Date Bracelet Cookies (Ka'ak Asawer)

Date bracelet cookies, aka ka'ak asawer, are delicious cookies stuffed with date paste.

Prepare the date paste by adding 1.5 cups pitted dates and 2 tbsp of hot water to a cup. Using a hand immersion blender, blend the dates.

Add the dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, aniseeds, baking powder, sugar, and salt.

Measure the olive oil. Mix with your hands. The texture feels close to wet sand.

Add warm water gradually and knead by hand for 5 minutes.

Separate the dough into 20 equal pieces. Form a ball with your hands.

Set the dough aside.

Roll the dough into a long log. Flatten it with your hand until it forms a long oval shape.

Spoon the date paste at the center of the log leaving 1/2" (1 cm) on the edges.

Roll the edges.

Pinch the edges to close.

Make a round bracelet shape. Pinch the edges together. Bake at 350 ℉ (180 ℃) for 25 to 30 minutes or until the bottoms are golden.