Persian puff pastries, known as Shirini-e-Moraba and rolled pastries, are delicate, flaky treats filled with sweet and aromatic ingredients such as dates, nuts, jam, or chocolate. These golden pastries have a crispy, buttery texture and are often decorated with nuts, sugar glaze, or a chocolate drizzle. Perfect for festive occasions and tea-time gatherings, they are a delightful way to enjoy Persian flavors with a modern twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Uses store-bought puff pastry for a quick and effortless dessert.
- Flaky and Buttery Texture – The layers of puff pastry create a crisp yet tender bite.
- Customizable Fillings – Choose from dates, nuts, jam, or chocolate to suit your preference.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for festive gatherings, Ramadan, Eid, or afternoon tea.
- Beautiful Presentation – Garnished with powdered sugar, chocolate drizzle, or chopped nuts.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pastry Dough:
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing)
Filling Options:
- ½ cup date paste (for date-filled rolls)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pistachios
- ½ cup fruit jam (apricot, raspberry, or fig)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (for date or nut filling)
- ½ cup melted chocolate (for drizzle)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Fillings:
- For date-filled pastries, mix date paste with chopped walnuts and cinnamon.
- For jam-filled pastries, use a thick jam that won’t spread too much.
- For chocolate pastries, use melted chocolate or chocolate chips inside.
- Roll and Fill the Pastries:
- Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut into rectangles or triangles, depending on the shape you prefer.
- Place the filling along the edge of each piece, then roll it tightly into a log or crescent shape.
- Bake:
- Brush the tops with a mixture of egg yolk and milk for a golden finish.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the pastries are puffed and golden brown.
- Let them cool completely before decorating.
- Decorate:
- Drizzle melted chocolate over some pastries.
- Dust others with powdered sugar.
- Sprinkle chopped pistachios or walnuts on top for a finishing touch.
- Serve & Enjoy: These pastries are best enjoyed with Persian tea or coffee for an authentic experience.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 pastries
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Calories: 220 kcal per pastry
Variations
- Rosewater Infusion: Add a few drops of rosewater to the date or nut filling for a fragrant touch.
- Sesame-Coated Pastries: Brush pastries with egg wash and sprinkle sesame seeds before baking.
- Cardamom-Flavored Pastries: Add a pinch of cardamom to the dough or filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Honey-Glazed Pastries: Brush pastries with warm honey after baking for extra sweetness.
- Savory Version: Fill with feta cheese, herbs, or spinach for a savory alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked pastries and bake fresh when needed. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.
FAQs
Can I use homemade puff pastry instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade puff pastry works well, but store-bought saves time and effort.
How do I prevent the pastries from becoming soggy?
Make sure to use thick jam and avoid overfilling. Let baked pastries cool completely before storing.
Can I make these pastries in advance?
Yes, you can assemble and freeze them unbaked, then bake fresh when needed.
What is the best way to seal the pastries?
Lightly brush the edges with water or egg wash before rolling to help them stay closed.
Can I add sugar to the pastry dough?
Puff pastry is naturally rich, so added sugar isn’t necessary. The fillings provide enough sweetness.
Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?
Phyllo dough creates a crispier texture but can be used as an alternative. Brush with butter between layers.
How can I make these pastries gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free puff pastry or make a gluten-free shortcrust pastry as a substitute.
Should I bake with the chocolate filling inside?
Yes, you can bake chocolate-filled pastries, or drizzle chocolate on top after baking for extra richness.
Can I mix different fillings in one pastry?
Yes, combining dates and nuts or jam and chocolate can add interesting flavors.
What is the best way to serve these pastries?
They pair best with Persian tea, coffee, or a glass of warm milk.
Conclusion
Persian puff pastries are a delightful and versatile dessert that combines crisp, flaky layers with sweet, flavorful fillings. Whether you choose date, nut, jam, or chocolate fillings, these pastries are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Their elegant presentation and delicious taste make them a favorite for festive gatherings and afternoon tea. Try this recipe today and bring a touch of Persian tradition to your table!
