Ghraybeh Butter Cookies Middle East Palestine
Delicate, buttery, and irresistibly crumbly, Ghraybeh Butter Cookies are a timeless treat from the Palestinian and broader Middle Eastern culinary tradition. Made with just three simple ingredients—softened butter, powdered sugar, and all-purpose flour—these cookies showcase the elegance of minimalism in baking. Their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle sweetness are elevated with a touch of decoration, like a blanched almond or pistachio pressed into the center. Perfectly pale and feather-light, these cookies are baked slowly at a low temperature, ensuring their tender, crumbly consistency while preserving their creamy, buttery flavor. Serve these traditional Middle Eastern butter cookies as part of a festive platter or alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for a touch of authentic Palestinian hospitality.
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Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Unsalted butter (softened)
- 0.5 cup Powdered sugar
- 0.25 cup Blanched almonds or pistachios (optional, for decoration)
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter using a handheld mixer or stand mixer until it becomes light and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
Step 3
Gradually sift the powdered sugar into the butter, and continue to beat until fully incorporated and fluffy.
Step 4
Slowly add the all-purpose flour in increments, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft and pliable but not sticky.
Step 5
Divide the dough into small walnut-sized portions. Roll them gently into smooth balls or shape them into flat discs (approximately 1 inch in diameter).
Step 6
If desired, press a blanched almond or a pistachio into the center of each cookie for decoration.
Step 7
Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
Step 8
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. The cookies should remain pale and not turn golden, with just the bottoms slightly firm to the touch.
Step 9
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. Be careful when handling them, as they are fragile while warm.
Step 10
Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Serve as a delightful treat with tea or coffee.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (571.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3007.0 |
| Total Fat 211.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 123.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 516.7mg | 0% |
| Sodium 38.4mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 250.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 10.3g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 60.6g | |
| Protein 34.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 116.7IU | 0% |
| Calcium 178.2mg | 0% |
| Iron 12.6mg | 0% |
| Potassium 558.5mg | 0% |
Source of Calories