Moroccan Almond Cigars are crispy, golden-brown phyllo pastries filled with a fragrant almond and cinnamon mixture, then dipped in warm honey syrup and garnished with crushed pistachios. These delicate, sweet treats are a staple in Moroccan cuisine, often enjoyed during special occasions, festive gatherings, or alongside a cup of mint tea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Sweet – Delicate, flaky phyllo pastry envelops a nutty, aromatic filling.
- Fragrant & Exotic – A blend of cinnamon, almonds, and orange blossom water enhances the flavors.
- Quick & Easy to Prepare – Made in just 25 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for Special Occasions – A great dessert for celebrations, Ramadan, or tea time.
- Customizable – Try different nuts, spices, or a baked version for a lighter twist.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Almond Filling:
- Blanched almonds
- Powdered sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Orange blossom water (optional, for floral aroma)
For the Pastry:
- Phyllo pastry sheets
- Melted butter
- Egg yolk (for sealing)
For the Honey Syrup & Garnish:
- Honey
- Water
- Crushed pistachios
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil
Directions
1. Prepare the Almond Filling:
- In a food processor, blend blanched almonds, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and orange blossom water until finely ground.
2. Assemble the Cigars:
- Cut phyllo sheets into rectangles and brush lightly with melted butter.
- Place 1 tablespoon of almond filling on one edge, then roll tightly into a cigar shape.
- Seal the edge with egg yolk to prevent unraveling.
3. Fry Until Golden Brown:
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry the cigars until golden brown and crisp, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
4. Coat in Honey & Garnish:
- Warm honey with 1 tablespoon of water in a small saucepan.
- Dip the fried cigars in the warm honey mixture, coating them evenly.
- Sprinkle with crushed pistachios for a decorative finish.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve warm or at room temperature, ideally with Moroccan mint tea.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 10 cigars
- Calories: 220 kcal per serving
Variations
- Baked Version – Instead of frying, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Nut Variations – Substitute walnuts, hazelnuts, or cashews for a different flavor profile.
- Orange Blossom-Free – If you prefer a milder taste, omit the orange blossom water.
- Spice It Up – Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth.
- Chocolate Drizzle – Instead of honey, drizzle with melted dark chocolate for a modern twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze unfried cigars for up to 1 month. Thaw before frying or baking.
FAQs
Can I make Moroccan almond cigars ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the cigars in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying or baking.
What should I serve with Moroccan almond cigars?
They pair beautifully with Moroccan mint tea, espresso, or spiced coffee.
Can I make these without nuts?
For a nut-free version, try a filling made from toasted sesame seeds and honey.
How do I prevent phyllo dough from drying out?
Keep unused phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel while assembling the cigars.
Is this dessert overly sweet?
While honey adds sweetness, the nutty filling and crispy pastry balance the flavors for a not-too-sweet treat.
Conclusion
Moroccan Almond Cigars are a crispy, honey-drenched delight, perfect for celebrations, tea time, or a unique dessert experience. With their delicate crunch, warm spice, and nutty filling, they capture the essence of Moroccan pastry-making. Whether you fry or bake them, dip them in honey or chocolate, these golden pastries are sure to impress. Try them today and bring a taste of Morocco to your table!
Print
Crispy, golden-brown pastry rolls filled with a fragrant almond and cinnamon mixture, then dipped in honey and garnished with crushed pistachios. A delightful Moroccan treat, perfect for special occasions or tea time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 cigars 1x
- Category: Dessert, Sweet Treat
- Method: Fried or Baked
- Cuisine: Moroccan, Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 10 sheets phyllo pastry
- 2 cups blanched almonds
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon orange blossom water (optional)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 egg yolk (for sealing)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/4 cup crushed pistachios (for garnish)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Almond Filling:
- In a food processor, blend almonds, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and orange blossom water until finely ground.
-
Prepare the Phyllo Sheets:
- Cut phyllo sheets into rectangles.
- Brush each rectangle lightly with melted butter.
-
Fill & Roll the Cigars:
- Place 1 tablespoon of the almond mixture on one edge of each phyllo sheet.
- Roll tightly into a cigar shape and seal the edge with egg yolk.
-
Fry Until Golden:
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry the cigars until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on a paper towel.
-
Coat with Honey & Garnish:
- Warm honey with 1 tablespoon of water in a small pan.
- Dip the fried cigars into the honey mixture, coating them evenly.
- Sprinkle with crushed pistachios.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve warm with mint tea or coffee.
Notes
- If you prefer baking instead of frying, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes until golden.
- Substitute walnuts or hazelnuts for almonds for a variation.
- Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for 3 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 220 kcal per serving