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Sweet Cheese Rolls with Ashta Cream


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  • Author: Mari
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Halawet El-Jebn is a cherished Middle Eastern dessert known for its soft, stretchy cheese dough made with semolina and mozzarella, rolled around a luscious Ashta cream filling. Drizzled with fragrant sugar syrup and topped with crushed pistachios and rose petals, this delicate and lightly sweet treat is perfect for Ramadan, Eid, or any special occasion.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Cheese Dough:

  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup semolina
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water

For the Ashta Cream Filling:

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon rose water

For the Sugar Syrup:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon rose water

For Garnish:

  • 1/4 cup crushed pistachios
  • 1 tablespoon dried rose petals

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sugar Syrup:

  1. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water and bring to a boil.
  2. Add lemon juice and simmer for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  3. Stir in rose water and set aside to cool.

2. Make the Ashta Cream:

  1. In a pot, whisk together milk, cornstarch, sugar, and vanilla extract.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until thickened.
  3. Add rose water, then let cool before using.

3. Prepare the Cheese Dough:

  1. In a saucepan, heat water and sugar over medium heat until dissolved.
  2. Add mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted.
  3. Gradually mix in semolina while stirring continuously until a stretchy dough forms.
  4. Remove from heat and knead gently until smooth.

4. Shape the Rolls:

  1. Roll the warm dough into a thin rectangular sheet on parchment paper.
  2. Spread a layer of Ashta cream along the edge, then carefully roll it into a log.
  3. Slice into small rolls and arrange on a serving plate.

5. Garnish & Serve:

  1. Drizzle with sugar syrup.
  2. Sprinkle with crushed pistachios and dried rose petals.
  3. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing and indulgent dessert!

Notes

  • Work quickly with the cheese dough while it’s warm to keep it pliable.
  • If the dough becomes too sticky, lightly grease your hands with butter or oil.
  • For a shortcut, use store-bought clotted cream instead of homemade Ashta.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Calories: 200 kcal per piece