Moroccan Honey Almond Cigars (Printable Version)
Crisp pastry rolls filled with cinnamon-spiced almond paste, dipped in honey syrup and topped with toasted sesame seeds.
# Ingredient List:
→ Almond Filling
01 - 8.8 oz blanched almonds
02 - 2.8 oz powdered sugar
03 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon
04 - 1/4 tsp salt
05 - 2 tbsp orange blossom water
06 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
→ Pastry
07 - 10 sheets brick or phyllo pastry
08 - 1.8 oz unsalted butter, melted
→ Honey Syrup
09 - 7 oz honey
10 - 2 tbsp orange blossom water
11 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
→ Garnish
12 - 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Pulse blanched almonds in a food processor until finely ground. Add powdered sugar, cinnamon, salt, orange blossom water, and melted butter. Blend until mixture forms a soft, moldable paste.
02 - Cut pastry sheets in half to create 20 rectangles. Keep covered with a damp towel to prevent drying while working.
03 - Place a heaping tablespoon of almond filling near one short end of each pastry rectangle. Shape filling into a log, leaving 3/4 inch border at edges. Fold sides over filling and roll tightly into cigar shape. Brush edge with melted butter to seal. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
04 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
05 - Arrange cigars seam-side down on prepared baking sheet. Brush generously with melted butter.
06 - Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
07 - While cigars bake, gently warm honey, orange blossom water, and lemon juice in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until combined but do not boil.
08 - Remove baked cigars from oven. Dip each cigar in warm honey syrup, turning to coat completely. Place on cooling rack to drain excess syrup.
09 - Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds while syrup is still tacky. Allow to cool completely before serving.
# Tips from hearthlykitchen:
01 -
- The contrast between shattering pastry and yielding almond paste is absolutely addictive
- Orange blossom water transports you straight to a Moroccan courtyard without leaving your kitchen
02 -
- Working quickly with phyllo is crucial because once it dries out it becomes brittle and uncooperative
- The cigars firm up as they cool, so do not worry if they feel slightly soft right after dipping
03 -
- Grind your own almonds rather than buying almond flour for a fresher, more intense flavor
- Warm your honey slightly in the microwave beforehand if it is too thick to work with easily