Kleicha (Iraqi Date‑Filled Cookies)
Buttery, spiced cookies stuffed with sweet date paste, dusted with powdered sugar – a comforting finish to any Iraqi meal.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Total
- 50 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
Method
-
Step 1 of 6
Mix flour, baking powder and spices in a bowl; rub in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
-
Step 2 of 6
Add sugar, egg and orange blossom water, kneading briefly to form a smooth dough. Wrap in cling film and chill for 15 minutes.
-
Step 3 of 6
Combine the date filling ingredients in a saucepan, cooking over low heat until thick and glossy; let cool.
-
Step 4 of 6
Divide the dough into 30‑g balls, flatten, place a teaspoon of filling in the centre and seal, then shape into a traditional crescent or press with a patterned fork.
-
Step 5 of 6
Place the cookies 2 cm apart on a baking tray, brush lightly with melted butter and bake at 180°C / 350°F (160°C fan) for 12‑15 minutes, until golden at the edges.
-
Step 6 of 6
Allow to cool on a wire rack, then dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes from the kitchen
If dates are very dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes and drain before cooking the filling. Cookies keep in an airtight tin for up to a week.
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