Ghraybeh

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1/4 tsp. baking powder (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, vegetable shortening or ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 cup icing sugar
• 1 tbsp. Arak or Orange blossom water
• Pistachios or pine nuts, as needed

Directions

1. Mix the flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt and set aside.
   
   
2. Beat the butter and sugar until well incorporated.  Add the Orange blossom water OR Arak and gradually add the flour mixture and mix well.
   
   
3. Allow the dough to rest in the fridge for 15 - 30 minutes or (upto 1 day).
   
   
4. Form the dough into "S" shapes and place a pine nut or pistachio in the center OR form into balls and press a pistachio in the center.
   
   
5. Bake for 8 minutes in a 355° F preheated oven or until it becomes slightly golden from the bottom while the top remains white. Allow it to cool completely before attempting to remove them from the baking sheet.