Authentic Moroccan Ghoriba Cookies: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1 cup of vegetable oil
  • 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 cup of powdered sugar for dusting

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit).
  2. In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and softened butter until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
  6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing well until the dough comes together.
  7. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly browned.
  9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
  10. After 5 minutes, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the ingredients together.
  • Electric Mixer - Used to beat the sugar, oil, butter, and eggs until light and fluffy.
  • Measuring Cups - To accurately measure the sugar, oil, and butter.
  • Measuring Spoons - To accurately measure the baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt.
  • Spatula - For mixing the dry and wet ingredients together.
  • Baking Sheet - A sheet pan lined with parchment paper to bake the cookies.
  • Wire Rack - Used to cool the cookies after baking.
  • Sifter - To dust the cookies with powdered sugar.

Recipe variations

  • Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free version.
  • Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts such as almonds or walnuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.
  • Mix in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or raisins for a twist on the traditional recipe.
  • Substitute half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer taste.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spicy flavor.
  • Replace the vanilla extract with almond or orange extract for a different aroma.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy kick.
  • For a healthier version, use a combination of whole wheat flour and oats instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Make a chocolate version by replacing 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder.
  • For a savory twist, add 1/2 cup of grated cheese, such as Parmesan or cheddar, to the dough.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our Ghoriba recipe page! Ghoriba are traditional Moroccan cookies that are deliciously buttery and slightly crumbly. They are often enjoyed with tea or coffee. This recipe will guide you through the process of making these delectable treats at home. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is great for all baking levels. Expect a fun baking process and a delightful payoff--delicious, sweet Ghoribas dusted with powdered sugar. Happy baking!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of sugar? Yes, you can use alternatives such as brown sugar or coconut sugar, but keep in mind that it may slightly alter the taste and texture of the cookies.
  2. Can I substitute the vegetable oil with another oil? Yes, you can use canola oil or melted coconut oil as a substitute for vegetable oil.
  3. Can I replace the unsalted butter with salted butter? Yes, you can use salted butter, but remember to reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to maintain the right balance of flavors.
  4. Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour? It is not recommended to use self-rising flour as it already contains leavening agents, which may affect the texture of the cookies.
  5. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough? Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts, or chocolate chips to the dough for added flavor and texture.
  6. How should I store the Ghoriba cookies? Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining and mixing the ingredients.
  • Whisk - Used to beat and incorporate the sugar, oil, and butter together.
  • Measuring Cups - Necessary for accurately measuring the ingredients, such as sugar, oil, and flour.
  • Measuring Spoons - Used to measure smaller amounts of ingredients, such as baking powder and vanilla extract.
  • Baking Sheet - A flat sheet used for baking the cookie dough.
  • Parchment Paper - Placed on the baking sheet to prevent the cookies from sticking and making clean-up easier.
  • Wire Rack - Used to cool the baked cookies evenly and quickly.
  • Sifter or Sieve - Useful for dusting the cookies with powdered sugar.
  • Spatula or Cookie Turner - Helps in transferring the cookies from the baking sheet to the wire rack.

Origin stories

Ghoriba, also known as Moroccan shortbread cookies, have a long and storied past. These delicacies have been enjoyed for centuries, with the recipe passed down through generations. Originally, they were made during special occasions, such as Eid and weddings, but over time, they've found their way into everyday life. The cookies have an interesting secret: they're meant to be slightly cracked on top. This is not a baking error, but a characteristic feature of the cookie, symbolizing the beauty found in imperfection. So, as you savor these sweet treats, remember, they are a testament to an age-old Moroccan tradition that celebrates life's beautiful imperfections.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.