Kleicha (date And Almond Filled Cookies)

Kleicha is a traditional Kuwaiti cookie filled with dates and almonds, often enjoyed during festive occasions and celebrations.

Kleicha (date And Almond Filled Cookies)

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
  • 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Gradually add the flour, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
  4. Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a walnut, and flatten each ball into a circle using your hands or a rolling pin.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix the chopped dates and almonds together.
  6. Place a spoonful of the date and almond mixture in the center of each dough circle, then fold the edges over to encase the filling and form a crescent shape.
  7. Place the filled cookies on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  8. Allow the kleicha to cool before dusting with powdered sugar, if desired.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
30 minutes
Cooking time:
20 minutes
Total time:
50 minutes
Cooking method
Oven

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
120 per serving
Carbohydrates
15g
Fat
6g
Protein
2g

Supplies

Baking sheet Mixing bowl Rolling pin

Tools

Oven

Serving suggestions

Serve kleicha with a cup of hot tea or Arabic coffee for a delightful treat.

Tips & tricks

For a variation, you can also add a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top of the cookies before baking for an extra crunch.

Cost

$10