Saleh’s Plate · By Saleh Alkhalifa

Saudi-Style Cardamom Kleija Biscuits

Cook Saudi-Style Cardamom Kleija Biscuits with Saleh’s Plate.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup warm milk
  • 1 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt

Filling (Optional)

  • ½ cup date paste (or finely chopped dates)
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • ½ tsp cinnamon

Egg Wash

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tbsp milk

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add melted butter and mix until crumbly. Gradually pour in warm milk, kneading until a soft dough forms. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
  2. Mix date paste with honey and cinnamon until smooth.
  3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough and cut into small circles or shape into domes. If using filling, place a spoonful inside, seal, and flatten slightly. Use a knife or mold to create a criss-cross pattern on top.
  4. Brush biscuits with egg wash. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
  5. Let cool before serving with Arabic coffee or tea.