Maamoul Recipe (with Video)

Preparation the night before
1. Melt the butter in a large bowl and stir in the semolina, mahlab, and salt until well combined.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave at room temperature.
Preparation the next day
1. Stir the warm water with the sugar and yeast and wait 5 minutes to allow it to get foamy.
2. Transfer on top of the semolina mixture along with the orange blossom water and stir until it forms a smooth ball of dough.
3. Cover with the plastic wrap and allow it to rest for 15 minutes.
Preparation for baking
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Remove 1 tablespoon of dough (about 24 grams) and continue until you have 32 dough balls.
3. Press each dough ball to flatten it.
4. Place 2 teaspoons of the date paste into the flattened dough and pinch the dough over it to seal.
Using the maamoul mold
1. Place the dough ball inside the maamoul mold and pack well.
2. Turn the mold over and tap the opposite side to remove from the mold.
3. Repeat with remaining stuffed dough and place the maamoul on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
Baking and serving
1. Bake until the bottoms are golden, but the tops remain pale white, about 15 minutes.
2. Allow them to cool before serving.