Klecha: Festive Cookies

Klecha are delightful, traditional cookies that are typically enjoyed during festive occasions like Eid, particularly in the month of Ramadan. These cookies are filled with flavorful ingredients such as dates, coconut, and walnuts, making them a lovely treat that pairs perfectly with tea or coffee.

Ingredients

🥣 4 cups flour
🍬 1/4 cup sugar
🧂 1 teaspoon salt
🍞 1 teaspoon yeast
🧈 1/2 cup melted butter (1 stick of unsalted butter)
🫒 1/2 cup oil
💧 1/2 cup warm water
🥛 1/2 cup warm milk

Dates Filling
🌿 1 package of date paste
🫒 1 tablespoon oil
🥥 1/4 cup coconut

Coconut Filling
🥥 1 cup coconut
🥛 1/4 cup milk
🍬 3 tablespoons sugar

Walnut Filling
🌰 1 cup crushed walnuts
🍬 3 tablespoons sugar
🌿 1 teaspoon cardamom

Instructions

1- Prepare the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, yeast, melted butter, and oil.
• Mix on low speed for about one minute until crumbly.
• Gradually add the warm milk and water while mixing continuously.
• Knead the mixture for about 5 minutes until a smooth dough forms.
• Divide the dough into two balls, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rest for 20 minutes.

2- Date Filling:

• Microwave the date paste for 1 minute to soften it slightly.
• In a small bowl, mix the softened date paste with oil and coconut until combined.

3- Coconut Filling:

• In another bowl, mix together coconut, milk, and sugar until fully combined.

4- Walnut Filling:

• Mix the crushed walnuts, sugar, and cardamom in a separate bowl until well blended.

5- Form the Cookies:

• Roll out the dough thinly on a lightly floured surface.
• Use a cookie cutter to cut the dough into small circles.
• Take each circle, stretch it slightly, and place about one teaspoon of any filling on it.
• Close the sides, sealing the filling inside, and twist or braid the edges for decoration.

6- Bake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Arrange the filled and shaped cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
• Brush the tops with a beaten egg for a golden finish.
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown.

7- Serve:

• Let the cookies cool before serving.
• They are perfect with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 40-50 cookies (depending on size)
Calories per Cookie: Approximately 120
Nutritional Information per Cookie:

• Proteins: 2g
• Fats: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
  Equipment: Mixing bowl, rolling pin, cookie cutter, baking tray, parchment paper

Cooking Tips:

• Substitute coconut milk for regular milk in the coconut filling for a richer flavor.
• Ensure the dough is not too sticky by adding a little more flour if necessary.
• Let the cookies cool completely before storing them in an airtight container for longer freshness.

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Klecha