Date Ma'amoul (Levantine Semolina Cookies)

Instructions

1. Mix the semolina, flour and sugar. Add the melted butter and rub it in well. Cover and rest 2 hours or overnight.
2. For the filling, knead the dates with the butter and cinnamon to a smooth paste, then roll into 24 balls (about 12 g each).
3. Mix the milk with the orange blossom and rose waters. Add enough to the dough to make it hold together without being sticky.
4. Heat the oven to 350 F (175 C). Take a walnut-size piece of dough, flatten in your palm, add a date ball and close the dough around it.
5. Press the ball into a lightly floured ma'amoul mold (or a decorative pattern with a fork) and tap it out onto a pan.
6. Bake 18 to 20 minutes, until set but still pale. They should not brown.
7. Cool completely and dust with powdered sugar.