Remove the dates seeds and cut them into small chunks, put them in a casserole and add about 15 ts. Water, cook them over small flame for about 15 minutes. Stir and mash the mixture constantly in order to get a homogeneous mixture. Let it cool.

Meanwhile cut the butter into small cubes and add them to the flour, rub them together till the butter is completely covered.

Put the orange flower water in a small pot and add to it about 8 to 10 ts. Of water, mix well. Add the mixture to the flour and butter. Mix well, with a fork, until you'll get a homogeneously dough. Cover with a wet towel and set aside for 30-40 min.

Divide the dough into four. Roll one quarter of the dough to a 1.25 " diameter cylinder. Cut the cylinder into 1" pieces. Roll each piece to a ball. Hold the ball in one hand and make a hole in it with the thumb of your other hand. Continue rolling it around your thumb to shape it to a golf ball size. Fill it with about 1 1/2 ts. Of dates, close and roll again to ball shape.

Repeat with the rest of the dough.

Pinch each cookie several times with a fork, to get a dot pattern (this is done so the confectioners sugar will stick to the cookie)

You might have the a wood "shaper", or you can find it in oriental groceries.

Heat the oven to 350F. Arrange the maamouls on a buttered pan, bake for about 25-30 min. Or until the dough hardens and the maamouls turns a little pink.

Sprinkle powdered sugar on the maamouls while still hot, and press with your hand so the sugar will stick.

hashed, mixed with sugar and 1 ts of orange flower water.