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Iraqi kleicha date cookies

Iraqi Kleicha Date Cookies

Soft Iraqi kleicha date cookies filled with warm, spiced date paste. Lightly sweet, gently scented with cardamom, and baked until tender. These cookies are simple, comforting, and perfect with tea or coffee.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: iraq
Calories: 210
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 3½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup warm milk
  • ½ cup neutral oil
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon instant yeast
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ½ teaspoon nigella seeds
For the Date Filling
  • 1½ cups date paste
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom

Method
 

  1. Add warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast to a bowl.
  2. Let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
  3. Add flour, salt, cardamom, nigella seeds, oil, and melted butter.
  4. Mix until a soft dough forms.
  5. Knead lightly for 5 minutes until smooth.
  6. Cover and let rest for 1 hour.
  7. In a small pan, heat date paste with butter, cinnamon, and cardamom.
  8. Stir until smooth. Let cool.
  9. Divide dough into small balls.
  10. Flatten each ball.
  11. Add 1 spoon of date filling in the center.
  12. Seal and shape gently.
  13. Place cookies on a lined baking tray.
  14. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes.
  15. The bottoms should be lightly golden, not dark.
  16. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • These cookies stay soft for days when stored in an airtight box.
  • Don’t overbake. Pale cookies taste best.
  • If the dough feels dry, add 1 tablespoon milk.
  • Nigella seeds add flavor but can be skipped if needed.