Kleicha - Traditional Iraqi Date-filled Cookies

Ingredients

• Dough: Dough:
• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• Date Filling: Date Filling:
• 2 cups (300g) pitted dates 2 cups (300g) pitted dates
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Optional: Optional:
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 150 kcal / 628 KJ
• Fat: 7g (4g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 21g (12g sugars)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, sugar, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated and resemble coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the milk to the dough mixture, a little at a time, and knead until a smooth and pliable dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more milk.
3. 3.
   Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. 4.
   Meanwhile, prepare the date filling. In a saucepan, combine the pitted dates, water, butter, cardamom, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the dates soften and form a thick paste. Remove from heat and let it cool.
5. 5.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. 6.
   Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a thin rectangle.
7. 7.
   Spread a thin layer of the date filling onto each rectangle of dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. 8.
   Roll up the dough tightly, starting from one of the longer sides, to form a log. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
9. 9.
   Cut each log into smaller pieces, about 2 inches long, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
10. 10.
    Bake the Kleicha cookies for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
12. 12.
    Optional: Dust the cooled Kleicha cookies with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Dates — Ensure the dates are pitted before using them in the filling. If the dates are too dry, soak them in warm water for a few minutes to soften them before cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• For a variation, you can add a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top of the Kleicha cookies before baking.
• If you prefer a stronger cardamom flavor, you can increase the amount of ground cardamom in the dough and filling.
• Store the Kleicha cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness for several days.
• These cookies can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
• Serve the Kleicha cookies with a warm cup of Iraqi tea for an authentic experience.

Serving advice

Serve the Kleicha cookies at room temperature as a delightful sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee. They are perfect for sharing with family and friends during festive occasions or as a delicious snack any time of the day.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Kleicha cookies on a serving platter or in a decorative tin. You can dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Consider adding a sprig of fresh mint or a cinnamon stick as a garnish.