Palestinian Date Ring Cookies
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups flour
- 2 cups fine semolina
- 1/2-3/4 cups sesame seeds
- 1/2-3/4 cups anise seeds
- 1/4 cup black seeds
- 2 tablespoons anise powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1.5-2 cups extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon yeast
- 1.5 cups warm water
Date filling
- 4 packages date paste
- 1 tablespoon oil
- dash of cinnamon
Preparation
Mix dry ingredients
Mix or rub into dry mixture 1.5-2 cups extra virgin olive oil
Add slowly 1/2 teaspoon yeast stirred into 1.5 cups warm water
Knead dough for a few minutes just until mixed
Prepare date filling by adding 1 tablespoon oil and a dash of cinnamon to 4 packages date paste and knead to make soft, using water or oil on hands to help with stickiness
Pinch off dough, flatten, add date mix in middle, close dough like a pouch, roll into rope shape, and attach ends to make a circle
Place on a baking sheet and bake at 500 degrees F for 10 minutes or until golden
Tips
No sugar is added as the date filling provides sweetness
These cookies pair perfectly with tea
You can substitute some or all of the olive oil with a milder oil like light olive oil, vegetable, or avocado oil
