These cookies require a special tool to make the design on them, that is called Nekkache (Arabic name النقّاش ), that’s how the cookies got their name.
I have tested several recipes to make Nekkache, but this one is the best. The cookies came out great and melt in mouth.
Take small amounts of dates and roll them out into thin logs, to be used for the filling.
Roll out each ball into a thin sheet.
Use a Nekkache tool as shown in the picture and start pinching the dough bracelet all around with the tool.
Bake in a 350°F preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
🇩🇿Algerian Pinched Bracelet cookies Filled with Dates – Nekkache
Ingredients
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup ghee, melted and cooled
- 4 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup milk (or less)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp orange blossom water.
Filling
- 13 oz baking dates
- About 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
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In a large bowl, sift the flour, salt, powdered sugar and mix them well with a spoon.
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Add ghee, oil, orange blossom water and lemon zest, then mix with hands until well incorporated.
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Add milk little by little and mix with your hand without kneading until obtain a nice, soft dough. You may not need to use all the milk.
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Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let rest on the counter for at least 1 hour.
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In meantime, mix the filling ingredients until obtain a nice soft consistency.
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Take small amounts of dates and roll them out into thin logs to be used for the filling. Set aside.
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You can form roses or any other shapes with dates filling to be used for garnish (optional). I have used a silicone mold for that.
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Once the dough is rested, form walnut size balls or a little bigger and cover with plastic wrap.
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Roll out each ball into a thin sheet.
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Cut the first edge of the sheet and place the dates log on that edge..
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Roll out the sheet of dough on the dates log (make 2 to 3 rolls) and form a small cylinder.The size of the cylinder is your choice.
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Cut the edges to make a good cylinder.
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Seal the two edges of the cylinder to form a bracelet.
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Use a Nekkache tool and start pinching the bracelet all around with that tool.
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Cover the Nekkache or the pinched bracelets with plastic wrap and let rest in the fridge for few hours, preferably overnight.
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Place Nekkache cookies in a baking sheet.
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Bake in a 350°F preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- You can use water or orange blossom water instead of milk. I have used milk to get that slightly golden color without baking the Nekkache cookies for too long.
- For the dates filling, you add add a small amount of sesame seeds and if you want it more fragrant, add about 1/4 tsp clove powder or more if you prefer.
- The total time in this recipe didn’t include the rest time of the dough.