Equipment
Ingredients
The Starter
- 6 g granular yeast
- 45 ml water, lukewarm
- 30 g flour, all-purpose
- 1 g salt
- 9 g sugar, granulated
The Dough
- 57 g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 780 g all-purpose flour, unsifted
- 7½ ml rose water
- 2½ ml vanilla extract
- 50 ml water, lukewarm
Finishing and Filling
- date filling
- confectioners' sugar
Nutrition (per serving)
Method
In a small bowl, dissolve 6g yeast in 45ml lukewarm water.
Stir 30g flour, 1g salt, and 9g sugar into the yeast mixture.
Allow the starter to sit for 30 minutes at room temperature until it doubles in volume and becomes bubbly.
Melt 57g butter in a small saucepan and set aside to cool completely.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 780g flour, the cooled butter, the prepared starter, 7.5ml rose water, and 2.5ml vanilla.
Mix the ingredients by hand or in a food processor until the texture resembles coarse cornmeal.
Gradually add up to 50ml lukewarm water, kneading until the dough forms a smooth ball. Use the minimum amount of water necessary.
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
Divide the dough into 24 equal pieces and roll each into a ball.
If using filling, create an indentation in each ball, insert 5g date filling, and seal the edges. Otherwise, flatten balls into discs 1.25cm (1/2 inch) thick.
Place cookies on a cookie sheet and bake on the top rack at 175°C (350°F) for 35 to 40 minutes.
Remove from oven and let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
Dust the cooled cookies generously with confectioners' sugar before serving.
Chef's Notes
- The quality of the butter is crucial for the crumbly texture. Use a good quality unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture.
- Be mindful of the amount of water added to the dough. Too much water will result in a tough cookie, while too little might make it difficult to bind.
- The rose water adds a distinct floral aroma characteristic of many Middle Eastern sweets. Ensure it's food-grade and use it sparingly as it can be overpowering.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar. Warm cookies will absorb the sugar and become sticky, rather than having a distinct powdery coating.
- For a more authentic flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground mastic or mahlab (a spice made from cherry pits) to the dough.
Storage
Refrigerator: 1 week — Store in an airtight container to maintain texture.
Freezer: 2 months — Freeze without sugar dusting; thaw at room temperature.
Reheating: Not recommended; serve at room temperature.
