5 Must-Try Desserts in Jordan

Desserts in Jordan offer a delightful glimpse into the country’s rich culinary heritage. From traditional sweets infused with nuts and honey to modern treats that showcase local flavors, there’s something to satisfy every sweet tooth. Whether you’re enjoying a piece of knafeh, a rich pastry soaked in syrup, or savoring ma’amoul, a shortbread-like cookie filled with dates and nuts, each dessert tells a unique story and adds a touch of sweetness to any meal. Get ready to explore the most popular and delicious desserts that have made their mark on Jordan’s food scene!

Knafeh: A Sweet Cheese Pastry

Knafeh is a beloved dessert in Jordan, known for its delightful combination of sweet, cheese-filled pastry and syrup. This dish has a unique texture, with a crispy top layer and a gooey, cheesy filling that melts in your mouth. It’s often served warm and topped with crushed nuts, making it a popular choice for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions.

This traditional Jordanian dessert is quite simple to make, requiring just a few key ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, how to make knafeh is approachable and rewarding. It’s a staple among authentic desserts from Jordan, showcasing the rich flavors and culinary traditions of the region. Perfect for family gatherings or festive celebrations, knafeh is sure to impress anyone with a sweet tooth.

Ingredients

• 1 package of kataifi (shredded phyllo dough)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon rose water
• 1/2 cup crushed pistachios (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add rose water and set aside to cool.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Assemble the Knafeh: In a large bowl, mix kataifi with melted butter until well coated. Spread half of the kataifi mixture evenly in a greased baking dish. Layer the mozzarella and ricotta cheeses on top, then cover with the remaining kataifi.
4. Bake the Knafeh: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on top.
5. Finish with Syrup: Once baked, immediately pour the cooled syrup over the hot knafeh. Allow it to soak for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with crushed pistachios.

Baklava: Layers of Nuts and Honey

Baklava is a classic Middle Eastern dessert celebrated for its rich flavors and delightful texture. This sweet treat is made up of layers of flaky pastry, filled with a generous mix of nuts, and drenched in a honey syrup that adds a luscious sweetness. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch, followed by a burst of flavor from the nuts, making it a favorite among many, especially during special occasions and family gatherings in Jordan.

Many consider baklava one of the best desserts in Jordan, often served during celebrations and holidays. It’s relatively simple to make, requiring just a few key ingredients like phyllo dough, nuts, and honey. Once you master the layering technique, you’ll be able to create this beloved Jordanian treat in no time!

Ingredients

• 1 package of phyllo dough (about 16 ounces)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups walnuts or pistachios, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix the chopped nuts with cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Unroll the phyllo dough and cover it with a damp cloth to prevent drying. Place one sheet in the baking dish and brush with melted butter. Repeat for 8 layers.
4. Spread a layer of the nut mixture evenly over the phyllo. Add 4 more layers of phyllo, brushing each with butter.
5. Continue layering nuts and phyllo until all ingredients are used, finishing with 8 layers of phyllo on top.
6. Cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes before baking. Bake for about 45 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine sugar, water, honey, and vanilla. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
8. Once baklava is baked, pour the hot syrup over it and allow it to cool. Serve and enjoy!

Basbousa: Semolina Cake Delight

Basbousa, a beloved dessert in Jordan, is a sweet semolina cake that delights the palate with its moist texture and rich flavor. This dessert is often soaked in syrup, giving it a sweet and slightly sticky finish that pairs beautifully with hints of coconut and almond. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, it’s a go-to treat that embodies the warmth of Jordanian hospitality.

Making Basbousa is quite simple, requiring only a few basic ingredients. The process involves mixing semolina, sugar, and yogurt, which creates a tender cake that rises perfectly. After baking, it’s drenched in sweet syrup, making it an irresistible dessert that you’ll want to share with everyone.

Ingredients

• 1 cup semolina
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
• 1/4 cup blanched almonds for topping
• 1 cup water (for syrup)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for syrup)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for syrup)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix the semolina, sugar, yogurt, melted butter, baking powder, and shredded coconut until well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and smooth the top. Score the surface lightly in diamond shapes and place an almond in each diamond.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top.
5. While the basbousa is baking, prepare the syrup by boiling water and sugar together. Add lemon juice and simmer for 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Once the basbousa is done baking, remove it from the oven and pour the syrup evenly over the hot cake. Allow it to soak for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Ma’amoul: Traditional Date Cookies

Ma’amoul are delightful traditional cookies filled with dates, nuts, or figs, making them a popular choice for sweets in Jordan. These cookies have a subtle sweetness and a tender, crumbly texture that melts in your mouth. They’re perfect for festive occasions and family gatherings, and they embody the essence of authentic Jordanian desserts.

Making ma’amoul is fun and straightforward. You can easily whip up a batch to share during Ramadan or at family gatherings. The combination of buttery dough and rich filling creates a satisfying treat that’s loved by many. Plus, they look beautiful, making them a hit at dessert tables.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon rose water (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup pitted dates, mashed
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional)
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Gradually add the flour and mix until crumbly. Add milk and rose water, and knead until a soft dough forms.
2. Make the Filling: In another bowl, combine the mashed dates with cinnamon and nuts if using. Mix well.
3. Shape the Cookies: Take a small piece of dough, flatten it in your palm, place a teaspoon of filling in the center, and fold the dough over to seal it. Shape it into a ball or press it into a ma’amoul mold.
4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until slightly golden.
5. Cool and Serve: Once cooled, dust the ma’amoul with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy these delightful cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!

Qatayef: Stuffed Pancakes for Ramadan

Qatayef are delightful stuffed pancakes that play a special role in Ramadan celebrations throughout Jordan. These treats are soft, slightly sweet, and can be filled with a variety of ingredients, making them a favorite among Arabic desserts in Jordan. The taste is a beautiful blend of flavors, especially when drizzled with syrup or honey, creating a satisfying dessert that’s both comforting and festive. Plus, making qatayef is quite simple, making it a great activity for family gatherings.

Traditionally, you can find qatayef filled with ingredients like nuts, cream, or sweetened cheese, reflecting the diversity of traditional Jordanian desserts. Whether you enjoy them warm or cold, they offer a delicious way to celebrate special occasions in Jordan, particularly during Ramadan. Here’s how to make your own qatayef:

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup semolina
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups warm water
• 1/2 cup crushed nuts (such as walnuts or pistachios)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
• Honey or syrup for drizzling

Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter: In a bowl, mix the flour, semolina, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the warm water, whisking until smooth. Let it rest for about 30 minutes.
2. Cook the Pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour a small ladle of batter onto the skillet to form a pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the skillet and cover with a kitchen towel to keep warm.
3. Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine crushed nuts, sugar, and cinnamon. If using ricotta cheese, mix it in for a creamier filling.
4. Stuff the Pancakes: Take a pancake and place a spoonful of the nut mixture in the center. Fold it over and pinch the edges to seal. Repeat with the remaining pancakes.
5. Serve: Drizzle with honey or syrup before serving. Enjoy your delicious qatayef with family and friends!

Discover Jordan’s Flavors

If you’re inspired to try these delicious desserts and want to explore more local options, check out our dessert directory to find small businesses near you offering authentic Jordanian creations. Supporting local dessert shops allows you to discover traditional flavors and explore modern twists on these beloved dishes.

For those eager to recreate these treats at home, our collection of recipes is filled with ideas inspired by global flavors, including Jordanian favorites. Whether you’re making knafeh or experimenting with baklava, these recipes will bring the tastes of Jordan right into your kitchen.

Jordan’s desserts are more than just a treat—they’re a cultural experience. Imagine enjoying a plate of warm ma’amoul or indulging in a flaky piece of knafeh with friends and family. These dishes reflect the rich history and vibrant flavors of Jordan, making each bite a journey into the heart of the country’s culinary traditions.

At Creme Filled Churros, we’re here to inspire your global dessert journey. Explore these 5 must-try desserts in Jordan, and let us guide you through the rich, flavorful world of Jordanian treats!