The Authentic Classic

Traditional Ghriba L'behla

The traditional Moroccan Ghriba L'behla made with smen (aged butter), sesame seeds, and warm spices. This is the authentic recipe passed down through generations.

⏱️ Prep Time 25 mins
🔥 Cook Time 20 mins
🍪 Yield 24 cookies
⚡ Calories 140 calories

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Prepare Sesame Grind the toasted sesame seeds into a fine powder using a food processor or spice grinder.
  2. Mix the Dough Combine the ground sesame seeds, butter, oil, sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and smen in a large bowl. Mix until you have a homogeneous dough.
  3. Knead Vigorously Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial for developing the texture and releasing the oils from the sesame.
  4. Shape the Cookies Form small balls of dough, flatten them slightly, and press them into the dimples of a special Ghriba mold (or use a regular baking sheet).
  5. Bake Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the cookies until they turn golden brown, about 18-20 minutes.
  6. Cool Completely Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before removing them. They are very fragile when hot!

Baker's Tips

  • Smen is Essential: The aged butter (smen) gives this Ghriba its distinctive, rich flavor. You can find it at Middle Eastern or Moroccan grocery stores.
  • Don't Rush the Kneading: The 10-15 minute kneading time is what makes these cookies melt in your mouth.
  • Fragile When Hot: These cookies are extremely delicate right out of the oven. Patience is key!