Dessert · Middle Eastern · Snack ·

Zesty Tunisian Makroudh with Honey and Dates

Name: Zesty Tunisian Makroudh with Honey and Dates
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 160 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 2 cups semolina; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom; 3/4 cup warm water; 1 1/2 cups pitted dates; 2 tablespoons orange blossom water; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 cup honey; 1/4 cup water; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon orange blossom water

This Tunisian treat, Makroudh, is a traditional pastry made with semolina, filled with a fragrant date paste, and drizzled with honey. It's perfect for a sweet finale or a teatime snack.

4.8(742 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·October 20, 2025

Zesty Tunisian Makroudh with Honey and Dates — Dessert served and photographed from above

Prep

40 min

Cook

2 h

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Dough

For the Date Filling

For the Honey Syrup

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 167 kcal
Protein: 1.9 g
Carbs: 30.3 g
Fat: 4.6 g
Fiber: 1.2 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 3998 kcal
Protein: 46 g
Carbs: 726 g
Fat: 111 g
Fiber: 29 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
2 cups semolina	1190	35	237	3	14
1/2 cup all-purpose flour	228	6	48	1	2
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted	814	1	0	92	0
1/4 cup sugar	194	0	50	0	0
1/2 teaspoon salt	0	0	0	0	0
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom	2	0	0	0	0
3/4 cup warm water	0	0	0	0	0
1 1/2 cups pitted dates	413	3	110	1	12
2 tablespoons orange blossom water	0	0	0	0	0
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon	6	0	2	0	1
1 tablespoon vegetable oil	120	0	0	14	0
1 cup honey	1030	1	279	0	0
1/4 cup water	0	0	0	0	0
1 teaspoon lemon juice	1	0	0	0	0
1 tablespoon orange blossom water	0	0	0	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Semolina Mixture

1
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix semolina, flour, sugar, salt, and ground cardamom.
Tip: Use fine semolina for a smoother, more refined texture.
2
Add Butter
Gradually pour in the melted butter, mixing until the mixture resembles moist sand.
3
Form Dough
Slowly add warm water, stirring until a smooth dough forms. Cover and let it rest for 1 hour.

Preparing the Date Filling

1
Combine Ingredients
In a food processor, combine pitted dates, orange blossom water, ground cinnamon, and oil.
Tip: Ensure the dough and date paste are evenly textured to prevent uneven baking.
2
Process Paste
Blend until a smooth paste forms. Remove and set aside.
3
Shape Paste
Roll the date paste into long strips about the length of the dough log.
Tip: Chill the rolled date paste briefly to make handling easier.

How to Make Zesty Tunisian Makroudh with Honey and Dates

Total time: 2 h 40 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Dough Preparation
Roll the semolina dough into thin logs and flatten slightly.
2
Filling
Place the date strip along the center of the flattened dough and fold dough over to encase the date filling. Seal edges.
3
Cutting & Baking
Cut the filled log into diamond shapes and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden.