كعك العيد #نهى_الزعبي #اكسبلور #فلوجات #ام #طبخ #وصفات #اكلات #ترند #اكسبلور #اكل #عيلتي #ام

كعك العيد #نهى_الزعبي #اكسبلور #فلوجات #ام #طبخ #وصفات #اكلات #ترند #اكسبلور #اكل #عيلتي #ام is a medium Middle Eastern recipe that serves 12. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Nuha Alzoubi نهى الزعبي on YouTube.

Prep: 1 hr | Cook: 20 min | Total: 1 hr 35 min

Cost: $23.25 total, $1.94 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 1 cup Fine Semolina (toasted lightly in a dry pan)
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar (for sweetness and tender crumb)
  • 2 tablespoons Toasted Sesame Seeds (golden and fragrant)
  • 1 teaspoon Nigella Seeds (Habbat al-Baraka) (optional but traditional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder (adds subtle color and aroma)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Anise Seed
  • a pinch Mastic (Arabic Gum) (optional, for authentic flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons Milk Powder
  • 100 grams Unsalted Ghee (softened at room temperature)
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (from the region, adds richness)
  • 1 teaspoon Instant Dry Yeast (helps dough relax, not for rise)
  • 1/2 cup Warm Water (about 35‑40°C, to activate yeast)
  • 200 grams Pitted Dates (chopped finely for filling)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cardamom (optional, for filling aroma)

Instructions

  1. Toast Semolina

    Place the semolina in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir continuously until it turns a light golden color and releases a nutty aroma, about 3‑4 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, toasted semolina, powdered sugar, toasted sesame seeds, nigella seeds, turmeric, cumin, ground anise, milk powder, and a pinch of mastic.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Activate Yeast

    In a small cup, combine the instant yeast with the warm water (35‑40°C) and stir gently. Let sit for 2‑3 minutes until slightly frothy.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: 35-40°C

  4. Add Wet Ingredients and Knead

    Create a well in the dry mixture, pour in the activated yeast, softened ghee, olive oil, and mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Transfer to a stand mixer with the dough hook or knead by hand for 8‑10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.

    Time: PT10M

  5. First Rest

    Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel and let the dough rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. This relaxes the gluten and makes shaping easier.

    Time: PT30M

  6. Prepare Date Filling

    While the dough rests, pulse the pitted dates in a food processor with ground cardamom until a coarse paste forms. If the mixture is too dry, add a teaspoon of warm water.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Shape the Cookies

    Divide the rested dough into 12 equal portions (about 60 g each). Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten into a disc about 1 cm thick. Place a tablespoon of date filling in the centre, fold the edges over, and pinch to seal. Gently roll the sealed ball again and use a small cutter or your thumb to create the traditional Eid‑ka'ak pattern (a small hole in the centre).

    Time: PT20M

  8. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 180°C (350°F) and allow it to fully preheat, about 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 180°C

  9. Bake the Cookies

    Line the baking sheet with parchment paper, arrange the shaped cookies leaving a little space between them, and brush lightly with olive oil. Bake for 15‑20 minutes, or until the tops turn a deep golden‑brown.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 180°C

  10. Cool and Serve

    Remove the cookies from the oven, transfer to a cooling rack, and let them cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
150
Protein
2 g
Carbohydrates
20 g
Fat
7 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made vegan by substituting ghee with vegan butter and milk powder with soy milk powder

Allergens: Gluten, Sesame, Dairy (ghee), Yeast

Last updated: March 18, 2026

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كعك العيد #نهى_الزعبي #اكسبلور #فلوجات #ام #طبخ #وصفات #اكلات #ترند #اكسبلور #اكل #عيلتي #ام

Recipe by Nuha Alzoubi نهى الزعبي

A fragrant, buttery Eid cookie made with flour, semolina, toasted sesame, nigella seeds, and a sweet date filling. The dough is lightly leavened with yeast, rested, then shaped and baked until golden. Perfect for celebrating the holiday with family and friends.

MediumMiddle EasternServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 8m
Prep
45m
Cook
14m
Cleanup
2h 7m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$23.25
Total cost
$1.94
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Toasting the semolina for flavor
  • Activating the yeast with properly warm water
  • Kneading the dough to a smooth, elastic texture
  • Resting the dough to relax gluten
  • Sealing the date filling securely
  • Baking at the correct temperature until golden

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oven and baking sheet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Use warm (not hot) water to activate yeast; water that is too hot can kill the yeast.
  • Be careful when chopping dates; the pit can be sharp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Eid Cookies (Ka'ak) in Middle Eastern cuisine?

A

Eid Ka'ak, also called "Eid cookies," are traditionally prepared for the celebration of Eid al‑Fitr and Eid al‑Adha. They symbolize hospitality and the sharing of sweet treats after a month of fasting, and their aromatic spices reflect the festive spirit of the holiday.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Ka'ak in Middle Eastern cuisine?

A

In the Levant, Ka'ak may be flavored with anise and topped with sesame; in the Gulf, they often include cardamom and are filled with dates or figs. Some regions bake them in a ring shape, while others make a simple round cookie with a central hole.

cultural
Q

How is Ka'ak traditionally served during Eid celebrations in Arab households?

A

Ka'ak is typically served on a large platter alongside other sweets like baklava and ma'amoul. It is offered to guests with Arabic coffee or tea, and families often enjoy it after the Eid prayer as part of the festive feast.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Ka'ak traditionally associated with in Arab culture?

A

Besides Eid, Ka'ak is also made for weddings, birthdays, and religious holidays such as Ramadan evenings. Its presence marks any special gathering where sweets are shared.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for making Ka'ak, and what are acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include semolina, nigella seeds, toasted sesame, ghee, and a date filling. Substitutes can be butter for ghee, wheat flour for semolina (though texture changes), and fig paste instead of dates for the filling.

cultural
Q

What other Middle Eastern dishes pair well with Ka'ak during an Eid feast?

A

Ka'ak pairs beautifully with Arabic coffee, mint tea, and other desserts like baklava, ma'amoul, and basbousa. It also complements savory dishes such as lamb kebabs or stuffed grape leaves for a balanced spread.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Ka'ak at home?

A

Common errors include over‑toasting the semolina, using water that is too hot for the yeast, not sealing the date filling tightly, and baking at an incorrect temperature which can cause the cookies to become too hard.

technical
Q

Why does this Ka'ak recipe use a small amount of yeast instead of a traditional leavening method?

A

The yeast is used only to relax the gluten and make the dough easier to shape; it does not aim to make the cookies rise. This keeps the texture tender while preserving the dense, crumbly character of traditional Ka'ak.

technical
Q

Can I make Ka'ak ahead of time and how should I store them before serving?

A

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and keep it refrigerated, or bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies and reheat briefly before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when baking Ka'ak?

A

The cookies should have a golden‑brown exterior with a slightly crisp edge, while the interior remains soft and fragrant. The central hole should remain clean and the date filling should be fully enclosed without leaking.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Nuha Alzoubi نهى الزعبي specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Nuha Alzoubi نهى الزعبي focuses on traditional Arabic home cooking, sharing step‑by‑step tutorials of classic dishes, holiday treats, and everyday family meals with a modern, approachable style.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Nuha Alzoubi نهى الزعبي's approach to Middle Eastern cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Nuha Alzoubi emphasizes authentic flavors, uses locally sourced ingredients, and often incorporates cultural stories behind each recipe. Her videos are concise, with clear visual cues, making traditional techniques accessible to home cooks worldwide.

channel

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