Moroccan Honey and Almond Cigars Recipe

Introduction

Discover the delightful flavors of Moroccan Honey and Almond Cigars, a crispy and sweet pastry perfect for any occasion. These golden treats combine toasted nuts, warm spices, and sticky honey wrapped in delicate phyllo dough for an irresistible bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Almonds (blanched or substitute with walnuts or pistachios)
• ½ cup Honey (or agave syrup for vegan option)
• 1 package Phyllo dough (gluten-free option available)
• ½ cup Butter (melted, or coconut oil for dairy-free)
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (or cardamom for a twist)
• Powdered Sugar (for dusting, optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Toast the almonds on a baking sheet for 10 minutes until fragrant. Allow to cool, then chop them finely.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix the chopped almonds with honey and cinnamon until well combined.
3. Step 3: Thaw the phyllo dough in the refrigerator overnight. Carefully unroll the sheets and cover them with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.
4. Step 4: Brush one sheet of phyllo dough with melted butter, then layer another sheet on top, brushing that with butter as well.
5. Step 5: Spoon about one tablespoon of the almond filling onto one end of the layered phyllo. Fold in the sides and roll tightly to form a cigar shape. Seal the edges with butter.
6. Step 6: Place the prepared cigars on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted butter.
7. Step 7: Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
8. Step 8: Heat the remaining honey gently until liquid. While the cigars are still warm, brush the honey glaze over them.
9. Step 9: Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with melted coconut oil, and use agave syrup instead of honey for a vegan treat.
• Try adding finely chopped orange zest to the almond filling for a fresh citrus note.
• Use cardamom instead of cinnamon to give a fragrant, different spice profile.
• To prevent the phyllo from drying out too quickly, keep the sheets covered with a damp towel while working.

Storage

Store the cigars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their crispness. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week, but may lose some texture. Reheat briefly in a warm oven to restore crunch before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use nuts other than almonds?

Absolutely! Walnuts and pistachios are great substitutes and add their unique flavors to the filling.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes, use gluten-free phyllo dough to make this dessert safe for gluten-intolerant individuals.

Moroccan Honey and Almond Cigars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 135 reviews

Moroccan Honey and Almond Cigars are delicate, crispy pastries filled with a sweet almond and honey mixture, spiced with cinnamon. These cigars are wrapped in flaky phyllo dough, baked to a golden perfection, and finished with a glossy honey glaze, making for an irresistible treat that highlights traditional Moroccan flavors with a hint of sweetness and warmth.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12–15 cigars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Moroccan
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 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

1. Prepare the Almond Filling: Toast the almonds at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Let them cool, then chop finely. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped almonds with honey and cinnamon, mixing until well integrated to create a sticky, spiced filling.
2. Prepare the Phyllo Dough: Thaw the phyllo dough overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, carefully unroll the sheets on a clean surface and cover them with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out while you work.
3. Assemble the Cigars: Brush one sheet of phyllo dough generously with melted butter, then layer another sheet on top and brush again. Place about a tablespoon of the almond filling at one end of the layered sheets. Fold in the sides to enclose the filling and roll it tightly into a cigar shape. Seal the edges with a bit of melted butter to prevent them from opening during baking.
4. Bake the Cigars: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled cigars on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush the tops with melted butter for a golden finish, and bake for 20-25 minutes. Bake until the cigars are crisp and golden brown.
5. Finish with Honey Glaze: Warm any remaining honey gently until it is liquid but not boiling. As soon as the cigars are out of the oven and still warm, brush the tops with the warm honey to add shine and moisture. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.

Notes

• Use a damp cloth over phyllo dough to prevent drying and cracking during assembly.
• For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil and honey with agave syrup.
• Gluten-free phyllo dough options are available in specialty stores or online.
• Chop nuts finely but not to a powder to retain some texture in the filling.
• Serve these cigars warm for the best texture and flavor experience.

Keywords: Moroccan dessert, honey almond cigars, phyllo pastry, sweet pastry, cinnamon nuts, baked pastries