Date Ghraybeh

Ghraybeh is a traditional Middle Eastern butter cookie, which is typically served during the holidays. Date ghraybeh is this old classical recipe with a new twist.

Ghraybeh Cookie Components      
            2 cups              baking flour
            1 cup               unsalted butter at room temperature
            1 cup               powdered sugar
            2½ cups           raw pistachios, coarsely chopped

Date Filling Components
            8 oz.                pitted, pressed dates
            2 tbsp.             unsalted butter

Ghraybeh Cookie Preparation       
           
* Beat the butter with the powdered sugar until the mixture becomes white and fluffy.

* Add the flour to the butter/sugar mixture and work into a sticky dough consistency.

* Divide the dough into egg-size lumps.

Date Filling Preparation

* Heat the butter in a saucepan until completely melted. Add the pitted, pressed dates and mash them by pressing into them with the back of a wooden spoon until a soft paste is formed.

Date Ghraybeh Preparation
           
* Place a lump of the dough balls into your palm. Poke a hole through the center using your index finger. Fill the center with a spoonful of the date filling. Mold the dough around the hole to close it up.

* Place the coarsely chopped raw pistachios in a plate and roll the ghraybeh ball into the pistachios to coat the outside.

* Repeat for the remaining dough balls.

* Press the balls into a small muffin pan and bake in a preheated oven at 375° F for 20-25 minutes, until the tops have turned a golden brown. Cool before serving.