Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, a sweet and fragrant breeze wafted through the air, whisking me away to the bustling markets of Morocco. I could almost see the golden Moroccan honey almond cigars glistening under the sun, each one a delicate treasure filled with rich almond paste and enveloped in a warm honey glaze. This delightfully easy recipe brings the sophistication of Moroccan cuisine right to your home, making it a perfect indulgence for family gatherings or quiet evenings. Not only are these pastries budget-friendly and easy to make, but they also offer a fun twist that will impress even the most discerning guests. Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and create something truly special? Let’s dive into the magic of these Moroccan honey almond cigars! Why Are Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars Irresistible? Delightful Taste: The warm hints of cinnamon and orange blossom make each bite a fragrant experience, transporting you straight to North Africa. Budget-Friendly: You can whip up these exquisite pastries without breaking the bank, using staple ingredients that are likely in your pantry. Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can enjoy creating these delicacies that appear impressive yet are truly simple. Versatile Treat: Serve them warm with mint tea or as part of a dessert platter during brunch—either way, they’ll shine at your gatherings! Crowd-Pleaser: These cigars are a conversation starter; your family and friends will be asking for seconds! For a variation, try pairing them with Honey Mustard Salmon for a delightful fusion experience. Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars Ingredients For the Dough • All-purpose flour – Essential for structure; use high-quality flour or substitute with cake flour for tenderness. • Unsalted butter – Adds richness; ensure it’s softened for the best dough consistency, not melted. • Salt – Enhances the flavors harmoniously. • Granulated sugar – Offers a touch of sweetness to the dough. • Large egg – Acts as a binder; use at room temperature for best results. • Vanilla extract – Infuses a comforting aroma and flavor. For the Almond Filling • Blanched almond flour – The key ingredient for filling; provides a smooth texture—avoid almond meal for a coarser finish. • Powdered sugar – Sweetens and smooths out the almond paste. • Egg white – Helps bind the filling ingredients together. • Orange blossom water – Adds a vital floral essence; can be swapped with rose water if necessary. • Ground cinnamon – Introduces a warm warmth and depth to the mixture. For the Glaze • Honey – Main ingredient in the glaze; opt for a floral variety for enhanced flavor. • Water – Helps achieve the right glaze consistency when heated. • Lemon juice – Balances sweetness and adds a touch of brightness. These Moroccan honey almond cigars are sure to delight your taste buds and impress your loved ones with their unique flavors and textures! Enjoy the delightful journey into Moroccan pastry tradition! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars Step 1: Prep Dough Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line multiple baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and granulated sugar until well combined. In another bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and sugar until fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the large egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth to form a tender dough. Step 2: Combine Ingredients Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, ensuring not to overmix. If the dough feels too dry, add a splash of cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until a soft, pliable dough forms. Once combined, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for about 15 minutes at room temperature. Step 3: Make Filling In a separate bowl, mix the blanched almond flour, powdered sugar, egg white, ground cinnamon, and orange blossom water until a thick, smooth paste forms. This delicious filling, essential for Moroccan honey almond cigars, packs a rich almond flavor and aromatic fragrance. Set aside so the flavors can meld while you prepare the dough. Step 4: Roll Out Dough On a lightly floured surface, roll the rested dough into a rectangle approximately 1/8-inch thick. Spread the almond filling evenly over the dough, leaving a half-inch border around the edges for easy sealing. The filling should cover the surface robustly but not overflow, ensuring lovely little cigars once rolled. Step 5: Form Cigars Starting from the long edge of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to slice the log into 2-inch pieces, creating your lovely Moroccan honey almond cigars. Place each piece seam-side down on the prepared baking sheets, allowing room for them to expand while baking. Step 6: Bake Slide the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them, watching for a golden brown color to develop. The Moroccan honey almond cigars should appear lightly crisp yet soft in the middle, indicating they are ready to come out of the oven. Step 7: Glaze While the cigars are baking, prepare the honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine honey, water, and fresh lemon juice, heating gently over medium-low heat until well blended. Remove from heat, and once the cigars are baked, soak them in the warm glaze for 2-3 minutes to infuse flavor and moisture. Step 8: Cool and Serve After soaking, transfer the glazed Moroccan honey almond cigars to a wire rack to cool and drain excess glaze. Allow them to rest for a few moments before serving. These delightful pastries can be enjoyed warm alongside mint tea or as a sweet addition to any dessert platter. Make Ahead Options These Moroccan honey almond cigars are perfect for meal prep and can save you time on busy days! You can prepare the dough and almond filling up to 24 hours in advance; simply wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep them fresh. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling out. You can also roll the cigars and keep them on the baking sheet, covered with plastic wrap, in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to glaze them right before serving to maintain that delightful texture. With these make-ahead options, you can enjoy these irresistible Moroccan honey almond cigars with minimal effort! Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars Variations Feel free to get creative with these Moroccan honey almond cigars and let your taste buds guide you on a delightful culinary adventure! Nut Alternatives: Swap blanched almond flour with ground pecans or cashews for a unique flavor twist. Flavored Syrups: Use rose water instead of honey to enhance floral notes, creating a different yet tantalizing taste experience. Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent touch, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the glazed cigars just before serving. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the almond filling for a surprising heat that perfectly contrasts the sweetness. Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version without sacrificing richness. Fruity Filling: Mix in finely chopped dried apricots or figs into the almond filling for an additional layer of sweetness and texture. Scented Enhancements: Infuse your honey glaze with a splash of vanilla extract or cardamom to elevate the aromatic experience. Coconut Coating: Roll the finished cigars in shredded coconut after glazing for an exotic finish. Pair these with Baked Hot Honey for a fusion feast! Expert Tips for Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars Proper Butter Softening: Make sure your unsalted butter is softened to room temperature for a tender dough; melted butter will lead to a greasy texture. Gentle Mixing: Avoid overmixing the dough; mix until just combined to keep your Moroccan honey almond cigars tender and light. Filling Finesse: Use blanched almond flour instead of almond meal for a smoother filling, enhancing the rich flavor you’re aiming for. Baking Vigilance: Keep a close eye while baking; you want a lovely light golden brown without over-browning, which can affect the taste. Timing the Glaze: For the best texture, soak your cigars in the warm honey glaze closer to serving time, keeping them freshly moist and delightful. How to Store and Freeze Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars Room Temperature: Store the cigars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days for the best flavor and texture. Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf-life, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 week. This helps preserve their delicate structure. Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the cigars in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheating: To enjoy them again, simply warm the Moroccan honey almond cigars in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, restoring their crispness while keeping the filling soft and tasty. What to Serve with Delightfully Easy Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars Indulging in these exquisite pastries feels like wrapping yourself in a warm, honey-scented hug from Morocco, inviting vibrant flavors to your table. Mint Tea: This classic Moroccan beverage, fragrant with herbs, beautifully balances the sweetness of the cigars and enhances their floral notes. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mixture of juicy oranges, pomegranates, and citrus zest provides a refreshing contrast to the rich almond filling, revitalizing your palate. Yogurt with Honey and Nuts: Creamy yogurt, drizzled with honey and sprinkled with nuts, offers a smooth and luscious texture, making it a perfect pairing with crispy cigars. Chocolate Mousse: Rich, velvety chocolate adds an indulgent twist to your dessert spread, creating a decadent combination that will leave your guests enchanted. Baklava Bites: If you’re feeling adventurous, the sweet, flaky layers and nutty filling of baklava share a harmonious spirit with the Moroccan honey almond cigars. Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee: The warm, aromatic flavors of cinnamon coffee beautifully complement the sweetness of the cigars, enhancing their nutty undertones. Date and Nut Platter: A rustic display of assorted dates and mixed nuts brings earthy elements to your dessert table, enriching the overall experience for your guests. Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars Recipe FAQs What type of almond flour should I use for the filling? I highly recommend using blanched almond flour for the filling, as it provides a smooth texture that is essential for these Moroccan honey almond cigars. If you use almond meal instead, the filling may be coarser, affecting the overall delicacy of the pastries. How should I store Moroccan honey almond cigars? For optimal flavor and texture, store your cigars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration can maintain their texture for an additional week. After refrigeration, they often retain their delightful qualities, but be sure to warm them in the oven briefly before serving! Can I freeze Moroccan honey almond cigars? Absolutely! To freeze these delightful pastries, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispness. What can I do if my dough feels too dry? If your dough seems dry during mixing, don’t worry! Just add a splash of cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough is soft and pliable. It’s all about finding that perfect balance to create tender Moroccan honey almond cigars. Are these cigars safe for people with nut allergies? Unfortunately, no. Since the main ingredient for the filling is almond flour, these pastries are not suitable for anyone with nut allergies. Always consider ingredient safety before baking to accommodate personal dietary restrictions. Can I use other nuts in this recipe? Yes, you can certainly experiment! Although almonds are traditional, feel free to swap in finely ground pecans or cashews to create variations on these Moroccan honey almond cigars. Just be sure to adjust flavors accordingly without losing the essence of this delightful treat. Melt-in-Your-Mouth Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars Recipe Discover the delightful flavors of Moroccan honey almond cigars, a sweet pastry filled with rich almond paste and a warm honey glaze. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsResting Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins Servings: 12 cigarsCourse: DessertCuisine: MoroccanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough2 cups all-purpose flour or substitute with cake flour for tenderness1/2 cup unsalted butter softened1/4 teaspoon salt1/4 cup granulated sugar1 large egg at room temperature1 teaspoon vanilla extractFor the Almond Filling1 cup blanched almond flour avoid almond meal1/2 cup powdered sugar1 large egg white1 tablespoon orange blossom water can be swapped with rose water1 teaspoon ground cinnamonFor the Glaze1/2 cup honey opt for a floral variety2 tablespoons water1 tablespoon lemon juice Equipment Baking sheetsMedium bowlSmall Saucepanplastic wrapRolling Pin Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line multiple baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and granulated sugar until well combined.In another bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and sugar until fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the large egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth to form a tender dough.Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. If the dough feels too dry, add a splash of cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until a soft, pliable dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for about 15 minutes.In a separate bowl, mix the blanched almond flour, powdered sugar, egg white, ground cinnamon, and orange blossom water until a thick, smooth paste forms.On a lightly floured surface, roll the rested dough into a rectangle approximately 1/8-inch thick. Spread the almond filling evenly over the dough, leaving a half-inch border around the edges.Starting from the long edge of the rectangle, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Use a sharp knife to slice the log into 2-inch pieces.Slide the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them, watching for a golden brown color to develop.While the cigars are baking, prepare the honey glaze by combining honey, water, and lemon juice in a small saucepan and heating gently.Once the cigars are baked, soak them in the warm glaze for 2-3 minutes to infuse flavor and moisture. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Nutrition Serving: 1cigarCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 3gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture. Use blanched almond flour for a smoother filling. Watch closely while baking for optimal color. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
