How to Make Fekkas: A Step-by-Step Guide to Moroccan Almond Cookies

Fekkas, those delightful Moroccan almond cookies, are a true testament to the rich culinary heritage of Morocco. Imagine biting into a subtly sweet, delicately crunchy cookie with the warm, nutty flavor of almonds – that’s fekkas for you! These treats are traditionally enjoyed with a cup of mint tea, but their versatility shines through as they pair perfectly with coffee, milk, or even as a delightful afternoon snack.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious beginner, this guide will equip you with all you need to know to create these fragrant bites of joy in your own kitchen. Let’s embark on this flavorful journey together!

Gathering Your Ingredients

Before we dive into the baking process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Don’t worry, most of these are probably already sitting in your pantry!

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup whole almonds, toasted and coarsely ground
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon orange blossom water (optional, for a fragrant twist)

Ingredient Notes:

• If you don’t have orange blossom water on hand, you can substitute it with a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference.

Tools of the Trade

You won’t need any fancy equipment to make fekkas! Here’s what you’ll need:

• One large mixing bowl
• One baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• A food processor or blender (for grinding the almonds)

Let’s Bake Some Fekkas!

Now comes the fun part – bringing those irresistible fekkas to life!

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In your food processor or blender, grind the toasted almonds until coarsely ground. Be careful not to over-process them into a paste.
3. In your large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!
7. Gently fold in the ground almonds and the orange blossom water (or vanilla extract), creating a soft and slightly sticky dough.

Fekkas Dough

Step 2: Shaping and Baking

1. Divide the dough into two equal portions.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion into a log shape, about 2 inches in diameter.
3. Cut each log into 1-inch thick slices.
4. Arrange the slices on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn a beautiful golden brown.

Fekkas Baking

Step 3: Cooling and Serving

1. Once baked, remove the fekkas from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. As they cool, they’ll firm up beautifully.
2. Once cooled, these delightful cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Arrange them on a plate and serve alongside a steaming cup of Moroccan mint tea or your favorite beverage.

FAQs About Making Fekkas

Q: Can I make fekkas ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Fekkas are great for making ahead. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months.

Q: My fekkas turned out a bit hard. What could be the reason?
A: Overbaking can sometimes lead to harder cookies. Keep a close eye on them while they’re in the oven, and start checking for doneness around the 15-minute mark.

Q: Can I add other nuts or dried fruits to my fekkas?
A: Certainly! Feel free to get creative and add your personal touch. Chopped pistachios, walnuts, or dried cranberries would be delicious additions.

Conclusion

There you have it – your guide to making delectable fekkas. These cookies are not only easy to make, but they also fill your home with the most wonderful aromas. Their unique blend of textures and flavors is sure to transport you to the heart of Morocco. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and experience the joy of baking these delightful treats!

Fekkas Serving

We would love to hear about your fekka adventures! Share your baking stories, tips, or any creative twists you tried in the comments below. Happy baking!