Kleicha (date And Almond Filled Cookies)
Kleicha is a traditional Kuwaiti cookie filled with dates and almonds, often enjoyed during festive occasions and celebrations.
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
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
- 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.
- In a separate bowl, mix the chopped dates and almonds together.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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