Snowball Sweets: The Moroccan Famous ‘Richbond’ Cookies

Rabat – One of the most cherished experiences in Morocco from a tourist’s perspective is partaking in the culinary delights the country has to offer.

Moroccan cuisine is renowned worldwide for aromatic spices, whether it is a savory tagine or pastries.

The savory dishes are mouth watering while the pastries are irresistible especially when paired with a cup of the famous mint tea.

It may seem impossible to taste every food item as the Moroccan menu is diverse and lengthy – but if you have the chance to munch some of the Moroccan pastries— don’t hesitate to ask for the famous “richbond” cookies.

The name of the richbond pastries is derived from a company in Morocco specializing in bedding products. The name seeks to capture the soft and irresistible texture of the sweets that melt in one’s mouth and leave taste buds craving more from the very first bite.

The richbond cookie is covered by white fluffy coconut on the outside, which is how it gets its name “snowball sweets.” Beneath this layer is apricot jam covering the cookie made of butter, flour, eggs, and sugar.

The method and ingredients may already be in your fridge to recreate this culinary experience wherever you are.

Ingredients for richbond cookies

Four large eggs

2 cups of vegetable oil

One cup of granulated sugar

Two small packets of vanilla

Two small packets of baking powder

250 grams of unsweetened coconut powder

250 grams of butter

400 grams of apricot jam

600 to 700 grams of all-purpose flour

Recipe for richbond cookies

The method is as simple as the ingredients themselves. Whether you will be using an electric baking mixer or simply your hand, anyone can make these following the steps below.

In a large bowl, mix granulated sugar with eggs and vegetable oil and stir until the ingredients are mixed. Next, add vanilla and the butter and continue to stir.

If you are not using an electric baking mixer, it is better to use your hand to mix the butter to have a soft texture before adding the flour and baking powder.

At this point, you are expected to have a very soft dough that can be reshaped easily on your hand. If you have milk powder, don’t hesitate to add a small tablespoon and mix well.

Now, prepare an oven tray and line it with parchment paper. Shape the dough into small snowball-like balls and place them on the tray, leaving a small space between each one.

This amount could yield more than two or three kilograms of the famous richbond.

Put the tray in a hot oven of 180 degrees. Leave them for 25 to 30 minutes until they reach a light golden color.

After cooking, put a pot on the stove. Add the apricot jam under a light temperature and stir until the jam gets a liquid texture. After this, you might want to add a spoonful of orange blossom water for added taste.

Once the jam reaches a smooth consistency, take out your cooked “snowballs” and generously cover them with the jam. Handle them gently to avoid any breakage.

After covering the balls with jam, it is time to fully add the layer of coconut powder. Repeat until you are done with all your richbond cookies and “tadaa!”

You may want to enjoy the cookies with a cup of mint tea.

Richbond is highly renowned in Morocco, and these small delights will be a staple on tables for the upcoming Eid Al Fitr.

Expected to take place on April 10, Eid Al Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Bon Appétit!