What is Maamoul?

 Exploring Traditional Arabic Cookies

Maamoul are semolina cookies usually stuffed with dates, walnuts, or pistachios. We could stop there. But there's so much more to share. In this post, we'll explore the basics of maamoul, its ingredients and the traditions that make these Middle Eastern sweets so special and symbolic of community.

Dough and Ingredients of Authentic Maamoul Cookies

Traditionally, maamoul was made with a 100 percent semolina dough, though many people make it with a mix of wheat flour and semolina flour because semolina dough can be sticky and difficult to control. The more wheat flour that is added, the easier it is to handle. 

At Zeena Bakery, we use 100 percent semolina in our dough, following the traditional techniques of making Palestinian maamoul. When prepared well, maamoul's texture is like a delicate shortbread that almost melts into the filling as you bite into it.

Dates are perhaps the most popular filling as they are grown in Palestine and Jordan making them the more accessible and affordable choice. They are also naturally sweet and gooey making them a favorite for many that try maamoul for the first time.

The walnut and pistachio varieties are often mixed with aromatics like cinnamon, cardamom, orange blossom water and rose water, and sweetened with sugar or honey to create a more complex flavor and texture profile.

While date, walnut, and pistachio are the most common filling options, Palestinians (and others) have often used whatever they had in the pantry. I love this factoid about the origins of homemade maamoul. To me, it underscores the resourceful nature of the maamoul makers and the creativity this type of cookie affords. Some common pantry fillings include jams, nougat, and Turkish delight.

Today, with many people buying maamoul from bakeries, the tradition of using whatever's on hand is less common. Still, the spirit of resourcefulness remains a special part of the cookie's history.

A Cookie for Celebration

Maamoul is most commonly eaten during religious holidays in the Arab world. It holds particular significance for the Christian community during Christmas and Easter, and for Muslims during Eid. During the holiday season, the maamoul is sold in almost every bakery or confection shop in the Middle East and a hierarchy of which bakery's maamoul reigns supreme evolves quickly. 

Last year, I visited Amman, Jordan, where my extended family lives, during the end of Ramadan and Eid celebrations. It was my first time experiencing these holidays there since childhood, which made the trip especially meaningful. While visiting, I got to make maamoul with my eldest aunt, Amto Khadijeh, and her grandson—my second cousin. This experience brought back memories of making maamoul with my own grandmother before major holidays in Atlanta, Georgia where I grew up. We would prepare tins of these special cookies to distribute to our family friends for Christmas and Eid celebrations.

I've had a hard time finding information about maamoul's role in Jewish holidays for Arab Jews before 1948. There's an NPR article that mentions that maamoul is eaten during Purim in Israel today, but I'm particularly interested in pre-1948 traditions. I imagine they might offer a richer view of Arab Jewish customs before the displacement of Palestinians.

This curiosity about the role of maamoul in pre-occupation Arab Jewish traditions leads me to reflect on the broader interfaith connections that existed in Palestine before the displacement.

My paternal grandmother, who grew up in Haifa, Palestine, lived in a building with tenants from all three monotheistic faiths. My father shares stories of how they celebrated one another's holidays and I have to imagine that maamoul was a part of the celebrations for all three religions. And moreover, a symbol of hospitality, warm interfaith relations, and shared culture.

Authentic Baking Traditions at Zeena Bakery

At Zeena Bakery, we don't just sell a cookie; we hope that with each maamoul, we're sharing a piece of our history and culture. Our recipe comes from my maternal grandmother,​ Tata Aida, who was born in Jaffa, Palestine. Each maamoul carries the flavors and stories passed down through my family.

Whether it's for a celebration or simply to add a little sweetness to your day, maamoul is more than a cookie. It's a symbol of hospitality and the rich cultural heritage we're proud to share and continue building with you.