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Traditional Iraqi kleicha cookies feature a delicate almond dough wrapped around sweet date filling. These aromatic treats combine warm Middle Eastern spices with natural sweetness.
Essential Ingredients
- 2 cups finely ground blanched almonds
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Natural maple syrup for sweetness
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Basic Preparation
- Combine ground almonds and spices into a smooth dough
- Press dates into a spreadable paste
- Roll dough, spread filling, form into logs
- Slice cookies and bake until golden
Key Tips
Refrigerate dough if too soft to handle. For clean slices, freeze logs briefly before cutting. Use a sharp, clean knife.
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Storage Instructions
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Package decoratively for gifting during holidays and celebrations.
Filling Variations
Experiment with chopped pistachios, dried figs, or Turkish apricots. Drizzle with local honey or pure maple syrup if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Accompany with cardamom-spiced coffee or mint tea for an authentic Middle Eastern dessert experience.
Nutritional Benefits
Rich in fiber from dates, healthy fats from almonds, and naturally sweetened without refined sugars.
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Rolling Technique
Use parchment paper as a guide while rolling. Apply gentle, even pressure to prevent gaps between dough and filling.
Sweetness Adjustment
Control sweetness by adding natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
Almond-Free Version
Substitute ground almonds with fine oat flour to maintain proper texture while making nut-free cookies.
Citrus Enhancement
Fresh orange or lemon zest adds bright notes that complement the rich date filling.
Make-Ahead Options
Shaped logs freeze well for up to three months. Slice and bake directly from frozen as needed.
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Festive Occasions
Ideal for Eid celebrations and holiday gatherings. The spiral design adds visual appeal to dessert platters.
Modern Adaptations
Contemporary versions incorporate nuts, spiced apple filling, or dark chocolate while maintaining traditional techniques.
Family Activity
Involve children in mixing ingredients and shaping cookies to create lasting kitchen memories and traditions.
Dessert Wine Selection
Sweet Muscat or late-harvest Riesling complement these cookies for sophisticated dessert pairings.
Traditional Heritage
These cherished cookies connect generations through Iraqi culinary traditions and family recipes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What can I use instead of rice flour?
- You can swap it for wholemeal spelt flour, as suggested. All-purpose flour also works if gluten-free isn’t necessary.
- → Why should I chill the dough?
- Chilling firms up the dough, especially the coconut oil, and helps make it easier to roll. If your dough feels firm already, you can skip it.
- → Can I try different nuts in this recipe?
- Sure! Instead of almonds, you could go for ground walnuts or pistachios. Just know it will change the overall taste.
- → How long will these cookies last?
- Stored in a sealed container in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for about 2 weeks. They actually taste even better after a few days!
- → Is freezing an option?
- Absolutely, they freeze great for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw overnight in the fridge.