Date Cookies (Maamoul B’tamer)

Date Cookies (Maamoul B’tamer) Ingredients

4 cups all purpose flour1 3/4 cups unsalted butter (room temperature)3/4 cups powdered sugar1/2 cup milk1 tsp ground mahlab, for flavour1 tsp baking powder1/2 tsp orange blossom waterpinch of nutmeg (optional)pinch of salt1kg date paste2 tbsp unsalted butter1 1/2 tsp orange blossom water(Mix together)

Method

In a deep bowl add flour, baking powder, powdered sugar, mahlab, pinch of nutmeg & salt and mix togetherAdd soft butter and mix well with your hands until you get a crumb like consistencyAdd milk & 1/2 tsp orange blossom water and knead until you form a soft dough Cover and refrigerate for a few hours so that the butter can soak well in the dough Remove dough from fridge and let it rest for half an hour Knead to soften doughUsing a measuring spoon so they are all the same size, scoop 1 tbsp of dough and form smooth balls Repeat same process for the datesFlaten dough with your hands, place date ball inside and close to cover the filling Place the dough in the mold and tap it on the counter so that it falls out Repeat with remaining dough and filling(Preheat oven to 400 degrees)Place the molded cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 7-8 minutes and then on broil until they are a golden brown colourStore cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days