Maqroudat with Dates – Traditional Recipe & Preparation

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Maqroudat with Dates – Traditional Recipe & Preparation

Maqroudat with dates is a traditional and beloved dessert across many Arab countries, especially in the Levant. It is considered a heritage sweet, deeply tied to family gatherings, cultural traditions, and festive occasions.

This dessert is especially popular during holidays—rarely will you find a household without a tray of Maqroudat during Eid. It is simple to prepare, made from inexpensive ingredients, and offers a rich, satisfying taste.

Nutritionally, it is an energy-dense sweet, as it combines flour, ghee, and dates, providing warmth and vitality.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

Maqroudat with Dates

 

For the dough:

  • 4 cups fine flour

  • ¼ cup semolina

  • 2 tbsp maamoul spice mix

  • 1 tsp ground mahlab

  • 1 tsp mastic

  • 4 tbsp sesame seeds

  • 1 tsp nigella seeds (qizha)

  • A pinch of salt

  • 1 tsp turmeric

  • 1 tsp yeast

  • 4 tbsp baking powder

  • ¼ tsp grated nutmeg

  • 2 cups anise seed tea (cooled)

  • 1 ½ cups animal ghee

  • ½ cup butter

For the filling:

  • 1 kg dates, pitted

  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 1 tsp black seeds (nigella sativa)

  • 2 tbsp shredded coconut

  • 1 whole nutmeg, grated

  • 1 small cup olive oil

  • ½ tsp cloves, ground

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • ½ cup sesame seeds (for garnish)

  • Powdered sugar (for garnish, to taste)

Preparation

  1. Prepare the dough:
    Mix all dry ingredients together in a large bowl until well combined. Melt the ghee and add it along with the butter, rubbing them into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the warm anise tea gradually and knead until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Cover and leave to rest until slightly risen.

  2. Prepare the filling:
    In another bowl, combine the dates with sesame, cinnamon, black seeds, coconut, nutmeg, olive oil, cloves, and vanilla. Knead together until smooth and well blended.

  3. Shape the Maqroudat:
    Roll out the dough into a large circle. Spread the date filling evenly on top, also in a circular layer. Roll the dough into a log, coat with sesame seeds, and cut into equal pieces.

  4. Bake:
    Arrange the pieces on a baking tray. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes, or until golden.

  5. Finish and serve:
    Remove from the oven, dust with powdered sugar while warm, and let cool completely. Place on serving plates and enjoy.

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