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Moroccan Chebakia 4.png

Moroccan Chebakia

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๐Ÿฅฎ Savor these intricate Moroccan flower-shaped cookies, fried to crispy perfection and soaked in fragrant honey โ€“ an essential Ramadan treat bursting with sesame, anise, and saffron aromas!
๐Ÿฏ Ideal for iftar gatherings, they offer a delightful chewy-crisp texture that’s labor-intensive but rewarding, bringing authentic festive joy to your table!

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 2 kg (over 4 pounds) cookies

Ingredients

– 1/2 kg (about 4 cups) flour, plus extra if needed

– 1 bowl (about 200 g or 7 oz) golden unhulled sesame seeds, toasted

– 1 teaspoon ground anise

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 teaspoon crumbled saffron threads

– 1/4 teaspoon Moroccan yellow colorant

– Pinch of Gum Arabic grains mixed with 1/4 teaspoon sugar, crushed to powder

– 1 extra-large egg

– 1/4 cup melted butter

– 1/4 cup olive oil

– 1/4 cup vinegar

– 1/4 cup orange flower water

– 2 teaspoons yeast dissolved in 1/4 cup warm water

– 1 1/2 kg (about 3 lbs) honey

– 2 tablespoons orange flower water for honey

– 1 1/2 liters vegetable oil for frying

– 1/2 cup golden unhulled sesame seeds, toasted for decoration

Instructions

1-First Step: Pick through sesame seeds to remove debris. Toast in a 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) oven for 10 to 15 minutes until crunchy and fragrant, then cool completely and store airtight.

2-Second Step: Grind one bowlful of toasted sesame seeds in a food processor until a moist powder forms. Mix this with flour and the dry ingredients in a large bowl.

3-Third Step: Add the remaining ingredients and mix by hand until the dough forms. If needed, add extra flour to adjust the consistency. Knead by hand for 7 to 8 minutes or with a mixer dough hook for 4 to 5 minutes until smooth.

4-Fourth Step: Divide dough into four portions. Shape each into a smooth mound, then let rest in a plastic bag for 10 to 15 minutes. This rest makes rolling easier for your hands and helps the dough relax.

5-Fifth Step: Roll one portion to a thin, cardboard-like thickness on a floured surface if needed. Cut into palm-sized rectangles.

6-Sixth Step: Make four lengthwise cuts in each rectangle, leaving the edges intact so five strips remain attached. This cutting pattern is what creates the flower shape when you fold.

7-Seventh Step: Fold dough by threading the middle finger through alternating strips. Pinch outer corners together to form a flower center, then turn strips inside-out and seal opposite corners to create an elongated flower shape.

8-Eighth Step: Place folded pieces on baking sheets. Collect scraps, remold, and roll again. Cover trays with a towel until you are ready to fry.

9-Ninth Step: Heat one inch of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. You want steady frying so Moroccan Chebakia browns slowly.

10-Tenth Step: Heat honey in a pot until frothy but not boiling. Add orange flower water, then remove from heat. Keep the honey hot so it soaks efficiently.

11-Eleventh Step: Fry chebakia in batches. Adjust heat to slowly brown cookies over about 10 minutes. Work in small batches so the oil temperature stays stable.

12-Twelfth Step: Transfer fried cookies directly to hot honey using a slotted spoon. Submerge and soak for 5 to 7 minutes until glossy amber. Soaking time affects texture and sweetness, so taste and adjust if you like them more crisp or more tender.

13-Final Step: Drain briefly, place cookies on a tray, and sprinkle centers with toasted sesame seeds. Repeat with remaining batches, then cool completely before storing.

Last Step:

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Notes

๐ŸŒฐ Toast sesame seeds thoroughly in the oven for maximum nutty flavor that defines chebakia’s taste.
โฑ๏ธ Control soaking time in honey: shorter for crispier, less sweet cookies; longer for softer, sweeter ones.
๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ Divide shaping tasks among family โ€“ it’s time-consuming but makes for great bonding during Ramadan prep!

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Resting & Soaking: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Deep Fried
  • Cuisine: Moroccan
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5 cookies
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 45mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 12mg