Kleicha
About
Kleicha are traditional Iraqi cookies filled with dates, nuts, or coconut, flavored with cardamom and rose water. These delicate, buttery pastries are Iraq's national cookie, traditionally made for Eid celebrations and special occasions. Each cookie is beautifully shaped with intricate patterns.
Key Ingredients
Flour, butter or ghee, dates, cardamom, rose water, sometimes walnuts or coconut
Cultural Significance
Kleicha has been baked in Iraqi homes for generations, especially during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Making kleicha is a cherished tradition, with families spending days preparing hundreds of cookies to share with neighbors and guests.
Where to Find
Best found in traditional bakeries across Baghdad, Basra, and Mosul. Many Iraqi families still bake them at home using generations-old recipes and wooden molds passed down through families.
Recommended Places
- •Traditional bakeries in Baghdad
- •Sweet shops throughout Iraq
- •Home-baked by Iraqi families
Fun Facts
The decorative patterns on kleicha are made using special wooden molds (qālab) that have been carved and used for generations. Each family often has its own unique mold design. Iraqi diaspora around the world continue to bake kleicha to stay connected to their heritage.
