Lebanese nut-filled pastries (maamoul) recipe

Recipe for lebanese nut-filled pastries (maamoul) in our easy ethnic recipes collection. These filled treats are a traditional Easter sweet, but they are enjoyed for many other holidays in Lebanon as well. They are also delicious when filled with ground or chopped dates.

Recipe ingredients

• Filling:
  • 1 cup ground walnuts, pistachios, or almonds
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon orange blossom water, rose water (*), or cinnamon (optional)
• Dough:
  • 2/3 cup butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • About 1/3 cup lukewarm milk
  • Powdered sugar for sprinkling

(*) If your grocery store doesn't carry orange blossom water or rose water, check at a middle eastern or asian market.

How to make lebanese nut-filled pastries (maamoul)

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a medium bowl, combine all filling ingredients and mix well.
• To make dough, combine butter and sugar in another mixing bowl and mix well. Add flour and mix with hands. Gradually add milk. Remove dough from bowl and continue kneading on a clean work surface until dough is soft.
• Place a walnut-sized ball of dough in the palm of your hand. Press the center of the ball to form a deep hollow. Place about 1 teaspoon of filling into the hollow and pinch tightly to close. Gently roll into a ball and flatten slightly. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
• Place filled pastries on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 15 to 25 minutes, or until bottoms are a golden brown. Remove from oven. Sprinkle with powdered sugar while still warm and allow to cool on cookie sheet.

Preparation time: 30 to 35 minutes
Baking time: 15 to 25 minutes
Makes about 2 dozen pastries

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