Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars Recipe

Introduction

Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars are delicate pastries filled with a fragrant almond mixture and soaked in sweet honey syrup. This delightful treat combines crisp, golden dough with warm spices and floral notes, perfect for a special dessert or afternoon tea.

Ingredients

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 0.25 cup water (rose water can be used for added fragrance)
• 0.125 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups almonds (blanched and finely ground)
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon orange blossom water
• 1.5 cups honey
• 0.5 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the melted butter and water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
2. Step 2: While the dough rests, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, mix the ground almonds, sugar, cinnamon, and orange blossom water until well combined.
3. Step 3: Prepare the syrup. In a small saucepan, combine honey, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until honey dissolves. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool.
4. Step 4: Roll out the dough thinly on a lightly floured surface. Cut into rectangles approximately 3 by 5 inches.
5. Step 5: Place a tablespoon of the almond filling at one end of each dough rectangle. Roll up tightly like a cigar, pressing the edges to seal.
6. Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the cigars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Step 7: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
8. Step 8: Immediately upon removing from the oven, dip the warm cigars into the cooled honey syrup. Let them soak for a few minutes to absorb the syrup.

Tips & Variations

• Use rose water instead of plain water in the dough for an extra floral aroma.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the almond filling for a deeper spice flavor.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.
• Serve the cigars chilled or at room temperature for best texture and flavor.

Storage

Store the Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain crispness, avoid refrigerating. If they soften, you can reheat them briefly in a warm oven before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the dough and filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling a day in advance. Keep the dough wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator and the filling covered. Bring the dough to room temperature before rolling.

Is it necessary to dip the cigars in honey syrup while still warm?

Yes, dipping the cigars while warm helps them absorb the syrup better, creating the signature moist texture inside while keeping the outside crisp.

Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars Recipe

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Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars are delicate, crunchy pastries filled with a fragrant almond mixture and soaked in sweet honey syrup, offering an authentic taste of Moroccan cuisine with floral notes from orange blossom and rose water.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: About 20 cigars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Moroccan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 0.25 cup water (rose water can be used for added fragrance)
• 0.125 teaspoon salt

Filling

• 2 cups almonds (blanched and finely ground)
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon orange blossom water

Syrup

• 1.5 cups honey
• 0.5 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Prepare the dough. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the melted butter and water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover it and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. Make the almond filling. While the dough rests, mix the ground almonds, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and orange blossom water together in a separate bowl until well combined.
3. Prepare the honey syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the honey dissolves. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat and allow to cool.
4. Shape the cigars. Roll out the rested dough thinly on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into rectangles about 3 by 5 inches in size.
5. Fill and roll. Place a tablespoon of the almond filling at one end of each dough rectangle. Roll the rectangle tightly like a cigar, pressing the edges to seal securely.
6. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Bake the cigars. Arrange the rolled cigars on the baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crisp.
8. Soak in syrup. Immediately after removing the cigars from the oven, dip the warm pastries into the cooled honey syrup. Let them soak for a few minutes so they absorb the syrup and become wonderfully moist and sweet.

Notes

• For enhanced fragrance, substitute the water in the dough with rose water.
• Ensure the almonds are finely ground to achieve a smooth filling texture.
• Do not overbake; golden color indicates perfect crispiness without dryness.
• Let the cigars soak sufficiently in the syrup for maximum flavor and moisture.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Keywords: Moroccan dessert, almond cigars, honey pastries, cinnamon pastries, traditional Moroccan sweets