Traditional Egyptian Eid Cookies with a Buttery, Crumbly Texture
Kahk El Eid has been a part of Egyptian culture for centuries, dating back to Pharaonic times. These buttery, shortbread-like cookies are enjoyed during Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha, often filled with date paste (agameya), walnuts, or Turkish delight (malban).
They are typically made in large batches and shared with family, friends, and neighbors, making them a true symbol of celebration!
🕑 Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Resting Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: About 40 cookies
🍪 Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups ghee (samna), melted
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup warm milk
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 tbsp kahk spices (mixture of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Filling (Optional):
You can fill Kahk with:
- Date paste (agwa): 1 cup mashed dates + 1 tbsp butter + 1 tsp cinnamon
- Agameya (honey filling): 1 tbsp flour + 2 tbsp butter + 2 tbsp honey + 1/2 cup crushed nuts
- Malban (Turkish delight): Small cubes of rose-flavored Turkish delight
- Walnuts: 1/2 cup crushed walnuts mixed with 1 tbsp sugar
For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting after baking)
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
1️⃣ In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and kahk spices.
2️⃣ Pour in the melted ghee and rub the mixture between your fingers until it becomes crumbly.
3️⃣ Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and sesame seeds, then gradually add warm milk, mixing until a soft dough forms.
4️⃣ Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Shape & Fill the Cookies
5️⃣ Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
6️⃣ Take a small piece of dough, roll it into a ball, then flatten it slightly.
7️⃣ Place 1 teaspoon of your chosen filling in the center, then seal and roll into a smooth ball.
8️⃣ Press a kahk mold or fork onto the top to create a traditional pattern.
Step 3: Bake & Garnish
9️⃣ Place cookies on a lined baking tray and bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden.
🔟 Let the cookies cool completely, then dust them generously with powdered sugar before serving.
💡 Tips for Perfect Kahk
✅ Use high-quality ghee for the best texture and flavor.
✅ Don’t overbake! Kahk should be lightly golden, not dark brown.
✅ For a softer texture, add a little more milk.
✅ Let cookies cool before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent melting.
🍽️ How to Serve Kahk?
- Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee ☕
- Serve with hot mint tea (shai bel na’na) 🍃
- Pair with milk or warm sahlab for a cozy treat
