Date and Walnut Ma'amoul Cookies

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-08-08 · Updated 2026-08-08

Traditional Middle Eastern shortbread cookies filled with a spiced date and walnut mixture, perfect for festive occasions. This Middle Eastern-inspired recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, layers semolina flour, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 12 Middle Eastern cuisine 180 cal/serving

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Ingredients

2 cups semolina flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon ground mahlab (optional)
1 cup dates, pitted and chopped
1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water
as needed powdered sugar for dusting

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Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups semolina flour, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon ground mahlab if using. Pour in 1 cup melted unsalted butter and 1/4 cup milk. Mix with your hands until a soft dough forms. Cover and rest for 1 hour.
Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the filling by mixing 1 cup chopped pitted dates, 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water in a small bowl. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Preheat oven to 350°F. Take a golf-ball-sized piece of dough and flatten it into a disc about 3 inches in diameter. Place 1 tablespoon of the date and walnut filling in the center.
Step 4: Fold the dough over the filling to enclose it completely, then gently shape it into a round or oval shape. If you have a ma'amoul mold, press the filled dough into the mold to create decorative patterns.
Step 5: Place the shaped cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but not brown.
Step 6: Remove from oven and let cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Date and Walnut Ma'amoul Cookies take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Date and Walnut Ma'amoul Cookies?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Date and Walnut Ma'amoul Cookies?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Date and Walnut Ma'amoul Cookies for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Date and Walnut Ma'amoul Cookies?

Middle Eastern desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.