Ramadan has quietly crept up and here in Morocco we’ll be starting sometime next week. That means this weekend our house will be buzzing with activity as my sister in laws all converge to make Ramadan staples. I’m actually somewhat surprised this didn’t start weeks ago as in years past they often are preparing even a month beforehand.
I also realized that so many of my Ramadan resources are scattered across this website so I decided to put them all in one place so that you can easily find them. (Find that on the new Ramadan Resources page)
But, if you’re looking for the important thing, Moroccan Ramadan cookies, you’re in the right place. I’m putting together all the cookie recipes I could find, both my own and from around the web so that you have a single resource.
MarocMama Ramadan Cookies
Ghriba are a really common cookie served year-round during Ramadan. They're also really easy to make and perfect for someone short on time or unsure about making some of the more complex cookies. I tweaked some original recipes to make gluten-free versions of this cookie so that everyone in my family could enjoy them.
Rosewater isn't widely used in Morocco but these pistachio cookies have a very light floral scent that is really delightful.
These sesame ginger cookies have a slight tang making them a great pair to smoothies!
These are the queen of Moroccan pastry. They're also pretty difficult to master. The dough must be very thin but not so thin that it breaks when the cookies are shaped. When baked it's important the cookies never brown. I'll warn you that you will make mistakes but don't give up. Once you've mastered it you'll never feel more proud!
Mhncha are traditionally made very large and are a special dessert for weddings and special occasions but you can also make them smaller. If you've never made them then this is a good way to get a start and practice.
These cookies appear on every Ramadan table in Morocco. They're often sold in advance of the holiday but if you don't have access, try making them yourself! Don't be intimidated by the long instruction list; I attempted to explain in detail to make it easier.
These gluten free chebakia don't have the classic folded shape of the original but they do have the same taste.
So these aren't cookies but they are a sweet. I really like serving these because I don't have to worry about gluten. They're also really versatile. You can stuff them with anything! In this post I have three different ways you can fill them but there's probably 20 more. If you've got last minute guests these are really easy to throw together using whatever you have around.
A simple cookie that is often served alongside a glass of mint tea in Morocco.
This beautiful French scalloped cookie is found in Morocco due to the French protectorate that was in control for the early 20th century. You can modify these as you'd like once you learn the base recipe.
Chocolate and gluten-free? These are great for serving anyone who has a gluten-free diet - or not!
These easy no bake date cookies are perfect for Ramadan. They also are vegan and gluten-free - safe for everyone at your gatherings!
Make these stuffed medjool dates for a sweet treat or a fantastic Ramadan surprise.
Recipes from the Web
If you’re looking for some more inspiration I’ve rounded up some more of my favorite Moroccan cookies to inspire you. Check them out on some of these other blogs.
- Sellou – Moroccan Food at About.com – Sellou is more like a paste than a cookie but is a staple sweet on the Ramadan table.
- Fekkas – My Moroccan Kitchen. The Moroccan version of biscotti. I love how Nargisse mixes things up with her recipes – a blend of tradition and modern.
- Almond Briouats – Moroccan Food at About.com – My American family loves these cookies! They’re simple to make and just one is sweet enough so that you don’t need to overdose on cookies!
Bake Cookies Day – Quote Unquote
Monday 18th of December 2017
[…] recipes for Hanukkah can be found here. Traditional cookies for Ramadan can be found here. And a recipe for Kwanzaa cookies can be found here. Or bake cookies for no reason! You can find […]
Joanne
Thursday 23rd of June 2016
Beautiful Cookies Mashallah