Briouats are one of Morocco’s most iconic sweet pastries, often enjoyed during special occasions like weddings, Ramadan, and Eid. These golden, crispy delights are traditionally filled with a rich almond paste and soaked in warm honey. This recipe brings you the Fassi style (from Fez), known for its aromatic blend of orange blossom water, cinnamon, and delicate pastry work.
Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or indulge in a traditional Moroccan dessert, this step-by-step guide will help you create authentic sweet briouats at home.
📝 Ingredients
For the almond filling:
- 250g (9 oz) blanched almonds
- 120g (4 oz) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp orange blossom water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
For assembly:
- 10 sheets of warqa (or filo pastry)
- 100g (3.5 oz) melted butter (for brushing)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or sunflower)
For the honey syrup:
- 200g (7 oz) pure honey
- 2 tbsp orange blossom water
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the almond filling:
- Grind the blanched almonds finely using a food processor.
- Mix with powdered sugar, cinnamon, butter, and orange blossom water.
- Knead the mixture into a smooth, slightly sticky paste.
- Form into small logs or balls (about 1 tablespoon each).
2. Shape the briouats:
- Cut each warqa or filo sheet into 3 equal vertical strips.
- Place a piece of almond paste on one end and fold into a triangle (like folding a flag).
- Continue folding tightly until the triangle is sealed.
- Brush the edge with a bit of water to stick.
3. Frying and sweetening:
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the briouats until golden on both sides (1–2 minutes per side).
- Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.
4. Coat with honey:
- Warm the honey slightly and mix in orange blossom water.
- Dip each briouat into the warm honey for 1–2 minutes.
- Remove and let cool on a rack.
💡 Tips for Perfect Briouats
- Use fresh almonds for the best flavor.
- Don’t overfill the pastry to avoid bursting during frying.
- Warqa gives authentic texture, but filo dough works perfectly well.
- For a healthier version, you can bake the briouats at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes, then dip in warm honey.
🍯 Nutritional Info (per piece, approx.)
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 3g
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze briouats?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked briouats. Just thaw slightly before frying or baking.
What’s the difference between briouats and samosas?
While similar in shape, briouats are sweet and uniquely Moroccan, featuring almond paste and honey instead of savory fillings.
Can I use puff pastry instead?
Not recommended. Puff pastry changes the texture entirely and doesn’t absorb honey the same way.
🔚 Conclusion
Sweet Moroccan briouats are more than just a dessert — they are a celebration of Moroccan heritage and flavor. Their crunchy exterior and fragrant almond filling soaked in honey make them irresistible.
Try this recipe today, and let the flavors of Fez bring warmth and sweetness to your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your results and tag us at Tasty ma4roc!
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