Syrian tea biscuit

The Syrian tea biscuit is known as kleejeh in Eastern Syria and Iraq. It’s a shortbread cookie rolled out into a rectangle and with a date paste filling.

I’ve adapted the kleejeh into the shape of the more commonly known maamoul cookie. Maamoul is a date or pistachio or walnut filled cookie; shaped using a specific mold. It is made during celebrations and holidays.

I have memories of making maamoul with my mother and sisters. We learned to shape the dough and add the filling. And finally to press it into the mold and tap it free. While time consuming, the end result is worth it. Delicate and crumbly, the buttery spiced biscuit is perfect with a cup of tea.

INGREDIENTS

Flour, ghee, grapeseed oil, simple syrup (sugar dissolved in water), sesame seeds (white and black), ground fennel, ground anise, ground mahlab, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, baking powder, date paste, orange blossom water.

PRICING

$15-30

SIZE

Comes in a quantity of half a dozen (6) or a dozen (12) cookies filled with a date paste.

HOW TO STORE

Made fresh and without preservatives, it is best eaten the same day. Lasts up to a week at room temperature in a sealed container.