Maamoul

A shortbread-style cookie of semolina and ghee, pressed in a wooden mould and filled with dates or nuts — an Arab sweet long adopted into Malabar bakeries.

Maamoul is a filled shortbread cookie made from semolina and ghee dough, traditionally pressed into a carved wooden mould and stuffed with date paste, walnut or pistachio. It is eaten across the Arab world — Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and the Gulf — especially at Eid and other festivals.

Through centuries of trade between the Gulf and the Malabar coast, Maamoul travelled into the Mappila bakery repertoire, where it sits comfortably alongside indigenous Kerala sweets. Its long room-temperature shelf life makes it one of the most practical items for gifting and shipping.