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Egyptian kahk cookies dusted with powdered sugar on a rustic plate, traditional Eid butter cookies.

Egyptian Kahk (Cookies)

5 from 2 votes
These traditional Egyptian kahk cookies are soft, buttery, and delicately spiced, with a light crumbly texture. Finished with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, they are a classic treat often enjoyed during Eid and special occasions.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Rest Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 42 minutes
Servings: 50 Cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Egyptian, Middle Eastern
Calories: 146
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp instant yeast
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1/3 cup warm water
  • 7 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tbsp dry milk powder
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 tsp rehet kahk or kahk spice (or mahlab or Vanilla)
  • 2 cup ghee (clarified butter)
  • 2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Method
 

Activate the yeast
  1. Combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in a small bowl.
  2. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes.
  3. Once a layer of foam appears on the surface, the yeast is active and ready.
Mix ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, dry milk powder, sesame seeds, and kahk spice ( or mahlab or vanilla ).
  2. In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the ghee. then bring it to a simmer.
  3. Pour the hot melted ghee over the flour mixture.
  4. Mix carefully with a spoon or spatula until the flour absorbs the fat completely.
  5. Pour in the yeast and water mixture.
  6. Knead lightly until a soft dough forms.
Rest the dough
  1. Cover the bowl and let the dough sit undisturbed for about 1 hour.
Shape the kahk and Bake
  1. Roll the dough into small balls and slightly flatten them.
  2. Place cookies on a lined baking sheet.
  3. Use a fork or kahk stamp to create traditional patterns.
  4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes or until lightly golden on the bottom.
  5. Allow the kahk to cool completely.
  6. Then generously dust with powdered sugar.