As I sifted through a collection of cherished recipes, the delicate allure of Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars caught my eye—instantly transporting me to the bustling streets of Marrakech. These delightful pastries, with their crisp exterior and rich almond filling, aren’t just a treat for the senses; they’re incredibly easy to make and wonderfully budget-friendly. In under an hour, you can impress family and friends with a sophisticated dessert that feels special yet uncomplicated. Infused with fragrant orange blossom water and drizzled in sweet honey syrup, each bite offers a taste of Morocco that you can create in your own kitchen. Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and indulge in a culinary adventure?
Why You’ll Love These Cigars
Simplicity at Its Best: This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
Budget-Friendly Delight: Using everyday ingredients, you can create a luxurious dessert without breaking the bank.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet honey, fragrant orange blossom, and nutty almond creates an explosion of taste in every bite.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a tea party or simply treating yourself, these cigars are sure to impress. Pair them with a glass of fresh mint tea for a truly Moroccan experience!
Versatile Variations: Feel free to switch up the fillings or glazes to suit your taste. Try adding a hint of cardamom or substituting with pistachios for a unique twist. Looking for more inspiration? Check out my recipe for Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots for a perfect side dish.
Time-Saving Treat: With just a few steps and less than an hour, you’ll have a stunning dessert ready to wow your guests. Don’t let fast food steal the show when these delicious Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars can easily be made at home!
Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars Ingredients
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour – A good quality flour ensures structure; feel free to mix in some cake flour for tenderness.
- Unsalted butter – Make sure it’s softened to create a tender dough, not melted!
- Granulated sugar – Just a touch will provide a subtle sweetness to the dough that complements the filling.
- Salt – A pinch enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness; it’s a must!
- Baking powder – This is essential for creating a light texture, helping the dough rise beautifully.
- Egg – Room temperature eggs serve as a binder, ensuring the dough holds together.
- Vanilla extract – Though optional, it adds a comforting aroma and depth to your dough.
- Water – Use cold water to ensure the right dough consistency if it feels dry.
For the Filling
- Blanched almond flour – Finely ground for a smooth filling; avoid almond meal unless you prefer a grittier texture.
- Powdered sugar – Added for sweetness and smoothness, making your filling delightful.
- Egg white – This helps bind the filling together for perfect cohesion.
- Orange blossom water – A touch of this fragrant ingredient adds a floral aroma; can substitute with rose water if needed.
- Ground cinnamon – Just a hint enhances the almond flavor beautifully without overpowering it.
For the Glaze
- Honey – The star of the glaze! Use a high-quality floral honey for the best flavor experience with your Moroccan honey almond cigars.
- Water (for glaze) – Thins the honey for achieving that syrupy consistency.
- Lemon juice – Adding this brightens the glaze and balances the sweetness for the perfect finish.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars
Step 1: Prepare Dough
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. In another bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened unsalted butter with ¼ cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms; add cold water if necessary for consistency.
Step 2: Rest Dough
Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out later. While waiting, prepare the filling for your Moroccan honey almond cigars.
Step 3: Make Filling
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of blanched almond flour, ½ cup of powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 egg white, and 2 tablespoons of orange blossom water. Mix well until a cohesive thick paste forms. This fragrant filling is the heart of your Moroccan honey almond cigars, providing a rich almond flavor that complements the sweetness.
Step 4: Prepare Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of honey, ¼ cup of water, and the juice of half a lemon over medium heat. Stir gently until well combined and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes until the glaze slightly thickens, then remove from heat and set aside to cool. This glaze will add a luscious finish to your baked cigars.
Step 5: Roll and Fill
On a well-floured surface, roll out the dough to about ⅛ inch thick. Cut the dough into rectangles, approximately 4 inches by 3 inches. Place about a tablespoon of the almond filling at one end of each rectangle, then roll tightly from the filling end to the opposite edge, sealing the edges with a bit of water. Repeat until all dough and filling are used, creating beautiful Moroccan honey almond cigars.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the rolled cigars on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart for even baking. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and flaky on the outside. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
Step 7: Glaze
Once out of the oven, immediately immerse the warm cigars into the prepared honey glaze. Allow each piece to soak for a few seconds to absorb the syrup, then lift and drain any excess glaze on a wire rack. This step ensures that your Moroccan honey almond cigars are perfectly sweet and shiny, ready to be served.
How to Store and Freeze Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars
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Room Temperature: Store your Moroccan honey almond cigars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They actually become more flavorful a day after baking.
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Fridge: If you’d like to keep them fresh for up to a week longer, refrigerate in an airtight container, but note they may lose some crispness.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cigars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in an airtight container for 2-3 months. Thaw and warm them in a preheated oven for the best texture.
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Reheating: To enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cigars for about 10 minutes, ensuring they regain their delicious crispiness.
Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine when making these delicious Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars!
- Pistachio Twist: Substitute almond flour with finely ground pistachios to create a unique flavor profile that’s nutty and delightful.
- Vegan Alternative: Replace honey in the glaze with agave syrup for a vegan-friendly option that still tastes sweet and delicious.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with fragrant spices like cardamom or nutmeg for an intriguing warmth that enhances the overall flavor. A dash of these can elevate your pastries into something exotic!
- Nut-Free Filling: For a nut-free version, try using sunflower seed butter mixed with coconut flour as the filling. It provides a similar texture with a different flair.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a decadent touch by drizzling melted dark chocolate over the glazed cigars after they’ve cooled. This pairing between honey and chocolate is always a crowd-pleaser!
- Citrus Zing: For a refreshing twist, add a hint of orange or lemon zest to the filling. It brightens the flavor, making your cigars even more vibrant.
- Extra Crunch: Mix in some chopped candied ginger or crushed cornflakes in the filling for an unexpected crunchy surprise. This twist adds a delightful texture that surprises each bite.
- Serving Pairing: Enjoy these cigars warm with a cup of Moroccan mint tea for an authentic experience. Alternatively, serve alongside Honey Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots for a sweet and savory combination on your dessert plate!
Make Ahead Options
These Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the dough and filling up to 24 hours in advance; simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. To keep the filling fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, allow the dough to come to room temperature before rolling and filling. Bake the cigars as instructed, and once they’re warm, glaze them immediately for that delicious sticky finish. Enjoy the same delightful flavor without the last-minute hustle—your friends and family will be none the wiser!
Expert Tips for Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars
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Butter Softness: Ensure your butter is perfectly softened, not melted, to achieve a tender dough—this is key for the right texture.
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Mixing Wisely: Avoid overmixing your dough. Combine ingredients until just mixed to prevent a tough final product; this keeps your Moroccan honey almond cigars light and flaky.
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Quality Flour: Use blanched almond flour for a smooth filling. Almond meal will create a grittier texture, which could distract from the creamy almond filling.
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Watch the Bake: Keep a close eye on your baking time. Look for a light golden hue; removing them too late can lead to dryness.
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Glaze Thickness: Adjust the thickness of your honey glaze as needed. A thinner glaze allows for better absorption, ensuring your cigars are beautifully sweet without overwhelming them.
What to Serve with Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars
Treat your guests to a delightful spread that perfectly complements the sweet, nutty layers of your Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars.
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Mint Tea: A fragrant and refreshing beverage that balances the sweetness, enhancing the Moroccan theme beautifully. Pairing this aromatic tea with your cigars creates a warm, inviting atmosphere.
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Fresh Fruit Platter: Juicy fruits like oranges, pomegranates, or berries add a refreshing contrast. Their tartness cuts through sweetness, making each bite of the cigar a little lighter and more enjoyable.
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Spiced Almonds: Roasted almonds seasoned with cinnamon and a hint of salt provide a delightful crunch. Their nutty flavor complements the almond filling in the cigars while adding a wonderful texture for contrast.
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Dark Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce adds a rich, decadent touch to your cigars. The bittersweet flavor of dark chocolate beautifully contrasts with the honey glaze, creating a balanced taste experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream makes a luxurious addition. The cold, smooth texture pairs wonderfully with the warm, crispy cigars, offering a delightful temperature contrast.
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Cardamom Coffee: A steaming cup of cardamom-infused coffee enhances the richness of the cigars. The aromatic spices linger on your palate, providing a truly immersive taste journey that echoes Morocco’s essence.
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Baklava Bites: For those who adore nutty desserts, serving small bites of baklava can echo the flavors of Morocco. Their sweet honey and nut layers are a delightful companion to the cigars, offering a symphony of textures and tastes.
Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe almonds for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting almonds, look for ones that are plump and uniform in color, without any dark spots or blemishes. Fresh almonds should have a nutty aroma. I recommend buying blanched almond flour for the smoothest texture, as it provides a creamier filling for your Moroccan honey almond cigars.
How should I store leftover Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars?
You can store your Moroccan honey almond cigars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They actually get tastier after a day! If you’d like to keep them fresh longer, I suggest refrigerating them, but be aware that they may lose some of their delightful crispness.
Can I freeze Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars?
Very! To freeze, wrap the cigars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispy texture.
What should I do if my dough is too dry?
If you find your dough is too dry, don’t fret! Simply add a teaspoon of cold water at a time, mixing gently until you reach the right consistency. Be careful not to overmix; you want a soft dough but not sticky. This step ensures you keep the light and flaky texture of your Moroccan honey almond cigars.
Are Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars safe for pets?
While the ingredients in Moroccan honey almond cigars are safe for most humans, they are not suitable for pets, especially dogs. Baked goods often contain sugar and other ingredients that can be harmful to animals. Always keep these yummy treats out of reach from your furry friends!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that contains xanthan gum for the best results. Just be sure to check labels as some blends vary in texture. I often make these with gluten-free flour, and they turn out delightful!
Mouthwatering Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars to Savor
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture until a soft dough forms; add cold water if necessary.
- Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine the almond flour, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, egg white, and orange blossom water; mix until a cohesive paste forms.
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey, water, and lemon juice over medium heat; stir and bring to a simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Roll out the dough, cut into rectangles, and place a tablespoon of filling on one end; roll tightly and seal the edges.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place rolled cigars on lined baking sheet, and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Immerse warm cigars into the honey glaze immediately after baking for sweetness.
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