Traditional Egyptian Ghorayeba Recipe: How to Make Butter Cookies at Home

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and powdered sugar until it is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
  3. Add the vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, and mix until well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  5. Using your hands, take small amounts of dough and shape them into small balls or discs. Place each piece onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
  6. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms are slightly golden. Be careful not to over bake as these cookies should remain light in color.
  7. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with additional powdered sugar if desired.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to cream the butter and sugar together.
  • Electric Mixer - Used to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Measuring Cups - For accurately measuring the butter, powdered sugar, and flour.
  • Measuring Spoons - To measure the baking powder and vanilla extract.
  • Baking Sheet - A sheet pan lined with parchment paper to bake the cookies.
  • Parchment Paper - Prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
  • Wire Rack - Used to cool the cookies after baking.
  • Spatula - To transfer the cookies from the baking sheet to the wire rack.
  • Dust with powdered sugar - Optional, for dusting the cookies with additional powdered sugar.

Recipe variations

  • Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free version.
  • Add a tablespoon of rosewater or orange blossom water to the dough for a floral twist.
  • Sprinkle crushed pistachios or almonds on top of each cookie before baking for added texture.
  • Mix in a teaspoon of ground cardamom or cinnamon to the dough for a warm and aromatic flavor.
  • Replace the butter with coconut oil or margarine for a dairy-free option.
  • Roll the dough into small balls and press a chocolate chip or a dried fruit piece into the center of each cookie before baking.
  • Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dough for chocolate ghorayeba.
  • Top the cookies with a light drizzle of honey or maple syrup after baking for a touch of sweetness.

Recipe overview

Ghorayeba is a traditional Middle Eastern cookie, known for its delicate texture and simple, yet irresistible flavor. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are made with just four basic ingredients: butter, sugar, flour, and a pinch of baking powder. The addition of vanilla extract gives these sweet treats a subtle layer of flavor. While Ghorayeba is often made for special occasions, its straightforward preparation makes it a delightful option for everyday baking as well. The dough comes together easily, and the cookies bake quickly. Once cooled, they have a tender crumb that is sure to impress. Dust them with a bit of extra powdered sugar for a beautiful, snowy finish. Enjoy these light and buttery cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect midday treat!

Common questions

  1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? No, it is best to use unsalted butter in this recipe to have better control over the saltiness of the cookies.
  2. Can I substitute the powdered sugar with granulated sugar? No, powdered sugar is necessary to achieve the desired texture and consistency of the cookies.
  3. Can I use a different type of flour, like whole wheat flour? It is best to stick to all-purpose flour for this recipe to ensure the right texture and taste of the cookies.
  4. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough? Absolutely! You can customize the recipe by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or any other desired mix-ins.
  5. How should I store the Ghorayeba cookies? Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to a week.
  6. Can I freeze the Ghorayeba dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough either in the form of shaped cookies or as a dough log. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe container before freezing.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing bowl - A large bowl for creaming the butter and sugar, and for mixing the dough.
  • Electric mixer - Helpful for creaming the butter and sugar quickly and efficiently.
  • Baking sheet - A flat sheet used for baking the Ghorayeba cookies in the oven.
  • Parchment paper - Used to line the baking sheet, preventing the cookies from sticking to the surface.
  • Wire rack - Used for cooling the cookies after baking, allowing air to circulate around them.
  • Sifter - Useful for sifting the powdered sugar before adding it to the butter.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - Essential for accurately measuring the ingredients.
  • Spatula - Used for scraping the sides of the mixing bowl and transferring the dough onto the baking sheet.
  • Dusting tool - Optional, for dusting the finished cookies with additional powdered sugar.

Origin stories

Ghorayeba, a delicate and shortbread-like Egyptian cookie, has a long and rich history. These cookies hold a special place in the heart of many Egyptians as they are often associated with Eid celebrations. The tradition of baking Ghorayeba during Eid goes back generations and it's a ritual that brings families together. These cookies are known for their buttery texture that melts in your mouth, a testament to the simple yet indulgent ingredients used in the recipe. Traditionally, the cookies are also adorned with a single blanched almond or a pistachio at the center, adding to their charm. Making Ghorayeba at home is a sweet way to experience a bit of Egyptian culture and tradition, and enjoy a treat that's stood the test of time.

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.