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.

Ingredients
Medjool dates
400 g
or combined with other dried fruits / nuts
Butter
100 g
softened, at room temperature
Sour cream
100 g
simple, fermented, any fat content you prefer
Sugar
100 g
White flour
300 g
approximate amount
Baking powder
10 g
Step by step
Step 1

My dates had pits, so I removed them first.

You need a total of 400 g of pitted dates.

Date Squares or Easy Maamoul Mad with Date - Step 1
Step 2

Pour hot boiling water over the dates, just enough to cover them, and let soak for 5 minutes.

Drain the water well.

Date Squares or Easy Maamoul Mad with Date - Step 2
Step 3

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.

Date Squares or Easy Maamoul Mad with Date - Step 3
Step 4

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.

Date Squares or Easy Maamoul Mad with Date - Step 4
Step 5

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.

Date Squares or Easy Maamoul Mad with Date - Step 5
Step 6

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.

Date Squares or Easy Maamoul Mad with Date - Step 6
Step 7

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.

Date Squares or Easy Maamoul Mad with Date - Step 7
Step 8

Dust the table with flour and shape each piece into a uniform circle, first, with your hands.

Date Squares or Easy Maamoul Mad with Date - Step 8
Step 9

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.

Date Squares or Easy Maamoul Mad with Date - Step 9
Step 10

Place the date filling on top, smooth out with a spoon. Leave a 1 cm border.

Date Squares or Easy Maamoul Mad with Date - Step 10
Step 11

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.

Date Squares or Easy Maamoul Mad with Date - Step 11
Step 12

With a knife, cut the raw cake into larger or smaller diamonds or squares.

Date Squares or Easy Maamoul Mad with Date - Step 12
Step 13

Bake in the preheated oven at 180 C for 30 - 35 minutes or until lightly browned.

Date Squares or Easy Maamoul Mad with Date - Step 13
Step 14

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!

Date Squares or Easy Maamoul Mad with Date - Step 14
Quantity: 25 pcs (medium size cubes)
Prep time:
60 min
Difficulty: easy
Ready in: 60 min