The date-filled Arabic cookie traditionally associated with Eid is called ma'amoul.
Ma'amoul is a shortbread-like cookie made from semolina or flour and filled with dates, nuts, or figs. Date-filled ma'amoul is especially common, while walnut and pistachio versions are also widely prepared. Decorative wooden molds give the cookies distinctive shapes and patterns.
Ma'amoul is strongly associated with religious holidays. Christian communities commonly serve it at Easter, while Muslim families prepare it for Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The cookie is also made for other celebrations and shared with guests.
Its name is transliterated in several ways, including maamoul and maamul. Ma'amoul differs from filled pastries such as baklava because it has a firm, molded cookie shell rather than layered filo. The filling and mold design can help identify regional or family styles.