Palestinian Eid Cookies (Ka’ak) with Traditional Spice Mix 🥮

🧂 Ka’ak Spice Mix – “Dakkat Ka’ak”

This aromatic spice blend gives Ka’ak its signature festive flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp ground mahlab (cherry seed spice)
• 1 tbsp ground fennel
• 1 tbsp ground anise
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground clove
• 1 tsp ground cardamom (optional)
• 1 tsp black seeds (nigella) – optional
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for mixing or sprinkling)

Mix all spices together and store in an airtight jar.

 

🥣 Ka’ak Dough Ingredients:

• 4 cups semolina (fine or coarse, or a mix)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup melted ghee (or a mix of ghee and butter)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp ka’ak spice mix
• 1 tbsp dry yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup warm milk or water (adjust as needed)
• ¼ tsp salt

 

🍯 Filling Options:

Date Filling:

• 2 cups pitted dates
• 1 tbsp ghee or butter
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ka’ak spice mix
• ➡️ Mash and cook over low heat until smooth and pliable.

Walnut Filling:

• 2 cups crushed walnuts
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ka’ak spice mix
• 1–2 tbsp orange blossom water (optional)

 

👩 How to Make Ka’ak:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   In a large bowl, mix semolina, flour, salt, and spice mix. Add melted ghee and oil. Rub with your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. Let it rest for a few hours (or overnight for best flavor).
2. Activate the Yeast:
   Mix yeast, sugar, and warm milk. Let it sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
3. Combine and Knead:
   Add the yeast mixture to the dough gradually. Knead until soft and pliable. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
4. Shape and Fill:
   Take a piece of dough, flatten it, fill with date or walnut mix, and shape into rings or rounds. Decorate using a special maamoul mold or fork.
5. Bake:
   Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 15–20 minutes until lightly golden.
6. Optional:
   Dust the walnut-filled cookies with powdered sugar once cooled.

 

☕ Serving:

Serve with Arabic coffee or mint tea — and enjoy a bite of heritage, love, and celebration!