Traditional Arabic Biscuit By Chef Aala

We collaborated with the talented Chef Aala, a renowned chef from Bahrain, to create these Traditional Arabic Biscuits, a delicate and comforting treat that pairs beautifully with coffee. Soft, fragrant, and melt in the mouth, these biscuits carry the warm character of Emperor Akbar Cardamom in every bite, giving the recipe a refined aroma and a distinctly Middle Eastern charm. The richness of ghee, the sweetness of powdered sugar, and the gentle spice of cardamom come together in a simple but elegant bake that feels timeless and special. This recipe is a lovely celebration of how cardamom can elevate even the most classic tea and coffee time favorites.

Ingredients

1 cup ghee
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
Freshly ground Emperor Akbar Cardamom, to taste
Pistachios, for topping

Method

Begin by combining the ghee and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl. Whisk or beat them together until the mixture looks smooth, creamy, and well blended. This creates the rich, tender base that gives the biscuits their soft texture and delicate crumble.

Add the vanilla, flour, and freshly ground Emperor Akbar Cardamom to the bowl. Mix gently until a soft dough begins to form. The cardamom should be evenly distributed throughout the dough so that every biscuit carries its warm and fragrant note. At this stage, the dough will feel smooth, aromatic, and slightly rich from the ghee.

Allow the dough to rest for about 10 minutes. This short resting time helps the flour hydrate and makes the dough easier to shape. It also gives the flavors a chance to settle and deepen, allowing the cardamom to shine more naturally in the finished biscuits.

Once rested, roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Keep a little space between each biscuit so they can bake evenly. Gently press a pistachio on top of each one for a classic finishing touch that adds both color and texture.

Bake the biscuits at 180°C for about 10 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and set. The baking time is short, which helps preserve their soft, melt in the mouth quality. Keep a close eye on them so they remain pale and delicate rather than overly browned.

Remove the biscuits from the oven and allow them to cool completely before serving. As they cool, they will firm up into the perfect tender bite, ready to enjoy with a cup of Arabic coffee or tea. With the fragrance of Emperor Akbar Cardamom woven through each biscuit, this recipe becomes a simple yet elegant treat that feels made for sharing.