Pistachio Mafroukeh Truffles are a refined Middle Eastern dessert, perfect for Ramadan and Eid celebrations. These delicate truffles combine the rich flavors of ground pistachios, buttery semolina, and aromatic rose and orange blossom water. Filled with luscious cream and coated in finely crushed pistachios, they offer a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Luxurious & Elegant – A visually stunning and gourmet dessert.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal steps.
- Perfect for Festive Occasions – Ideal for Ramadan, Eid, or special gatherings.
- Customizable – Can be filled with different creams or nuts.
- No Baking Required – A hassle-free dessert that sets in the fridge.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Mafroukeh Dough:
- 2 cups ground pistachios
- ½ cup semolina
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp rose water
- 1 tsp orange blossom water
For the Filling:
- ½ cup thick cream (Ashta or mascarpone)
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
Directions
- In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add semolina and toast it until lightly golden and fragrant.
- Stir in the sugar and milk, mixing well until the mixture thickens.
- Add the ground pistachios, rose water, and orange blossom water, stirring until combined. Let the mixture cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream with powdered sugar to create the filling.
- Take a small portion of the pistachio dough and flatten it in your palm.
- Place a small amount of the cream filling in the center and gently wrap the dough around it to form a truffle.
- Roll each truffle in crushed pistachios to coat it evenly.
- Garnish with dried rose petals if desired and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 truffles
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Twist – Replace pistachios with almonds or a mix of different nuts.
- Chocolate Mafroukeh – Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate-infused version.
- Stuffed with Dates – Use a date paste filling instead of cream for a naturally sweet variation.
- Vegan Version – Replace butter with coconut oil and use a dairy-free cream alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep mafroukeh truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Serving Tip: Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make these truffles in advance?
Yes, they can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge until serving.
2. Can I use whole pistachios instead of ground?
Yes, simply blend whole pistachios in a food processor until finely ground.
3. Can I substitute the cream filling?
Absolutely! You can use Nutella, date paste, or a mix of cream cheese and honey.
4. What can I use instead of semolina?
You can try almond flour for a slightly different texture, but semolina provides the best structure.
5. Why is my dough too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky, let it cool longer or add a bit more ground pistachios until it firms up.
6. Can I skip the rose water and orange blossom water?
Yes, but they add authentic Middle Eastern flavors. You can replace them with vanilla extract.
7. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Ensure the dough is thick enough and completely sealed around the filling before rolling into a truffle.
8. Can I make these without added sugar?
Yes, use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
9. What can I serve with mafroukeh truffles?
They pair well with Arabic coffee, mint tea, or fresh fruit platters.
10. Can I use store-bought ground pistachios?
Yes, but ensure they are unsalted and finely ground for the best texture.
Conclusion
Pistachio Mafroukeh Truffles are a luxurious, no-bake dessert that perfectly complements Ramadan iftar or Eid celebrations. With their delicate pistachio flavor, creamy filling, and aromatic hints of rose and orange blossom, these truffles are sure to impress. Whether you serve them at a gathering or enjoy them as a sweet treat, they bring a touch of elegance to any occasion.
