Middle Eastern Shortbread Cookies | Traditional Ghraybeh
Recipe Overview
Overview
These Middle Eastern Shortbread Cookies, or Ghraybeh, are a delightful treat that brings a taste of tradition to any occasion. Made with just a few simple ingredients—flour, sugar, and butter—these cookies are incredibly easy to whip up. The addition of rose water not only enhances the flavor but also infuses the cookies with a fragrant aroma that is unmistakably Middle Eastern.
The process begins with creaming softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, creating a base that holds the flour beautifully. It’s important to use all-purpose flour for the right texture, as cake flour would make them too delicate. After mixing, the dough is formed into balls and can be topped with a dollop of jam or a nut, adding a personal touch to each cookie.
One of the key steps is chilling the dough, which helps maintain the cookies’ shape during baking. Once baked, they emerge from the oven lightly golden and ready to be enjoyed. These cookies are not only perfect for Ramadan but also make a wonderful treat for any gathering, especially when paired with a cup of tea.
I love how versatile Ghraybeh can be; you can easily switch up the toppings or fillings based on your preferences. Whether you stick to the traditional pistachio or try something new with jam, these cookies are sure to impress. They are light, sweet, and buttery, embodying the essence of Middle Eastern sweets. If you’re looking for a simple yet elegant cookie recipe, give these a try!
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Whisk together softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until it looks like buttercream frosting.
Tip: Try adding just a teaspoon of rose water to the butter and sugar mixture for a quintessential middle eastern flavor.
Add all-purpose flour to the butter and sugar mixture and mix well by hand until it forms a cookie dough consistency.
Chill the dough for about 45 minutes to an hour.
Tip: Chill the dough for about 45 minutes to an hour to help the butter solidify, preventing the cookies from spreading too much when baked.
Use a spring-loaded cookie scoop to form the dough into little cookie balls.
Use your thumb to form an indentation in the center of each cookie ball.
Tip: You can place 12 cookies on a standard quarter cookie sheet about 2 inches apart, as they won't expand too much in the oven.
Add half a teaspoon of apricot jam into the indentation of each cookie.
Bake the cookies in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until puffed up and lightly golden at the bottom.
Let the cookies rest for about 10 minutes after removing them from the oven.
Serve the cookies topped with crushed pistachios for added flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Coconut Cream
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Flour Blend
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Ghraybeh is a traditional Middle Eastern cookie known for its delicate texture and buttery flavor.
- •Using rose water adds a unique aromatic quality that enhances the cookie's flavor.
- •Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- •These cookies can be filled with jam or topped with nuts, offering versatility in presentation.
