Kleicha (Iraqi Date Cookies)

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Kleicha is a classic Iraqi date cookie filled with spiced dates and wrapped in a buttery, tender dough. Their warm flavors and soft texture make them a comforting choice for any occasion.

Prep Time30

Cook Time20

Total Time50

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Iraqi, middle eastern

Servings: cookies

Author: Shadi HasanzadeNemati

Ingredients

Dough

3 ½ cups all purpose flour
2 sticks butter melted
½ tsp instant yeast
1 tsp cardamom
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp kosher salt
½ cup warm milk

Filling

2 ½ cup Medjool dates
½ tsp ground cardamom
1 tbsp canola oil or any other neutral flavored oil
5 tbsp water

Egg wash

1 egg yolk

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a large bowl mix the flour with melted butter, instant yeast, cardamom, sugar, salt and milk. Combine using a spatula and then your hands for the dough to come together. The dough will not be sticky. Avoid over working the dough.
Cover the bowl and let the dough sit for 30 minutes as you prepare the filling.
To make the filling, take the seeds of the dates out and place them in a food processor with cardamom, oil and water. Blend until you have a smooth and spreadable paste. If it's not smooth enough, add one more tablespoon of water.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Divide the dough into 2 pieces. Flour your working surface and roll out one piece dough into a thin rectangle. If preferred, you can cut the edges so you have a clean rectangle.
Spread half of the date paste on the dough. Roll the dough into a log from the longer side. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into small pieces, less than 1 inch wide.
Repeat the same process with the second piece of dough and the remaining date filling.
Place the cookies on the baking sheets and brush them with the egg yolk.
Bake in the oven at 350 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden.

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