Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup semolina
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon yeast
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground mahlab (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water
• Filling: 2 cups date paste or a mixture of nuts and sugar
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, semolina, yeast, sugar, mahlab, and salt.
2. Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4. Cover the dough and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

Preparing the Filling

1. If using date paste, ensure it is softened. If using nuts, chop them finely and mix with a little sugar for sweetness.

Shaping and Baking the Maamoul

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Take a small piece of dough and shape it into a ball. Flatten it slightly and place a small amount of filling in the center.
3. Fold the edges over the filling to form a smooth ball again.
4. Place the shaped cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you have a maamoul mold, you can press the balls into the mold for a decorative shape.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Once baked, let them cool before dusting with powdered sugar.