Delve into the delightful world of Ghriba, also known as Ghoyiba or Montecaos, with this traditional recipe that captures the essence of these beloved cookies. Renowned for their crumbly texture and subtle sweetness, these cookies are a staple in North African and Middle Eastern cuisine. Made with a blend of flour, nut powders, and a touch of cinnamon, these treats are not only delicious but also wonderfully aromatic.
Why You’ll Love This: Ghriba cookies are perfect for those who appreciate a less overtly sweet dessert. The combination of butter and oil gives these cookies a uniquely light yet satisfying texture, making them ideal for pairing with tea or coffee. The addition of nut powders, such as hazelnut or almond, infuses each cookie with a rich flavor that complements the dusting of cinnamon beautifully.
Perfect Occasion: These cookies are a fantastic choice for cultural celebrations, holiday gatherings, or as a sophisticated everyday treat. They are also wonderful as gifts during festive seasons, packaged in pretty boxes or tins. Serve them at a family gathering or a casual get-together, and watch as they become a conversation starter about traditional desserts from around the world.
Decoration Tips: For a simple yet elegant presentation, press the center of each cookie slightly before baking and sprinkle with cinnamon. After baking and cooling, you could also dust them lightly with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness. To make them extra special, consider pressing a whole almond or hazelnut into the center of each cookie before baking for a delightful surprise.
Ingredients:
- 500g of flour
- 160g of powdered sugar
- 120g of melted butter
- 160g of peanut oil or standard cooking oil
- 40g of hazelnut or almond powder (or substitute with additional flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- A dash of cinnamon for sprinkling
- Preheat your oven to 160 degrees Celsius (320 degrees Fahrenheit) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the oil, melted butter, and powdered sugar until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and nut powder (if using) to the wet ingredients, stirring until the dough is homogeneous and not sticky. Depending on the absorbency of your flour, you might need to adjust the amount slightly.
- Roll the dough into balls weighing about 45g each. Place them on the prepared baking tray.
- Gently press the center of each ball with your thumb (optional) and sprinkle a little cinnamon on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 20 minutes, or until the cookies are just set and lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the tray before transferring them to a serving plate or storage container.
Enjoy these exquisite Ghriba cookies, a taste of tradition that brings a subtle sweetness and a hint of spice to your dessert table or tea time!
