Orange & Cardamom Ghriba

A citrus-forward variation on Morocco's classic crumbly ghriba cookie, brightened with fresh orange zest and warmed with fragrant cardamom. Crisp-edged and tender in the center, these cookies pair beautifully with a pot of mint tea.

Recipe byChef Amina
  • Prep 25 min
  • Cook 16 min
  • Serves 28

Ingredients

Scaled from 28 base servings — local only.

  • 180 gPowdered sugar
  • 380 gAll-purpose flour
  • 60 mlVegetable oil
  • 1 tspBaking powder
  • 80 gFine semolina
  • 150 gSoftened butter
  • 2 wholeEggs
  • 100 gGranulated sugar, for coating
  • 2 tbspOrange zest
  • 1 tspGround cardamom
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Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, vegetable oil, and powdered sugar until light and smooth.

  2. Beat in the eggs and orange zest until well combined.

  3. Gradually fold in the flour, semolina, cardamom, and baking powder, mixing gently until a soft, slightly crumbly dough forms. Chill for 20-30 minutes.

  4. Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

  5. Roll the dough into small balls, roll each in granulated sugar to coat, and place on the prepared baking sheets, spaced apart.

  6. Bake for 14-16 minutes, until the tops crack naturally and the edges are just set but the centers remain pale and soft.

  7. Let cool completely on the tray before moving — they firm up as they cool.

  8. Serve with mint tea.