Lebanese Maamoul

Preparation time: 30 to 35 minutes
Baking time: 15 to 25 minutes
Makes about 2 dozen pastries


Filling:

• 1 c. ground walnuts, pistachios, or almonds
• 1/3 c. sugar
• 1 tsp. melted butter
• 1 tsp. orange blossom water, rose water, or cinnamon (optional)

Dough:

• 2/3 c. butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 3 tbsp. sugar
• 2 c. all-purpose flour
• about 1/3 c. lukewarm milk
• powdered sugar for sprinkling

Method:

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine all filling ingredients and mix well. To make dough, combine butter and sugar in another mixing bowl and mix well. Add flour and mix with hands. Gradually add milk. Remove dough from bowl and continue kneading on a clean work surface until dough is soft. Place a walnut-sized ball of dough in the palm of your hand. Press the center of the ball to form a deep hollow. Place about 1 tsp. of filling into the hollow and pinch tightly to close. Gently roll into a ball and flatten slightly. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Place filled pastries on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 15 to 25 minutes, or until bottoms are a golden brown. Remove from oven. Sprinkle with powdered sugar while still warm and allow to cool on cookie sheet

Posted in: Arabic