Melt the butter in a small saucepan then add the sugar and milk. Stir for few minutes and leave to cool.

In a large bowl, mix the flour, nutmeg, mahlab, baking powder and the yeast dissolved in water.

Gradually pour the butter, milk and sugar mixture into the flour while kneading. Continue kneading until you have a smooth dough. If the dough remains sticky, you can add some more flour to get a soft non-sticky dough. Leave the dough to rest for at least 5 hr in a warm place.

Divide the dough into small walnut-size balls and roll each ball into a finger-like shape then bring the ends together forming a ring. Place on slightly greased baking trays.

Put in the oven on the middle rack and bake for 20 min at medium heat.