Nut Cookie Balls (Mloukiyat)

Prep. 10 mins

Cooking 20 mins

Serving 4

Middle Eastern

INGREDIENTS Measurements

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup melted, clarified butter

2 teaspoons powdered sugar

1/2 cup water

1 cup coarsely chopped nuts (pistachios, walnuts, or cashews), plus more for garnish

1/2 cup Sugar Syrup

Preheat oven to 180˚C (350˚F).
In bowl of electric mixer, mix flour, clarified butter, and powdered sugar on medium speed. Gradually beat in water, beating constantly until smooth. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, mix 1 cup nuts with syrup until pliable and easy to shape mixture. Shape into small balls the size of hazelnuts.
Shape dough into walnut-size balls. Press thumb into balls to make cups. Fill cups with balls of nut mixture. Mold dough over filling, pressing seams to seal. Roll into balls.
Roll dough balls in chopped nuts. Place balls, set apart, on a greased baking sheet.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Let cool, then arrange on a serving plate.