Walnut Ghoriba

Ingredients

• 300 g (10 oz)ground walnuts
• 150 g (5 oz)sugar
• 2egg whites
• 1/2 tspcinnamon

Method

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 300 g (10 oz) ground walnuts and 150 g (5 oz) sugar. Stir them together until the sugar is evenly distributed throughout the walnuts. This ensures that each cookie will have a consistent sweetness and nutty flavor.
2. Add 2 egg whites to the walnut and sugar mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix until a sticky dough forms. The egg whites act as a binding agent, bringing the mixture together into a cohesive mass.
3. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp cinnamon into the dough and fold it in until evenly incorporated. The cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the rich taste of the walnuts.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up slightly, making it easier to handle.
5. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. While the oven heats, shape the dough into small balls, about the size of a walnut, using your hands.
6. Roll each dough ball in additional sugar to coat the outside lightly. This sugar coating will create a delicate, sweet crust as the cookies bake.
7. Place the sugar-coated balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven until the cookies are lightly golden and the tops have cracked, about 12-15 minutes. The cracks indicate that the cookies are perfectly baked and have the classic ghriba texture.