Mamool or Ma'amoul

Ma’amoul means filled in Arabic. These are very popular in Lebanon but can be found throughout the Middle East and North Africa. They are traditionally shaped as crescents or as pressed cookies and have several variations for the fillings. This one has a walnut filling, but you can use almonds or pistachios too.

Original recipe makes 1 dozen

Ingredients

2 cups semolina flour
1 1/2 cups shortening
1 cup boiling water

3/4 cup white sugar
2 cups ground walnuts
1 teaspoon rose water
1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar for dusting

PREP

15 mins
COOK

12 mins
READY IN

1 hr 27 mins

Directions

Place the semolina flour into a medium bowl, and cut in shortening using a pastry blender or a fork. Pour in boiling water, and mix to form a solid dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead for a minute or two to be sure the dough is well blended. Cover dough and let stand for at least one hour, or as long as overnight.
In a medium bowl, mix together the sugar, ground nuts, and rose water so that the mixture is uniform. Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets, or line with parchment paper. Knead dough again briefly, and form into walnut sized balls. Make a hole in the center using your finger. Fill the hole with the nut mixture, and seal the dough up over it. Gently form into balls or crescents, or make designs into the dough using a fork. Place cookies at least 1 inch apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly browned. Dust with confectioners sugar while still warm if desired.