Moroccan Honey and Almond Cigars bring the sophisticated flavors of North African pastry traditions to your kitchen with delicate, crispy phyllo wrapped around a fragrant almond and honey filling that’s perfumed with orange blossom water and warm spices. These elegant pastries, known as “cigares aux amandes” in French-speaking Morocco, feature paper-thin phyllo dough that becomes golden and flaky when baked, encasing a sweet almond paste that melts slightly while maintaining its rich, nutty texture. Finished with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of powdered sugar, these pastries offer an authentic taste of Moroccan hospitality and celebration. This recipe makes about 20 cigars, serving 8-10 people, and transforms simple ingredients into an impressive dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or anytime you want to transport your guests to the bustling souks of Marrakech.
What You’ll Need
For the almond filling:
- 2 cups blanched almonds, finely ground
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons orange blossom water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of salt
- 1 egg white, lightly beaten
For assembly:
- 1 package (1 pound) phyllo dough, thawed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
For finishing:
- 1/3 cup honey for drizzling
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Chopped pistachios for garnish (optional)
Preparing the Almond Filling
Grind the blanched almonds in a food processor until they form a fine powder, but be careful not to over-process them into almond butter. The texture should be similar to very fine breadcrumbs. Transfer the ground almonds to a large bowl and stir in the powdered sugar until evenly combined.
Adding the Aromatics
Add the honey, orange blossom water, cinnamon, ginger, and salt to the almond mixture. The orange blossom water provides that distinctive Moroccan flavor that makes these pastries so special. Mix everything together until it forms a paste-like consistency that holds together when pressed.
Binding the Mixture
Stir in the lightly beaten egg white, which helps bind the filling and prevents it from falling apart during baking. The mixture should hold together when squeezed but not be overly wet. If it seems too dry, add another teaspoon of honey. If too wet, add a bit more ground almonds.
Preparing the Phyllo
Remove the phyllo dough from the package and unroll it carefully on a clean work surface. Cover the entire stack with a damp kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out while you work. Phyllo dries quickly and becomes brittle, so keeping it covered is essential.
Setting Up Your Workspace
Combine the melted butter and vegetable oil in a small bowl. This mixture helps the phyllo become golden and crispy while preventing it from burning. Have a clean pastry brush ready, and preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Working with Phyllo Sheets
Take one sheet of phyllo and place it on your work surface with the long side facing you. Brush it lightly with the butter mixture, covering the entire surface but not soaking it. The phyllo should glisten but not be dripping with fat.
Creating the Cigars
Place about 2 tablespoons of the almond filling in a line along the bottom edge of the phyllo sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space on each side. The filling should form a neat, even line about the thickness of your finger.
Rolling Technique
Fold the bottom edge of the phyllo over the filling, then fold in the sides to enclose the ends. Continue rolling tightly but gently until you have a neat cigar shape about 4-5 inches long. The phyllo should wrap around the filling snugly without tearing.
Sealing the Pastries
Brush the seam and ends of each cigar with the butter mixture to seal them closed and ensure they stay together during baking. Place the finished cigars seam-side down on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Final Preparation
Brush the tops of all the cigars with the remaining butter mixture for even browning and extra flavor. This final brushing creates that beautiful golden color and helps the phyllo develop its characteristic crispy texture.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Bake the cigars for 15-20 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy all over. The phyllo should be flaky and make a light crackling sound when gently tapped. Watch carefully during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
Finishing with Honey
Remove the cigars from the oven and immediately drizzle them with honey while they’re still warm. The warm pastry will absorb some of the honey while the rest creates a glossy, sweet coating. Work quickly while the phyllo is hot for the best honey absorption.
Final Presentation
Let the cigars cool for 5 minutes, then dust them lightly with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve. For extra elegance, sprinkle chopped pistachios over the honey glaze. The combination of textures and colors creates a stunning presentation.
Serving Moroccan Style
Arrange the cigars on a decorative platter and serve with mint tea for an authentic Moroccan experience. These pastries are traditionally enjoyed as an afternoon treat with strong, sweet tea that complements the almond and honey flavors perfectly.
Storage and Freshness
These cigars are best enjoyed the day they’re made while the phyllo is at its crispiest. If you must store them, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, though they may lose some crispness.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare the almond filling up to 3 days ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. The assembled cigars can be prepared and frozen before baking for up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Variation Ideas
Try adding a pinch of cardamom or rose water to the filling for different floral notes. You can also mix in finely chopped dates or dried apricots for extra sweetness and chewy texture that complements the crunchy almonds.
Special Occasion Appeal
These elegant pastries are perfect for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or any time you want to serve something truly special. Their exotic flavors and beautiful appearance make them conversation starters that show your guests how much you care.
Cultural Context
In Morocco, these pastries are often served during celebrations and special occasions, representing hospitality and the sharing of sweetness with loved ones. Making them at home brings a piece of Moroccan culture to your table.
These Moroccan Honey and Almond Cigars prove that with a little patience and attention to detail, you can create pastries that taste like they came from a sophisticated Middle Eastern bakery. The combination of crispy phyllo, rich almond filling, and floral honey creates an unforgettable dessert experience that transports everyone who tastes them to the romantic markets and cafes of Morocco.
