Maamoul (Authentic Date Filled Cookies)

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1. 1Step 1: Melt the ghee in the microwave or on the stovetop, but do not let it get too hot or boil.
2. 2Step 2: In a deep bowl, combine the semolina, flour, mahleb, and salt, and mix well.
3. 3Step 3: Pour the melted ghee over the dry ingredients and mix well.
4. 4Step 4: Using the palms of your hands, rub the semolina mixture for a couple of minutes to coat the grains with ghee.
5. 5Step 5: Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight or up to 3 days.
6. 6Step 6: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature to soften, as it may harden in the fridge.
7. 7Step 7: Add the dry milk and yeast to the dough and mix well.
8. 8Step 8: Mix in the simple syrup, then add the warm milk little by little until the dough is soft and rolls nicely into a ball.
9. 9Step 9: Cover the dough and let it rest for 1 hour.
10. 10Step 10: Divide the dough into 24 equal balls.
11. 11Step 11: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
12. 12Step 12: In a food processor, combine the ingredients for each filling and process to the desired texture.
13. 13Step 13: Divide each filling into 24 balls.
14. 14Step 14: With your thumb, make a dent in each dough ball and fill it with one of the fillings.
15. 15Step 15: Close the dough around the filling and roll into a ball. Press into a maamoul mold, or flatten slightly and make decorative marks with a fork.
16. 16Step 16: Bake on the middle rack for 10 minutes, then move to the top rack for another 7-10 minutes, until the tops are lightly golden.
17. 17Step 17: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 3-4 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
18. 18Step 18: Dust with powdered sugar and serve.