Lebanese Sambusik & Date Crescents Recipe
Description
Lebanese Sambusik, also known as Date Crescents, are delightful cookies that blend the sweetness of dates with a buttery, flaky pastry. These cookies are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee, and they store exceptionally well in cookie tins. While traditionally made with date filling, you can also try a variation with a walnut filling for a nutty twist. These cookies are a delightful treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Approximately 30 cookies
Ingredients
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
2 1/2 | cups flour |
1/4 | cup butter |
1/3 | cup milk |
1/4 | cup sugar |
1/4 | cup olive oil |
8 | dates |
1/4 | cup butter (for date filling) |
1 | teaspoon rose water |
For Walnut Filling (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon, mixed together
Instructions
-
Prepare Dough:
- Begin by rubbing the butter into the flour until it is evenly distributed, creating a crumbly texture.
- Heat the milk and sugar in a saucepan, stirring until dissolved, then allow it to cool to lukewarm.
- Pour the lukewarm milk and 1/4 cup of olive oil into the flour mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
-
Make Date Filling:
- Chop the dates and place them in a pan with 1/4 cup of butter.
- Cook the dates over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture is combined and forms a paste-like consistency.
- Remove the date mixture from heat and stir in the rose water until well blended.
-
Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Using a cookie cutter or a glass, cut the dough into 2-inch circles.
- Place a teaspoon of the date filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a crescent shape, then crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
- Arrange the sambusik on ungreased baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cookies are lightly browned.
- Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Optional Walnut Filling:
- If desired, you can prepare a walnut filling by mixing chopped walnuts, caster sugar, and cinnamon together. Use this filling as an alternative to the date filling for a nutty variation.
-
Storage:
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, store them in airtight cookie tins to maintain their freshness.
These Lebanese Sambusik cookies are a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them as a midday snack or serving them at a gathering, they are sure to be a hit with everyone. So go ahead, indulge in these irresistible treats and savor the taste of Lebanon! 🍪✨