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Celebrating the holidays just wouldn’t be the same without some Traditional Lebanese Date-Filled Ka’ik (kaak)!
Kaak El Eid are a delicious sweet bread seasoned with a flavorful spice mix made up of nutmeg, ground ginger, cinnamon, sesame seeds, and turmeric!
Enjoyed with coffee, tea, or a cold cup of milk, these Lebanese Date-filled ka’ik (kaak) are a perfect sweet snack meant to bring loved one together during special times!
Lebanese Date-Filled Ka’ik (Kaak)
To all my Lebanese friends, I just brought you a one way ticket down memory lane! These special cookies are loaded with fascinating flavors and all the family memories we shared laughs over!
I bet you have had your fair share of the Lebanese Date-filled ka’ik (kaak)! These special cookies are often served on special occasions in Lebanon. They are called kaak El Eid because Eid means holiday.
People from all backgrounds, regardless what is being celebrated, can testify that these holiday cookies are a must during all occasions!
What Are Lebanese Date-Filled Ka’ik (kaak)?
Ka’ik (also spelled kaak or ka’ak) are a traditional Lebanese sweet bread. They are also described as milk bun cookies, kaak anise cookies, or kaak El Eid.
ka’ki, the singular form of kaak, carries the slang meaning of round or circular. The name kaak comes from the mix of spices used in the dough called da’et el kaak.
Traditional or regular kaak aren’t stuffed with anything, yet packed with flavors! You can roll them out and bake them thicker and soft, or thinner with a satisfying crunch.
A Picturesque Delicacy!
What’s in The Lebanese Date-Filled Ka’ik (kaak)?
Traditional Lebanese Kaak are quite known for their dough made with the help of a unique group of spices called da’et el kaak. The spice mix consists of a variety of aromatic spices that give it its special flavors and even add a distinct texture. Among them are cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, anise seeds, and sesame seeds.
But it is not only about their incredible flavor or relation to our holidays, Kaaks are also packed with health benefits!
Take anise seeds as an example! It is high in nutrients like iron, manganese and calcium, shown to reduce symptoms of depression, offers protection against stomach ulcers, and prevents fungi and bacteria growth!
A delicious treat with tons of health benefits? YES PLEASE!
Recipe Variations You Might Consider Trying!
You can easily adapt the traditional kaak recipe to a stuffed one. Though date paste is the most common stuffing for ka’ik, you can fill it with other options!
For example, some people stuff their kaak with a crushed walnut filling. Similar to the filling used in maamoul, you crush the walnuts using a food processor or blender, add some sugar and rose water over them, and mix.
In addition, you can stuff them with crushed pistachios, jams, and even hazelnut spread!
Other popular kaak recipes include Palestinian kaak and Syrian kaak. There are minor variations in each recipe in terms of size, shape, and level of sweetness!
Savor Those Traditional Flavors!
What Goes Well With Date-Filled Ka’ik (Kaak)?
Well, it’s no secret that anything cookie- or cake-like goes wonderfully with a cup of coffee! These Ka’ik are simply a perfect coffee companion. They also make a great combo with tea of any kind, or a cup of hot cocoa!
Also, just like any other cookie, date-filled ka’ik (kaak) tastes amazing accompanied by a cold cup of milk. Whether you dunk them away or enjoy each separately, Kaak and milk are each other’s favorite companions.
Another option would include you enjoying some sahlab and kaak. Sahlab is a Middle Eastern milk pudding drink that is usually served hot.
Finally, serve those date-filled ka’ik the traditional Lebanese way! Enjoy them for breakfast topped with a spread of labne, various cheeses, jams, or jellies.
Tips for The Best Lebanese Date-Filled ka’ik (kaak)
Tip 3: After shaping, sprinkle some sesame seeds onto the kaak, then bake them in the oven. This would give the taste a kick, and add to the overall design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sure you can! Kaak molds come in many beautiful designs. Choose whichever catches your eyes, and go for it!
I found that microwaving the milk for 1:30 minutes should do the trick. You can also use the stove if you prefer. Just Make sure you don’t bring it to a boil.
These date-filled kaak are best kept in an air-tight container at room temperature for about 4-5 days. Simply reheat in the oven for a bit on low when ready to consume; or eat them straightaway!
The Ingredients You Will Need
- all-purpose flour
- ka’ak spice (da2a)
- sugar
- yeast
- salt
- baking powder
- toasted sesame seeds
- warm milk
- olive oil
- nutmeg
- cinnamon
- ground ginger
- turmeric
- Date paste packets
Follow The Instructions
Traditional Kaak
First, in a large bowl, combine the flour, toasted sesame seeds, yeast, baking powder, turmeric, ginger powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Next, add the yeast to the milk and allow to sit for 5 minutes then slowly add in all the warm milk, and knead. Add the olive oil a little at a time and continue kneading until you have a soft smooth clammy dough.
Cover with saran wrap (Plastic wrap) and a kitchen towel and set aside for 1/2-1 hour (or begin using right away).
Finally, bake in a pre-heated oven at 350°F for about 17-19 minutes, or until golden. If needed, broil for 2 minutes for a golden touch.
Date-Filled Kaak
If you want the kaak stuffed with date paste, you will need 1 1/2 (13oz) of date paste packets.
First, start by oiling your hands to form a 1-inch ball of date paste.
Next, make a gentle indent in the center of the kaak dough, then place the date paste ball inside.
Finally, bake according to what is previously instructed for the traditional Kaak.
Pro Tip: Keep the smooth end of the dough facing down so the date paste pattern doesn’t show through.
See If This Guide Helps You!
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients
Step 2: Make Even-Sized Pieces of Dough
Step 3: Fill Them Up With Dates!
Step 4: Time to Mold The Kaak
Take a Moment to Appreciate The Fine Details!
The Final Product You Are Looking For!
Set The Taste Aside, Look At The Designs!
Other Recipes You Might Enjoy
PIN IT!
Lebanese Date-Filled Ka’ik (Kaak)
Equipment
- Ka’ak Cookie Mold
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 ¼ cup warm milk
- 2 tablespoons ka'ak spice, da2a
- 1 cup toasted sesame seeds
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 ½ 13 oz Date paste
Instructions
Traditional Kaak
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, toasted sesame seeds, yeast, baking powder, turmeric, ginger powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg
- Warm the milk and sugar using the microwave (about 1:30 minutes) or on stove top until very warm (not boiling).
- Add the yeast to the milk, don't stir, wait for 5 minutes.
- Slowly add in all the milk and knead. Add the olive oil a little at a time and continue kneading until you have a soft smooth clammy dough. Cover with saran wrap (plastic wrap) and a kitchen towel and set aside for 1/2-1 hour (or begin using right away).
- Make even-sized pieces of dough, depending how thin or thick you want them (I usually make 2-3 inch balls), then place in an oiled kaak mold.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 17-19 minutes, or until golden. Broil for 2 minutes if needed for a golden touch.
Date-Filled Kaak
- Oil your hands, and form a 1 inch ball of date paste.
- Make a gentle indent in the center of the kaak dough, then place the date paste ball inside.
- Close it up and place the ball in the kaak mold.
- Bake according to what is previously instructed for the traditional Kaak.
Video
Notes
- For an added glaze, brush the cookies with egg whites, warm milk, or with a mix of water, sugar and Nescafé. This would give the bread a desirable sweetness.
- If nutmeg is not available, some recipes suggest replacing it with some mahlab spice. The result is just as delightful.
- After shaping, sprinkle some sesame seeds onto the kaak, then bake them in the oven. This would give the taste a kick, and add to the overall design.
I’ve always wanted to make these bas thought they took much time and effort until i came across your blog. Tried this recipe and it was a complete success. My husband and kids loved them
Where did you get the mold from? My mom wants the same one!
Hi, I honestly forget but I found the same ones on Etsy. I placed the link in the recipe card above for you with a photo.
Made these for Eid Al adha today. Sooo yummy and better than store bought ones.. a win win!!