Ghriba (Moroccan cookies)

What are good cookies supposed to be like? I think they should be satisfying and make you feel good. I believe these cookies fit this definition … they are soft on the inside with a mildly crunchy outside, have a pleasant nutty taste and practically melt in your mouth… and after you have these cookies, you will feel as if you have just been treated in a royal palace !

These irresistible cookies are so soft and tasty … and are easy to make. The chopped nuts are mixed with eggs and other flavorings and are quickly baked in the oven …

They will last for weeks … if they don’t get eaten. Try them and let me what you think! I would love to hear from you!

RECIPE

20-30 cookies depending on the size of the cookies.

INGREDIENTS

  • 3 cups walnuts
  • 3 cups almonds
  • pinch salt
  • 3 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 3 Tbsp corn starch
  • 1 Tbsp apricot jam (optional)
  • 1/4 – 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
  • 2 tsp fresh orange zest or 4 tsp dried orange peel
  • 3 Tbsp butter or coconut oil, melted
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 – 2 cups confectioners sugar (for coating the cookies)
  • extra walnut pieces for decorating

METHODS

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350 F. Grease 2 cookie sheets.
  2. Finely chop the walnuts and the almonds. You can use a food processor or a blender. Add baking powder, salt, corn starch and cinnamon powder. Mix.
  3. Cream the eggs, butter and sugar together. Add vanilla and orange peel, jam, and cinnamon. Mix.
  4. Combine the dry and wet ingredients. Mix until a ball shape is formed.
  5. Rest for 1 hour.
  6. Using your hand, scoop a heaping tablespoon of the dough and roll them into ball shapes. They should be about 2-3 inches in diameter.
  7. Measure out the powdered sugar. Coat the balls in the powdered sugar. Place them on the pre-greased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.
  8. Place half walnut pieces and press down on top of each ball.
  9. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the bottom has a nice orange color. They will bake fast, avoid burning them.
  10. Let the cookies cool.
  11. Store in an airtight container. They will last for weeks if they don’t get eaten…
  12. Serve with Moroccan mint tea.

Enjoy!

Photo and text by Twincitiesherbs.

Whitevilleram

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