The famous ma’amoul date biscuit needs no introduction in the Arab world. A favourite to many, this age-old delicacy is popular around the Middle East and are traditionally made in special wooden moulds. Ma’amoul date biscuits are made in three classic shapes – round, domed or flattened. This ancient Arab pastry is usually stuffed with a hearty filling of pureed dates. Walnuts or pistachios are often included in this fragrant butter date cookie recipe for an added crunch.

Date biscuits are prevalent in the Levantine region during religious holidays. This small pastry which melts in your mouth is particularly found on holiday tables including Eid al Fitr. So, one may wonder what makes these cookies so special. Mahlab, an aromatic spice made from the seeds obtained from St. Lucie cherry, is the hidden ingredient that makes these date biscuits recipe so distinctive. In countries such as Greece, Turkey and the entire Middle East, it is very common.

Now is the perfect time to take a break from sugar-laden, high-calorie cookies and try these Mediterranean-inspired date biscuits full of naturally sweet dates. Here is our easy date biscuit recipe:

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins

Ingredients for Dough

• 550 g flour
• 250 g ghee (clarified butter)
• 100 g icing sugar
• 5 g mahlab powder
• 25 g acacia honey (or any other light-coloured honey)
• 125 ml water

Ingredients for Filling

• 450 g Medjool dates, pitted and blended into a paste
• 25 g ghee
• 50 g dhibs
• 25 ml canola oil

Cooking Instructions

1. To make the dough – melt the ghee in a bowl and stir for 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Sift in the flour and mahlab powder and gently incorporate it into the ghee while it is still warm. Mix for 2 to 3 minutes and let sit overnight.
3. The following day mix water, icing sugar and honey together in a bowl.
4. Add the dough to the mixture and knead for 3 minutes (If using an electric mixer, use a slow speed).
5. Shape the dough into small walnut-sized balls, then flatten them and set aside.
6. To make the filling – combine Medjool dates paste, ghee, dhibs and canola oil, and mix for 5 to 6 minutes until it transforms into a smooth date paste.
7. Put about a teaspoon of filling in the middle of each flattened dough ball. Fold the dough over so that the paste fills each biscuit.
8. Press each ball into a wooden ma’amoul mould dusted with flour.
9. Knock the mould gently on the table to remove the biscuit.
10. Bake the date biscuits at 170 °C for 20 minutes – they should be crisp and white in colour. Store the cookies in an airtight container to make them last longer.

Tips and Tricks for making Date Biscuits

Dates: This recipe utilises Bateel’s Medjool dates for their moist and plump texture. These gourmet dates are easily distinguishable from other date varieties due to their large size. Also, Medjool dates are great for cooking date paste from scratch.

Date paste: Date paste is a healthy all-natural sweetener that can be easily prepared at home. Chop the pitted dates. In a food processer or grinder, add the dates along with 1 tbsp of water. Blend until it becomes a smooth paste. Remove and store in the refrigerator. This stays fresh for up to 2 weeks.

Ghee substitute: Traditionally ghee or butter is used for the preparation of these date biscuits. To make a lighter version of this recipe, you can utilise any odourless healthy oil. We recommend using ghee for a rich nutty flavour.

Mould: You can purchase a wooden ma’amoul mould online or find one in supermarkets or specialised stores. Alternatively, these cookies can be given a flattened shape by freehand.

Health Benefits – Date Biscuits Recipe

Widely consumed across the globe, dates  are considered to be nature’s bounty. They are sumptuous, delicious, and satisfying. High in fibre, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, dates are a good source of calcium, niacin, iron, phosphorus, in addition to other minerals and vitamins. From being beneficial for bone health to helping in boosting our body’s immunity, the essential nutrients found in dates provide numerous health benefits. Dates are a great alternative to refined sugar when consumed in balanced quantity.

This date biscuit recipe will perfectly satisfy your sweet tooth and is great for a quick snack. Use Bateel’s organic gourmet dates for the best results.