Kleicha (Date-Filled Cookies)

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 cups date paste
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 egg, beaten (for glaze)
• Sesame or nigella seeds for topping

Instructions

1. 1Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm milk and let sit until foamy.
2. 2Combine flour and softened butter, then work in the yeast mixture to form a soft, pliable dough; rest 1 hour.
3. 3Mix the date paste with cardamom and nutmeg to make the filling.
4. 4Divide the dough into balls, flatten each, and place a spoonful of date filling in the center.
5. 5Fold and seal the dough around the filling, then shape into rounds, half-moons, or ring shapes using a mold or by hand.
6. 6Arrange the shaped cookies on a baking tray, brush with beaten egg, and sprinkle with sesame or nigella seeds.
7. 7Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden.
8. 8Cool completely before serving with tea.

Comments

Loading comments…