Almond Ghoraybah Cookies also known as Ghraybeh are Middle Eastern Shortbread Cookies. Almond meal, flour, butter and caster sugar are the main ingredients in making these cookies. These moreish cookies make then best gift homemade edible gift for Eid or any celebration. Make a batch of these Ghoraybah Cookies and see them vanish in no time. These are just melt in mouth. Do try these today!
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About This Recipe
Almond Ghoraybah Cookies, also known as Ghorayebah or Ghraiba, are traditional Middle Eastern shortbread treats. Originally these cookies are from Levant region, but have become a beloved part of Middle Eastern cuisine.
The allure of Almond Ghoraybah cookies lies not only in their exquisite taste but also in their distinct texture. These cookies are made with a simple yet delightful combination of almond meal, butter, caster sugar, and flour. The result is a dough that is soft, crumbly, and tender all at once. The addition of finely ground almonds gives the cookies an amazing nutty flavor that complements the buttery richness perfectly.
One of the highlights of Almond Ghoraybah cookies is their versatility in shape and presentation. Traditionally, the dough is molded into small crescent shapes resembling a horseshoe. However, you can also find them in various forms, such as round balls or flattened discs. Some bakers even choose to garnish the cookies with a whole almond on top, enhancing their visual appeal.
These delightful treats are not only enjoyed in Middle Eastern households but have gained popularity worldwide. Their simplicity and elegance make them an ideal choice for various occasions, from afternoon tea gatherings to special celebrations. They are often served alongside a steaming cup of tea or Arabic coffee, enhancing the overall experience of indulging in these delectable cookies.
Almond Ghoraybah Cookies Ingredients
Butter – Butter is a key ingredient in making these cookies. It providing richness, moisture, and flavor. Butter gives crumbly texture to these cookies.
Castor Sugar – Also known as powdered sugar, adds sweetness to the cookie dough. It dissolves easily and contributes to the texture of the cookies, helping to create their delicate crumb.
Almond Meal – Ground almonds, often referred to as almond meal, are finely crushed almonds. They enhance the almond flavor in Almond Ghraybeh cookies, giving them a slightly nutty taste and texture.
Flour – All-purpose flour is a staple Almond Ghraybeh. It provides structure and helps bind the ingredients together, resulting in the desired crumbly and melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Almonds – Whole almonds, halved and used as a garnish on top of the cookies. Almonds not only add visual appeal but also introduce a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor to the these cookies.
Icing sugar – Icing sugar, also known as powdered sugar or confectioner’s sugar, is often used for dusting the Almond Ghraybeh cookies. This adds a sweet touch to the cookies.
Interesting fact about Almond Ghoraybah Cookies is we make these cookies without adding milk or water.
Thank you Jehanne for sharing this delicious recipe along with pictures as a part of Ramadan special event Joy From Fasting To Feasting – VII.
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Almond Ghoraybah Cookies
Almond Ghoraybah cookies are a delicious and popular Middle Eastern dessert. Ghoraybah, also spelled ghraiba or ghribia, is a type of shortbread cookie with a crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Almond Ghoraybah cookies are a variation of this classic recipe, and they include ground almonds for added flavor and a slightly nutty taste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Butter
- ¾ cup Castor sugar
- 1 tsp. Vanilla
- 1 cup coarse Almond meal | Ground almond
- 2 cups plain Flour
- 50g toasted Almonds for garnish, halved
- 2 tbsp. Icing sugar
- ½ tsp. Salt
Instructions
How to make Almond Ghoraybah Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 170C.
- Cream the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Now add vanilla and mix well.
- In a bowl combine the ground almond, plain flour and salt.
- Add into the batter and combine to form soft dough.
- Roll small gold balls size cookie dough and dip into the icing sugar.
- Lightly flatten the cookie dough and place on silicone baking mat or greased cookie sheet.
- Place a halved almond in the center of each cookie.
- Bake for 18 minutes until the edges are golden.
- Keep the cookies in airtight container.
- Cookies will stay fresh for up to 4 weeks.
Notes
Tips To Make Best Almond Ghoraybah Cookies
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Ensure your butter, almonds, and other ingredients are fresh and of high quality. Quality ingredients contribute to better flavor and texture.
- Room Temperature Butter: Use butter at room temperature. Softened butter blends more easily with other ingredients and results in a smoother dough.
- Properly Cream Butter and Sugar: Cream the butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for achieving the right texture in the cookies.
- Ground Almonds: Use finely ground almonds or almond meal to ensure a consistent texture in the cookies. You can grind your own almonds, but store-bought almond meal works well too.
- Don't Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt), mix just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
- Almond Extract: For a more pronounced almond flavor, add a small amount of almond extract. Be cautious not to use too much, as it can easily overpower the cookies.
- Cookie Shapes: Mold the dough into traditional shapes or use cookie molds for a decorative touch. You can also garnish with halved almonds for added visual appeal.
- Chilling the Dough (Optional): Some recipes call for chilling the dough before shaping and baking. This can help the cookies hold their shape during baking, especially in warmer environments.
- Even Sizing: Make sure your cookies are a consistent size to ensure even baking. You can use a cookie scoop or your hands for shaping.
- Baking Time and Temperature: Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at the recommended temperature. Be vigilant, as Almond Ghoraybah cookies should remain pale with just a hint of golden color on the edges. Overbaking can result in a dry texture.
- Cooling and Dusting: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can dust them with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They tend to become more crumbly and delicate as they sit, which is part of their charm.
By following these tips and paying attention to the details, you can create Almond Ghoraybah cookies that are both visually appealing and wonderfully flavorful with their characteristic crumbly texture.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
25Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 166Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 115mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 1gSugar: 7gProtein: 2g
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
Rafeeda AR says
I was really wondering where Jehanne was for this season and here she is!!! always love her bakes, these cookies are no different… crunchy and yum…
The Cooking Doctor says
thank u so much for having me over, Lubna and Eid mubarak to you and your family xx