As an avid baker and lover of Middle Eastern cuisine, I’m thrilled to share with you my recipe for delectable eggless date biscuits. This economical, easy-to-make treat combines the rich sweetness of dates with a tender, crumbly biscuit that melts in your mouth. Perfect for afternoon tea, dessert, or a quick snack, these biscuits are sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the world of these aromatic, delightful treats!
A Brief History of Date Biscuits
Date-filled pastries have been a staple in Middle Eastern and North African cuisines for centuries. Dates, often referred to as “nature’s candy,” have been cultivated for over 8,000 years and hold great cultural significance in many regions. These sweet fruits are not only delicious but also nutritious, packed with fiber, potassium, and various vitamins and minerals.
The combination of dates with baked goods is a natural pairing, marrying the fruit’s natural sweetness with the comforting texture of pastry. Our recipe for date biscuits is a modern, simplified version of traditional filled pastries like ma’amoul or makroud, making it accessible for home bakers while retaining the essence of these beloved treats.
Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor
For this recipe, we’ll be creating two components: the biscuit dough and the date filling. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Biscuit Dough:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) yogurt (cold)
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp (30 g) dried milk powder
- 1 tsp (5 g) baking powder
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour (preferably pastry flour)
- Pinch of salt
For the Date Filling:
- 500g (17.6 oz) date paste
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 tsp (5 g) ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) ground cardamom
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting the Perfect Date Biscuits
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that your oven is at the right temperature when it’s time to bake the biscuits.
- Prepare the biscuit dough: In a large bowl, combine the cold yogurt, vanilla extract, sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix these ingredients well until they’re thoroughly combined. The cold yogurt is crucial here as it helps keep the dough from becoming too sticky.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the dried milk powder, baking powder, flour, and salt. Sifting helps to remove any lumps and ensures that the dry ingredients are well combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently. It’s important not to overmix here – stop as soon as the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough biscuits.
- Chill the dough: Place the dough in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This chilling period allows the gluten in the flour to relax and the fats to firm up, making the dough easier to handle and resulting in a more tender biscuit.
- Prepare the date filling: While the dough is chilling, mix the date paste, vegetable oil, cinnamon, and cardamom until smooth. This aromatic filling is the heart of our biscuits, providing a sweet, spiced contrast to the buttery dough.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. The chilled dough should be firm but pliable.
- Shape the biscuits: Cut the dough into rectangles. The size can vary based on your preference, but aim for something similar to what’s shown in the image. Spread a thin layer of the date filling on half of each rectangle, then fold the unfilled half over the filled half. Press the edges to seal, creating a neat parcel.
- Add the finishing touch: Use a fork to create a decorative pattern on top of each biscuit. This not only adds visual appeal but also helps to seal the edges further.
- Arrange and bake: Place the biscuits on a baking tray, leaving small gaps between them to allow for even baking. Bake for 20 minutes at 180°C (350°F) until they’re golden brown.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow the biscuits to cool on the tray before serving. This cooling period allows them to firm up and develops their flavor.
Nutrition Information
These date biscuits are not only delicious but also offer some nutritional benefits. Here’s an approximate breakdown per biscuit (assuming the recipe yields about 24 biscuits):
- Calories: 150-180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Protein: 2-3g
- Fat: 6-8g
- Fiber: 2-3g
- Sugar: 15-18g (mostly from natural sugars in dates)
Prep Time: 30 minutes (including chilling time)
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Tips for Perfect Date Biscuits
- Use cold ingredients: Cold yogurt and chilling the dough help create a flakier texture in the final product.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Gentle mixing and handling will result in more tender biscuits.
- Experiment with spices: While cinnamon and cardamom are traditional, feel free to try other spices like nutmeg or ginger for variety.
- Adjust sweetness: The natural sweetness of dates means you can reduce the sugar in the dough if you prefer a less sweet biscuit.
- Storage: These biscuits keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for several days, making them perfect for preparing in advance.
Conclusion: A Taste of Tradition Made Simple
These eggless date biscuits are more than just a tasty treat – they’re a gateway to the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East. By simplifying the process and using readily available ingredients, we’ve created a recipe that anyone can master, regardless of their baking experience.
The combination of the crumbly, lightly sweet biscuit with the rich, spiced date filling creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re enjoying these with a cup of tea, serving them to guests, or packing them as a snack, these biscuits are sure to delight.
So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked date biscuits. Happy baking, and may your efforts be rewarded with the smiles of those who taste these delightful treats!
