Moroccan desserts are packed with incredible flavor. You will find aromatic spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, and anise paired with rich ingredients like dates and pistachios.
French cooking techniques also play a surprisingly large role in this unique cuisine. Do not be shocked to find eclairs or crepes on the menu when you visit.
I have gathered 15 wonderful recipes to bring these exotic tastes right to your own kitchen.
1. Almond Crescent Cookies
Ghriba are soft almond cookies shaped into cute little crescents. A dusting of cinnamon on top complements the nutty flavor beautifully.
These addictive treats are so tender that they practically melt in your mouth. I highly suggest doubling the batch because they tend to disappear very quickly.
2. Moroccan Chebakia (Sesame and Honey Cookies)
This dough gets shaped into a stunning flower before hitting the deep fryer. A coating of honey and a sprinkle of sesame seeds provides the finishing touch.
The process is a bit tedious, so these are often saved for special occasions. One look at their golden perfection tells you they are worth the effort.
3. Sfenj: Moroccan Doughnuts or Fritters
Sfenj is the Moroccan answer to a doughnut. Leavened dough is formed into rings and deep-fried until beautiful and golden.
You get a crispy exterior paired with a fluffy, chewy interior. A simple dusting of sugar provides all the flavor you need.
4. Moroccan Mint Tea
You need the perfect beverage to pair with these sinful desserts. A blend of green tea and fresh mint creates a unique warming yet cooling sensation.
It works wonderfully as a morning drink or an afternoon pick-me-up. You only need a few basic ingredients to pull this off.
5. Sellou
This unique confection requires absolutely zero baking. It combines toasted flour with sesame seeds and almonds for a dense, nutrient-packed treat.
The result is extremely restorative and rich in calories. Moms often eat this post-childbirth to help regain their energy.
6. Moroccan Fruit Salad
The Moroccan version of fruit salad keeps things fresh and simple. You combine apples, strawberries, bananas, and oranges for a colorful mix.
A coating of vanilla yogurt adds a sweet tang to the bowl. It makes for a refreshing palate cleanser after a heavy meal.
7. Maamoul (Arabian Date Filled Cookies)
These incredibly soft cookies feature a tender dough stuffed with dates. The recipe is low in sugar since the fruit filling provides plenty of natural sweetness.
They offer a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is hard to stop eating. You often see these served during Eid or at the end of Ramadan.
8. Baklava
Baklava might be the most famous dessert on this entire list. Layers of crisp pastry surround a filling of walnuts and cinnamon.
A sweet glaze made from honey and lemon ties everything together. The diamond shape makes this crispy treat look like a true gem.
9. Halwa dyal Makina – Piped Moroccan Biscuits With Chocolate
Imagine a cookie that looks a bit like a churro. These piped biscuits get their fantastic texture from using cornflour in the batter.
You dip the ends in chocolate for the perfect finish. That chocolate and cornflour combo tastes absolutely amazing.
10. Moroccan Lemon Cake
Meskouta is a simple cake that feels incredibly light. It gets infused with lemon flavor and topped with a zesty glaze.
Prep takes just a few minutes before the oven does the rest of the work. You can slice it while it is still warm.
11. Cinnamon Oranges
Sometimes the simplest desserts are the most memorable. You just top sliced oranges with a dusting of cinnamon.
The spice plays perfectly against the sweet and tart citrus. It creates a bold harmony of flavors with minimal effort.
12. Moroccan Almond Snake Pastry
M’hancha is famous for its coiled snake shape. Almond paste gives the filling a wonderful nutty aroma.
You can top it with powdered sugar or warm honey and almond slices. Since it is usually large, guests just break off a piece of the coil to enjoy.
13. Almond Briouat
This might be the ultimate tea time biscuit. The filling mixes almond paste with cinnamon and fragrant orange flower water.
Each triangular pastry gets deep-fried and coated in honey. They are fantastic when paired with a hot cup of tea.
14. Moroccan Beghrir (Semolina Honeycomb Pancakes)
Think of this as the Moroccan take on a classic pancake. Semolina and yeast create a texture that is spongy and incredibly soft.
The surface fills with little bubbles that look like a honeycomb. Just be sure to measure your batter carefully to get that iconic look.
15. Ghoriba
These Middle Eastern cookies rely on a simple mix of flour, sugar, butter, and almonds. The texture can range from chewy to crumbly depending on the variety.
They make a lovely companion for your coffee or tea. You can even toss in extra nuts if you want a bigger crunch.
