Date Squares or Easy Maamoul Mad with Date
We tasted date squares at a pastry shop in the city and we liked them so much that I decided to reproduce the homemade version. Date paste combined with the butter flavored dough has a special taste, close to that of chocolate or cocoa paste, I'd say. It's a must try because it's tender, fragrant and special, I promise!
I'd say that this easy Maamaoul Mad with dates is a simpler alternative to shaping the famous Arabian cookies Maamoul, very popular all over the world and rightly so.
By the way, you can combine dates with other dried fruits, as for example in this recipe for date cokies, notice I put dates together with raisins and walnuts. The only important thing is to have a total amount of filling of 400 - 450 g.
My dates had pits, so I removed them first.
You need a total of 400 g of pitted dates.
Pour hot boiling water over the dates, just enough to cover them, and let soak for 5 minutes.
Drain the water well.
Pass the dates (or combined with other fruits / nuts) through the meat grinder.
You can also use a food processor, but only with the mincer will you get a uniform and perfectly fine paste.
In a bowl, combine 100 g of softened butter, 100 g of sour cream and 100 g of sugar, mix well with a whisk or spoon.
Add in flour and baking powder, mix with a spoon until all ingredients are incorporated.
If the dough looks drier, add 1 - 2 tablespoons of water. If it's too soft, add a little more flour.
Knead with your hands into a soft, non-sticky dough.
The amount of flour may differ, depending on the type and manufacturer, so just pay attention.
Keep in the fridge for 30 minutes, wrapped in a bag.
After this time, remove, place on the table and cut into 2 equal pieces.
Dust the table with flour and shape each piece into a uniform circle, first, with your hands.
Then roll out into a round sheet of about 30 cm in diameter.
Carefully move it to a simple oven sheet, maybe lined with baking paper.
Place the date filling on top, smooth out with a spoon. Leave a 1 cm border.
Roll out the second sheet of dough into a large circle, 30 cm in diameter.
Carefully place over the date filling and press the edges together to stick.
With a knife, cut the raw cake into larger or smaller diamonds or squares.
Bake in the preheated oven at 180 C for 30 - 35 minutes or until lightly browned.
Let cool for at least 1 hour after baking. After that, with a knife, carefully separate, cut the pieces of cake and savour.
It's very good, I will definitely make it again.
Enjoy!
