Moroccan Honey and Almond Cigars Recipe
These Moroccan Honey and Almond Cigars are a delightful pastry featuring toasted almonds sweetened with honey and cinnamon, all wrapped in delicate phyllo dough. Baked to golden perfection and finished with a warm honey glaze, they offer a perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and aromatic spices. Ideal for a festive dessert or special occasion treat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12-15 cigars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Moroccan
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Almond Filling
- 1 cup Almonds (blanched or substitute with walnuts/pistachios)
- ½ cup Honey (or agave syrup for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (or cardamom for a twist)
Phyllo Dough and Assembly
- 1 package Phyllo dough (gluten-free option available)
- ½ cup Butter (melted, or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- Powdered Sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Almond Filling: Toast the almonds in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Allow them to cool, then chop finely. In a bowl, combine the chopped almonds with honey and cinnamon, mixing well to create a sticky, aromatic filling.
- Prepare the Phyllo Dough: Thaw the phyllo dough in the refrigerator overnight to ensure pliability. Once thawed, unroll the sheets carefully and keep them covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out during assembly.
- Assemble the Cigars: Brush one sheet of phyllo dough lightly with melted butter, then layer another sheet on top and brush it with butter as well. Place about a tablespoon of almond filling at one end of the layered sheets. Fold the sides inward over the filling and roll tightly into a cigar shape. Seal the edges with more melted butter to secure the roll.
- Bake the Cigars: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled cigars on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and brush the tops with melted butter for a golden finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cigars turn a rich golden brown and the phyllo dough is crisp.
- Finish with Honey Glaze: Warm the remaining honey until it becomes liquid and easy to brush. Remove the cigars from the oven and while still warm, brush the honey glaze over the tops to add shine and extra sweetness. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Keep phyllo sheets covered with a damp cloth during assembly to prevent them from drying out and cracking.
- For a flavor twist, substitute cinnamon with ground cardamom or a combination of both.
- Store any leftover cigars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- For a vegan option, replace honey with agave syrup and butter with coconut oil.
