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Kleicha

Kleicha

Kleicha is a classic Iraqi date cookie filled with spiced dates and wrapped in a buttery, tender dough. These are a staple in Iraqi cuisine and are often enjoyed with tea. Their warm flavors and soft texture make them a comforting choice for any occasion. Follow along to see how I make these cookies using a handful of everyday ingredients. 

Recipe by Unicorns in the Kitchen.

Ingredients

  • Dough
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 sticks butter, melted
  • ½ teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup warm milk
  • Filling
  • 2 ½ cup Medjool dates
  • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil, or any other neutral flavored oil
  • 5 tablespoons water
  • Egg Wash
  • 1 egg yolk

Preparation

  1. In a large bowl mix the flour with melted butter, instant yeast, cardamom, sugar, salt and milk. Combine using a spatula and then your hands for the dough to come together. The dough will not be sticky. Avoid over working the dough.
  2. Cover the bowl and let the dough sit for 30 minutes as you prepare the filling.
  3. To make the filling, take the seeds of the dates out and place them in a food processor with cardamom, oil and water. Blend until you have a smooth and spreadable paste. If it's not smooth enough, add one more tablespoon of water.
  4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  5. Divide the dough into 2 pieces. Flour your working surface and roll out one piece dough into a thin rectangle. If preferred, you can cut the edges so you have a clean rectangle.
  6. Spread half of the date paste on the dough. Roll the dough into a log from the longer side. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into small pieces, less than 1 inch wide.
  7. Repeat the same process with the second piece of dough and the remaining date filling.
  8. Place the cookies on the baking sheets and brush them with the egg yolk.
  9. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden.
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*While Medjool dates are high in natural sugars, they are low on the glycemic index thanks to a balanced amount of soluble fiber. The complex carbohydrates found in Medjool dates are digested at a slower rate, making them a source of dietary fiber and releasing energy to the body over a longer period of time.