake for 15 mts or till the base of the cookies turn golden brown on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

5.Once it cools completely dust some confectioners sugar(or the sugar will melt and make a mess) on top and serve.

Note

The pie crust dough tends to stick to the counter top so u need to work fast.If you find that while molding the dough it is loosing shape then put it back to the refrigerator till firm and manageable.
Do not leave to bake for long as the dates inside will dry out.
Buy baking dates,it is easier to mold because it is pitted &,mashed.If you don’t get that then u need to use soft dates ,remove seeds and chop it fine.

Hope you like my version of ma’amoul.

Meena