There’s something utterly captivating about the warm, sweet aroma wafting from the oven as these Moroccan honey almond cigars bake to golden perfection. I first discovered this delightful recipe while exploring the vibrant flavors of Moroccan cuisine, and I knew I had to share it. These delicate pastries, with their flaky exterior and rich almond filling, whisk me away to bustling markets filled with the enchanting scents of spices and sweets.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply craving a treat that’s anything but ordinary, these cigars are the answer. Infused with a hint of floral orange blossom water and drizzled in sticky honey, they strike the perfect balance between nutty richness and sweet delight. Best of all, they’re surprisingly easy to make—ideal for both baking novices and seasoned chefs looking to impress. Join me in crafting these irresistible Moroccan gems that are sure to become a cherished part of your dessert repertoire!
Why Choose Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars?
Delightful Flavors: Each bite is a harmonious blend of sweet and nutty, featuring rich almond filling and floral notes.
Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, these pastries are perfect for any home cook.
Impressive Presentation: Their golden, glistening appearance makes them a showstopper for gatherings and celebrations.
Versatile Pairing: Enjoy them with a cup of mint tea, coffee, or as part of a dessert platter to wow your guests.
Cultural Experience: Crafting these cigars allows you to explore and celebrate Moroccan culinary traditions from your kitchen.
Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars Ingredients
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure to the dough; substitute with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option.
- Unsalted butter – Adds richness to the dough; use vegan butter for a dairy-free alternative.
- Salt – Enhances flavors in both dough and filling.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough; can swap for coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
- Egg – Binds the dough and filling together; replace with a flax egg for a vegan substitute.
For the Filling
- Almond flour (blanched) – Creates a smooth, rich filling; finely ground walnuts can be used for a variation.
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens and aids in creating a smooth almond paste filling.
- Ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth to the filling.
- Orange blossom water – Infuses a floral note characteristic of Moroccan desserts; use rose water as a substitute if needed.
For the Glaze
- Honey – Creates a sticky glaze and enhances sweetness; using high-quality honey is key; substitute with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Lemon juice – Balances the sweetness of the glaze; adds brightness to the flavor profile.
These Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars will transport your taste buds and add a touch of elegance to any occasion!
How to Make Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars
-
Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, salt, and a pinch of baking powder. In another bowl, cream softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the egg and a dash of vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, adjusting texture with cold water as needed.
-
Prepare Filling: In a separate bowl, blend blanched almond flour, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, egg white, and orange blossom water until you achieve a thick, smooth paste. This rich filling adds the hallmark flavor of your Moroccan honey almond cigars.
-
Assemble Cigars: Roll the prepared dough out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the almond filling evenly over the dough and carefully roll it up tightly into logs. Cut the logs into 2-inch pieces to form individual cigars.
-
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled cigars on lined baking sheets, making sure they are spaced apart. Bake for 15-20 minutes until they develop a lovely light golden color.
-
Glaze: While the cigars are baking, prepare the honey glaze by combining honey, a splash of water, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Heat over medium until combined; do not boil. Once the cigars are out of the oven, dip them in the warm syrup for a few minutes to soak up that delightful sweetness, then let them drain on a wire rack.
-
Serve: Present your Moroccan honey almond cigars warm, at room temperature, or even chilled; feel free to garnish with chopped nuts for an added touch.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars
- Softened Butter: Use softened but not melted butter to achieve the perfect dough consistency that will yield flaky pastries.
- Dough Handling: Avoid overmixing your dough; gently combine until just mixed to keep the pastries tender and light.
- Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality honey and blanched almond flour to enhance the flavor and texture of your Moroccan honey almond cigars.
- Watch the Oven: Keep a close eye on the baking time; remove the cigars when they reach a light golden color to avoid over-browning.
- Glazing Timing: If preparing ahead, glaze the cigars just before serving to maintain their delightful texture and stickiness.
Make Ahead Options
These Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the dough and filling up to 24 hours in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. To maintain quality, cover the dough and filling tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy these delectable pastries, simply roll the cigars, bake as directed, and glaze them just before serving for a warm, fresh taste. If you prefer, after glazing, you can refrigerate them for up to 3 days; just rewarm them briefly in the oven for that delightful crispy texture. Enjoy effortless dessert-making with these sweet delights on hand!
Storage Tips for Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars
- Room Temperature: Store your Moroccan honey almond cigars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to preserve their delightful crispness.
- Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week in a well-sealed container. Just note that they may lose a bit of their flakiness.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cigars individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag; they can last up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm, simply reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help restore their delightful texture.
What to Serve with Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars?
Elevate your dessert experience by pairing these delectable pastries with thoughtful complements that enhance their enchanting flavors.
- Mint Tea: The refreshing herbal notes of mint tea perfectly balance the sweetness of the cigars, creating a light and invigorating finish.
- Coffee: A cup of bold, rich coffee offers a delightful contrast to the sugary delights, enhancing the dessert’s nutty and aromatic qualities.
- Fresh Fruit Platter: Serve alongside a vibrant selection of seasonal fruits to add a fruity freshness that cuts through the rich almond filling. This adds a lovely pop of color to your dessert table.
- Yogurt Parfait: Creamy Greek yogurt adds a velvety texture, while a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of nuts echo the flavors in the cigars, making each bite a balanced delight.
- Chocolate Dipping Sauce: For a decadent twist, prepare a warm chocolate sauce for dipping, adding a luxurious layer of flavor that complements the citrus notes of orange blossom water.
- Baklava: Offer an assortment of Middle Eastern sweets, including baklava, for a wonderful tasting experience, showcasing the rich confectionery traditions of the region.
- Pistachio Ice Cream: The creaminess of pistachio ice cream with its nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the honey almond cigars, creating a rich and satisfying dessert course.
- Cardamom-Spiced Tea: Enhance the Moroccan experience with spiced tea, where warm notes of cardamom and cloves beautifully complement the floral and nutty flavors of the cigars.
- Rose Water Shortbread Cookies: For a harmonious dessert platter, consider serving these fragrant cookies as a luxurious touch that echoes the Moroccan theme.
Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars Variations
Feel free to make these delightful pastries your own—there’s no limit to how you can customize them!
-
Nutty Twist: Substitute almond flour with finely ground walnuts or pistachios for a hint of variety in your filling. Each nut brings its own unique flavor profile that enhances these already delicious cigars.
-
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the filling for an aromatic surprise. These spices introduce warm notes that harmonize beautifully with the sweetness of honey.
-
Floral Infusion: If orange blossom water isn’t available, use rose water as a fragrant alternative. It adds an exotic twist and will captivate your senses!
-
Sweet Alternatives: Swap honey for maple syrup in the glaze for a vegan-friendly twist while maintaining that sticky sweetness.
-
Crunch Factor: Top finished cigars with crushed pistachios or almonds for a delightful crunch. The added texture will enhance both appearance and flavor, making for a stunning presentation.
-
Dough Variations: For a gluten-free take, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Your pastries can still be deliciously flaky and satisfying.
-
Fruit Fusion: Add dried fruits like apricots or figs into the almond filling for an unexpected burst of sweetness. This twist adds a wonderful chewiness that complements the crispy exterior.
-
Heat with a Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper in the glaze for a spicy contrast to the sweet sticky finish. It’s a surprising combination that will leave your taste buds tingling!
Let your creativity bloom as you whip up these Moroccan honey almond cigars—each variation offers a new way to enjoy this already enticing treat!
Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe ingredients for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing your almonds, look for blanched almond flour with a creamy color; avoid any that appear dull or discolored. For the citrus, pick firm lemons that feel heavy for their size, ensuring you get the freshest juice for your glaze.
What is the best way to store Moroccan honey almond cigars?
Very! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to enjoy them beyond that, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but keep in mind they may lose some of their flakiness. For longer storage, wrap them individually and place them in a freezer-safe bag; they will stay fresh for about 2-3 months.
Can I freeze Moroccan honey almond cigars?
Of course! To freeze, wrap each cigar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to squeeze out any excess air for optimal preservation. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature; if you want to restore their original crispness, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes.
What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?
Not a problem! If your dough is too crumbly, simply add a tablespoon of cold water at a time until it comes together. You want a dough that is soft but not sticky. Be sure to handle it gently to maintain that tender texture.
Are these pastries safe for those with nut allergies?
Definitely not! If someone in your home has a nut allergy, it’s best to avoid this recipe altogether due to the almond flour used in the filling. However, you could experiment with sunflour or other nut-free alternatives tailored to your dietary needs.
How can I enhance the flavor of the glaze?
Very easily! Consider adding a pinch of spices like cardamom or nutmeg to the glaze mixture for an extra depth of flavor. Alternatively, you might even try using infused syrups if you’d like to get a bit creative and play with flavors!
Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars: Irresistibly Sweet Delights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, salt, and a pinch of baking powder. In another bowl, cream softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the egg and a dash of vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, adjusting texture with cold water as needed.
- Prepare Filling: In a separate bowl, blend blanched almond flour, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, egg white, and orange blossom water until you achieve a thick, smooth paste.
- Assemble Cigars: Roll the prepared dough out into a rectangle on a floured surface. Spread the almond filling evenly over the dough and carefully roll it up tightly into logs. Cut the logs into 2-inch pieces to form individual cigars.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled cigars on lined baking sheets, making sure they are spaced apart. Bake for 15-20 minutes until they develop a light golden color.
- Glaze: While the cigars are baking, prepare the honey glaze by combining honey, a splash of water, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Heat over medium until combined; do not boil. Once the cigars are out of the oven, dip them in the warm syrup for a few minutes to soak up that delightful sweetness.
- Serve: Present your Moroccan honey almond cigars warm, at room temperature, or even chilled; feel free to garnish with chopped nuts for an added touch. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.