Lebanese Mammoul (Pistachio Stuffed Cookies) - A festive treat for every occasion!

Lebanese Mammoul (Pistachio Stuffed Cookies) - A festive treat for every occasion! is a medium Lebanese recipe that serves 24. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Faye's Food on YouTube.

Prep: 40 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min

Cost: $19.76 total, $0.82 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Fine Semolina (sifted for a light texture)
  • 0.5 cup Milk Powder (non‑fat dry milk)
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder (double‑acting)
  • 0.5 cup Ghee (softened, room temperature; unsalted butter can be used)
  • 0.25 cup Rose Water (culinary grade)
  • 0.25 cup Orange Blossom Water (culinary grade)
  • 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon (freshly ground for best aroma)
  • 0.25 cup Granulated Sugar (for the dough)
  • 1 cup Date Filling (pitted dates blended into a smooth paste; can add chopped walnuts)
  • 0.5 cup Powdered Sugar (sifted, for glaze)
  • 2 tbsp Milk (whole milk, for glaze)
  • 2 tbsp Additional Powdered Sugar (sifted, for final dusting)

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the fine semolina, milk powder, and baking powder until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Incorporate Ghee

    Add the softened ghee to the dry mixture and rub it in with your fingertips or a spatula until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Add Rose and Orange Blossom Water

    Mix 1/4 cup rose water with 1/4 cup orange blossom water, then pour the liquid into the bowl, stirring gently until the dough starts to come together.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Flavor the Dough

    Stir in the ground cinnamon and granulated sugar until fully incorporated.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Test Dough Consistency

    Knead the dough briefly—just enough to form a smooth ball that holds together without cracking.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Shape and Fill Cookies

    Pinch off a walnut‑sized piece, roll into a ball, press a thumb‑size indentation in the center, place about 1 tablespoon of date filling, then seal by rolling the dough around the filling and smoothing the top.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Press into Molds

    Place each filled ball into a maamoul mold, press gently, tap the mold on the counter to release, and trim any excess dough with a paring knife.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Bake

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the molded cookies on a parchment‑lined baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 350°F

  9. Prepare Glaze

    While the cookies bake, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until a thin, pourable glaze forms.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Glaze and Dust

    Drizzle the glaze over each warm cookie, then sprinkle with the additional powdered sugar. Let the glaze set.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Cool and Serve

    Allow the cookies to rest on a cooling rack for about 10 minutes before serving or storing.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
2g
Carbohydrates
20g
Fat
5g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains dairy

Allergens: Gluten (semolina), Dairy (ghee, milk powder, glaze), Tree nuts (optional walnuts in filling)

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Lebanese Mammoul (Pistachio Stuffed Cookies) - A festive treat for every occasion!

Recipe by Faye's Food

Traditional Lebanese maamoul are buttery semolina shortbread cookies filled with sweet date paste and flavored with rose and orange blossom water. They are soft, crumbly, and perfect for celebrations or a special treat.

MediumLebaneseServes 24

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

Source Video
27m
Prep
37m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 14m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$19.76
Total cost
$0.82
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Combine dry ingredients thoroughly.
  • Incorporate ghee until crumbly.
  • Form dough to the correct consistency.
  • Properly seal the filling inside the dough.
  • Press dough into molds without tearing.
  • Bake at the correct temperature for the right time.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and baking sheet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • The glaze is hot; drizzle carefully to prevent splattering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Lebanese Maamoul Cookies in Lebanese cuisine?

A

Maamoul are traditional Lebanese cookies prepared for holidays such as Easter, Ramadan, and Christmas. They symbolize hospitality and are often given as gifts, reflecting the region’s love for sweet, aromatic pastries.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Maamoul in Lebanese and broader Middle Eastern cuisine?

A

In Lebanon, maamoul are usually filled with date paste, while in neighboring Syria and Jordan they may be filled with pistachios or walnuts. Some regions add a hint of orange blossom water, others use rose water, creating subtle flavor differences.

cultural
Q

How is authentic Lebanese Maamoul traditionally served in Lebanon?

A

Authentic maamoul are served at room temperature on a decorative platter, often dusted with powdered sugar. They are enjoyed with tea or coffee and are a centerpiece during festive gatherings.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are Lebanese Maamoul traditionally associated with in Lebanese culture?

A

Maamoul are a staple for Easter, Ramadan Iftar, Eid al‑Fitr, and Christmas. They are also prepared for weddings and family celebrations as a symbol of sweetness and good wishes.

cultural
Q

What makes Lebanese Maamoul special or unique in Middle Eastern cuisine?

A

The combination of fine semolina dough, fragrant rose or orange blossom water, and a sweet date filling gives maamoul a delicate crumbly texture that is both soft and slightly crumbly, setting it apart from other Middle Eastern pastries.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Lebanese Maamoul Cookies at home?

A

Common mistakes include over‑mixing the dough, which makes it tough, using too much liquid which creates a sticky dough, and not sealing the filling properly, causing leaks during baking. Chilling the dough before molding also prevents spreading.

technical
Q

Why does this Lebanese Maamoul recipe use both rose water and orange blossom water instead of just one flavoring?

A

Using both rose and orange blossom water balances floral notes; rose provides a sweet, perfumed aroma while orange blossom adds a fresh citrus‑floral lift, creating the classic layered fragrance of traditional maamoul.

technical
Q

Can I make Lebanese Maamoul ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, maamoul can be baked a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or refrigerate for a week. They also freeze well for up to two months; simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Lebanese Maamoul Cookies?

A

The cookies should have a smooth, lightly golden top, a crisp edge, and a soft, crumbly interior. The glaze should be glossy but thin, and the powdered‑sugar dusting should be even.

technical
Q

How do I know when Lebanese Maamoul Cookies are done cooking?

A

They are done when the tops turn a pale golden color and the edges are set. The cookies will still be soft inside; over‑baking makes them dry.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Faye's Food specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Faye's Food specializes in Middle Eastern home cooking, focusing on authentic Lebanese recipes, festive treats, and easy‑to‑follow tutorials for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Faye's Food's approach to Lebanese cooking differ from other Middle Eastern cooking channels?

A

Faye's Food emphasizes simple ingredient lists, hands‑on technique demonstrations, and cultural storytelling, whereas many other channels focus on high‑tech production or fusion twists. Faye keeps the recipes true to tradition while making them accessible.

channel

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