Moroccan Almond Cookie and Sweets

By
Christine Benlafquih
Christine Benlafquih
Christine Benlafquih
Christine Benlafquih is a freelance writer and cooking class instructor with a background in Moroccan cuisine.
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Updated on 09/20/19

Almonds are used extensively in cooking and baking. Here's a round-up of Moroccan cookie recipes and sweets on the site which use almonds or almond paste. Some recipes call for skinning and/or frying the almonds; be sure to familiarize yourself with the process.

  • 01 of 10

    Stuffed Dates

    Moroccan Stuffed Dates

    The Spruce / Christine Benlafquih

    The almond paste filling in these stuffed dates is flavored with orange flower water and cinnamon. If you like, add some food color for a festive presentation.

  • 02 of 10

    Kaab el Ghazal

    Kaab el Ghazal

    The Spruce / Christine Benlafquih

    One of Morocco's most famous sweets, Kaab el Ghazal literally translates to "gazelle's ankles," but in English, they're more commonly called Gazelle's Horns. Either way, the names make clear reference to the cookie's characteristic crescent shape. The thin pastry dough conceals a tender almond paste filling flavored with orange flower water and cinnamon.

  • 03 of 10

    Moroccan Almond Snake Pastry (M'hanncha or M'hancha)

    Moroccan almond snake pastry

     PicturePartners / iStock / Getty Images Plus

    Named for its snake-like coil shape, this baked Moroccan almond snake pastry is stuffed with homemade almond paste. A lovely presentation for special occasions.

  • 04 of 10

    Chewy Moroccan Almond Macaroons (Nancy Macaron Style)

    Chewy Moroccan Macaroons

    SensorSpot / E+ / Getty Images

    Chewy Moroccan almond macaroons (Nancy-macaron-style) cookies with rustic good flavor. Quite easy to prepare using storebought or homemade almond meal.

    Continue to 5 of 10 below.
  • 05 of 10

    Moroccan Almond Baklava

    Almond Baklawa (Baklava)
    Faiz de blida/Flickr - CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

    No pistachios here–Moroccan almond baklava (or baklawa) makes good use of almonds. A sticky, sweet, nutty delight.

  • 06 of 10

    Makrout With Almonds and Honey

    Makrout with Almond and Honey

    The Spruce / Christine Benlafquih

    These delicious, makrout with almonds and honey are easier to make than you might think. Semolina dough is wrapped around logs of almond paste, cut into pieces and then fried. A dip in honey flavored with orange flower water adds sheen and sticky sweetness.

  • 07 of 10

    Almond Briouats

    Moroccan Almond Briouats

    The Spruce / Christine Benlafquih

    These almond paste-filled almond briouats pastries are well-loved throughout Morocco. Although they might be offered for casual tea time, they're most likely to be served when honoring guests, celebrating a special occasion, or when setting up a spread of food to break the fast in Ramadan.

  • 08 of 10

    Chebakia With Almonds

    Chebakia with Almonds

    The Spruce / Christine Benlafquih

    The dough for these chebakia with almonds are made with ground sesame and almonds, then shaped, fried and dipped in hot honey flavored with orange flower water.

    Continue to 9 of 10 below.
  • 09 of 10

    Sellou

    Moroccan Sellou or Sfouf

    The Spruce / Christine Benlafquih

    Almonds are key to this traditional Moroccan sweet, as are browned flour, sesame seeds, anise, and cinnamon. Sellou is a popular offering during Ramadan, weddings, births, and other special occasions.

  • 10 of 10

    Ktefa (Milk Bastilla)

    Ktefa or Milk Bastilla

    The Spruce / Christine Benlafquih

    Paper thin rounds of fried or baked warqa is layered with pastry cream and chopped fried almonds. Fresh fruit may be added. Ktefa is a very traditional and elegant dessert to offer after a Moroccan meal.