Lebanese Date-Filled Ka'ik (Kaak)

Name: Lebanese Date-Filled Ka'ik (Kaak)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 115 min
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

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

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)

Kaak El Eid are a delicious sweet bread seasoned with a delicious spice mix made up of anise, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, mahlab, sesame seeds, and a hint of caraway seed! — **Allow the flavorful mix of spices to carry you all the way to the Mediterranean!**

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 1: 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.

Tip 2: If nutmeg is not available, some recipes suggest replacing it with some mahlab spice. The result is just as delightful.

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

Can I make them in other designs?

Sure you can! Kaak molds come in many beautiful designs. Choose whichever catches your eyes, and go for it!

For how long should I microwave the milk?

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.

How do you store kaak El Eid?

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.

Second, warm the milk and sugar using the microwave or on stove top until very warm (not boiling).

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 ½-1 hour (or begin using right away).

Then, make even-sized pieces of dough depending on how thin or thick you want them (I usually go for 2-3 inch balls), and place them in an oiled kaak mold.

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 ½ (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.

Then, close it up and place the ball in the kaak mold.

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

After combining all of your ingredients, make equal sized balls of dough. Make them as thin as thick as you want. — **Make them as thin or thick as you prefer them to be!**

Step 3: Fill Them Up With Dates!

Make a dent in the dough, place the date paste inside, and close it up. — Make a gentle indent in the center of the kaak dough, place the date paste ball inside

Make a dent in the dough balls, place the date paste inside, then close it up — Make a gentle indent in the center of the kaak dough, place the date paste ball inside

Step 4: Time to Mold The Kaak

place the dough inside an oiled kaak mold to get the right shape. — **Place the dough in an oiled kaak mold.**

Take a Moment to Appreciate The Fine Details!

Place the dough inside an oiled kaak mold and watch all the beautiful designs come to life — Look at those fine details!

The Final Product You Are Looking For!

Set The Taste Aside, Look At The Designs!

Other Recipes You Might Enjoy

PIN IT!