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Moroccan Honey and Almond Cigars Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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