Rose Water Turkish Delight, also known as Lokum, is a classic Middle Eastern confection known for its delicate texture and fragrant floral flavor. With its soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency and elegant pink hue, this timeless treat is perfect for holidays, celebrations, or as a luxurious edible gift. Whether enjoyed with tea or shared as a cultural delicacy, Turkish Delight offers a unique and memorable sweet experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade Turkish Delight is delicately flavored with high-quality rose water, bringing a refined, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with its soft, jelly-like texture. Unlike store-bought versions that can be overly firm or artificial in flavor, this recipe yields a tender, lightly chewy candy with a clean rose essence. It’s also easy to prepare with just a handful of ingredients and makes a stunning addition to any dessert table, gift box, or festive celebration.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- granulated sugar
- water
- unflavored gelatin (or powdered gelatin)
- rose water (high-quality)
- red food coloring (optional, for a light pink hue)
- confectioners’ sugar (for coating)
Directions
Prep the Pan:
- Line a 9-inch round cake pan with foil, leaving enough overhang to lift the candy out later.
- Lightly coat the foil with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Cook the Base:
3. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the granulated sugar, water, and gelatin.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium.
5. Simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. The mixture should thicken slightly and become glossy.
Flavor and Color:
6. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the rose water.
7. If desired, add 1–2 drops of red food coloring for a traditional soft pink hue. Stir until evenly colored.
Set the Delight:
8. Carefully pour the mixture into the prepared pan.
9. Smooth the surface with a spatula if needed.
10. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight, until fully set.
Dust and Cut:
11. Sprinkle a clean cutting board generously with confectioners’ sugar.
12. Lift the Turkish Delight from the pan using the foil overhang and place it onto the board.
13. Peel off the foil carefully and use a sharp knife to cut the candy into 1-inch cubes. For clean cuts, lightly oil the knife or dust it with confectioners’ sugar between slices.
Coat:
14. Roll each cube thoroughly in confectioners’ sugar to coat all sides. This prevents sticking and gives the candy its signature finish.
Serve or Store:
15. Enjoy immediately or store the Turkish Delight in an airtight container at room temperature. Separate layers with parchment and dust with more sugar if needed. Keeps well for up to 1 week.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 12 pieces
Calories per Serving: Approximately 120 kcal
Variations
- Orange Blossom Delight: Swap rose water for orange blossom water for a citrus-floral variation.
- Pistachio Center: Press a roasted pistachio into the center of each piece before chilling for a crunchy surprise.
- Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon for added warmth.
- Layered Delight: Pour half the batch into the pan, let set partially, then add another flavor/color for a two-toned treat.
- Nut-Free Powder Coating: Use a mix of cornstarch and powdered sugar for a drier, less sweet finish.
storage/reheating
Store Turkish Delight in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Place parchment between layers and dust with extra powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
Do not refrigerate after cutting, as it may affect texture.
This confection does not require reheating and is best enjoyed at room temperature.
FAQs
What is Turkish Delight made of?
Traditional Turkish Delight (Lokum) is made with a combination of sugar, water, and a gelling agent—either gelatin or cornstarch—flavored with rose water, citrus, or nuts.
Can I use cornstarch instead of gelatin?
Yes, but the cooking method differs. This version uses gelatin for simplicity and a reliable set, especially for home cooks.
Why is my Turkish Delight sticky?
It may not be fully set or properly coated in confectioners’ sugar. Chill thoroughly and coat generously to prevent stickiness.
Is rose water safe to eat?
Yes, culinary-grade rose water is commonly used in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Mediterranean desserts. Use high-quality brands for best flavor.
Can I make it without food coloring?
Absolutely. The coloring is optional and used for traditional appearance only—the flavor remains the same.
Can I freeze Turkish Delight?
Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture and cause the gelatin to break down.
How can I get clean cuts?
Use a sharp knife greased with a neutral oil or dusted with powdered sugar. Wipe the blade clean between cuts.
Is Turkish Delight vegan?
This gelatin-based version is not vegan. For a vegan option, use a starch-based traditional method or vegan gelatin substitute.
What other flavors can I try?
Try lavender, orange blossom, lemon, mint, or almond extracts for creative variations.
Can I add coloring to the sugar coating?
Yes, mix in edible shimmer or a tiny pinch of colored powder for a decorative touch—especially nice for gifting.
Conclusion
Rose Water Turkish Delight is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a piece of history and tradition wrapped in elegance. With its delicate floral flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s a beautiful way to explore Middle Eastern confectionery at home. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a special gift, or just to enjoy with tea, this iconic dessert is sure to impress with both its simplicity and charm.
PrintRose Water Turkish Delight
Delicate, floral confections with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture, these rose water Turkish Delights are a classic Middle Eastern treat—perfect for gifting or savoring with tea on special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2½ cups granulated sugar
- 1½ cups water
- 1 packet unflavored gelatin (or 2 tbsp powdered gelatin)
- 1½ tsp rose water (high-quality)
- 2 drops red food coloring (optional, for pink hue)
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Line a 9-inch cake pan with foil, leaving overhang. Lightly coat with non-stick spray.
- In a large pot, stir together sugar, water, and gelatin. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in rose water and red food coloring if using.
- Pour mixture into the prepared pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight until set.
- Sprinkle a cutting board with confectioners’ sugar. Flip the set jelly onto the board and peel off the foil.
- Slice into cubes using a sharp knife.
- Roll each piece generously in confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Use authentic rose water for the best flavor—avoid artificial alternatives.
- Constant stirring during cooking prevents burning and ensures smooth texture.
- Chill thoroughly before cutting for neat, firm cubes.
- Generous confectioners’ sugar coating helps prevent stickiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg