Ma’arouk (Lebanese Semolina Sweet Bread)

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Ma’arouk (Lebanese Semolina Sweet Bread)

A pillowy Lebanese sweet bread made with semolina, flavored with floral waters, and filled with either creamy cheese or date paste.

Prep Time1

Cook Time1

Total Time2

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: Lebanese, Middle Eastern

Keyword: bread, cheese, Ramadan, semolina

Servings: pieces

Calories: 1010kcal

Cost: $6

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup fine semolina
¼ cup sugar
2 tbsp milk powder optional, but adds softness
1 tbsp instant yeast
1 tsp mahlab powder or omit if unavailable
1 tsp orange blossom water
1 tsp rosewater
1 cup warm milk
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 egg for brushing

For the Filling (Pick One):

1 cup shredded Akkawi cheese or mozzarella, soaked to reduce salt
OR
1 cup date paste optional: mix with a bit of cinnamon and cardamom
OR
½ cup Nutella yes, we’re modern now

For the Topping:

Sesame seeds or nigella seeds
powdered sugar optional: for a dusting

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, mix the warm milk with sugar and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until it’s bubbly and foamy.
¼ cup sugar, 1 cup warm milk, 1 tbsp instant yeast

Make the Dough

In a large bowl, mix flour, semolina, milk powder, and mahlab. Stir in the yeast mixture, oil, and floral waters. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup fine semolina, 2 tbsp milk powder, 1 tsp mahlab powder, 1 tsp orange blossom water, 1 tsp rosewater, ¼ cup vegetable oil
Cover and let rise for 1 hour in a warm spot.

Divide and Fill

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Divide the dough into 4–6 balls. Flatten each into an oval or circle. Place your filling in the center and fold or roll to seal it in. You can make logs, spirals, or even crescent shapes.
1 cup date paste, ½ cup Nutella, 1 cup shredded Akkawi cheese
Place on a greased or parchment-lined baking tray.

Final Touches

Brush with a beaten egg for that golden shine. Sprinkle sesame or nigella seeds on top. Let rest another 15 minutes while the oven heats up.
1 egg, Sesame seeds or nigella seeds, powdered sugar

Bake and Cool

Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Let cool slightly before slicing or serving.

Notes

The nutritional values provided in this recipe are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Each recipe includes estimated cook time and serving sizes for your convenience. Actual values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used, portion sizes, and individual cooking methods. This information is not intended to provide medical or nutritional advice, and we recommend consulting with a qualified healthcare professional or nutritionist for specific dietary needs.

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