Tahini Phyllo Rolls: A Delicious & Easy Dessert Recipe

Tahini Phyllo Rolls: Prepare to be transported to a realm of flaky, nutty, and utterly irresistible deliciousness! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you, a delightful twist on traditional pastries that’s guaranteed to become a new favorite. Imagine layers of delicate, crispy phyllo dough embracing a rich, creamy tahini filling – it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more.

Tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, has a rich history deeply rooted in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. For centuries, it has been a staple ingredient, adding its unique nutty flavor to both savory and sweet dishes. These Tahini Phyllo Rolls draw inspiration from these culinary traditions, offering a modern and accessible way to enjoy this ancient ingredient.

But what makes these rolls so special? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, the satisfying crunch of the phyllo, and the melt-in-your-mouth creaminess of the tahini filling. They’re surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, making them ideal for a quick dessert, a delightful afternoon snack, or even a unique addition to your brunch spread. Trust me, once you try these Tahini Phyllo Rolls, you’ll understand why they’re so addictive!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 package (16 ounces) phyllo dough, thawed
• 1 cup tahini
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds, plus more for sprinkling
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pistachios (optional)
• 1/2 cup melted butter, for brushing
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Preparing the Tahini Filling

Okay, let’s get started with the heart of these delicious rolls – the tahini filling! This is where all the magic happens, so pay close attention.

1. Combine the Tahini, Honey, and Olive Oil: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the tahini, honey, and olive oil until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be thick but pourable. If it seems too thick, add a teaspoon or two more of olive oil until you reach the desired consistency. We want it to spread easily on the phyllo dough.
2. Add the Spices and Salt: Now, add the cinnamon, cardamom, and salt to the tahini mixture. Whisk again until everything is evenly distributed. These spices will give the filling a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the tahini perfectly. Don’t skip the salt; it balances the sweetness of the honey.
3. Incorporate the Sesame Seeds: Stir in the 1/4 cup of sesame seeds. These add a lovely nutty crunch to the filling. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. Add Nuts (Optional): If you’re using nuts, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pistachios. I personally love the added texture and flavor they bring, but it’s totally up to you.
5. Taste and Adjust: Give the filling a taste and adjust the sweetness or spices as needed. You might want a touch more honey if you prefer a sweeter filling, or a pinch more cinnamon for a warmer flavor. Remember, you’re the chef, so make it your own!

Assembling the Phyllo Rolls

Now comes the fun part – assembling the rolls! Phyllo dough can be a little delicate, so work quickly and gently to prevent it from drying out.

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Lay out a clean, dry surface. Have your melted butter, tahini filling, and a pastry brush ready. It’s also a good idea to have a damp towel nearby to cover the phyllo dough and prevent it from drying out.
2. Unroll the Phyllo Dough: Carefully unroll the phyllo dough and place it on your prepared surface. Immediately cover it with the damp towel.
3. Brush with Butter: Take one sheet of phyllo dough and place it on your work surface. Brush it lightly with melted butter. Be sure to get the edges.
4. Layer Another Sheet: Place another sheet of phyllo dough on top of the buttered sheet. Brush this sheet with melted butter as well. Repeat this process until you have 4-5 layers of phyllo dough. The more layers, the flakier your rolls will be!
5. Spread the Tahini Filling: Spread a thin, even layer of the tahini filling over the top sheet of phyllo dough, leaving a 1-inch border along one of the long edges. This border will help seal the roll. Don’t overfill it, or the filling will ooze out during baking.
6. Roll Up the Phyllo Dough: Starting from the edge opposite the border, carefully roll up the phyllo dough tightly, like a jelly roll. Try to keep the roll even and compact.
7. Seal the Roll: Brush the 1-inch border with a little melted butter to help seal the roll.
8. Cut the Roll into Pieces: Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 1-inch to 1.5-inch pieces. You can make them smaller or larger depending on your preference.
9. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the rolls, cut-side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking.
10. Brush with Butter and Sprinkle with Sesame Seeds: Brush the tops of the rolls with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds. This will give them a beautiful golden color and added flavor.
11. Repeat: Repeat steps 3-10 with the remaining phyllo dough and filling.

Baking the Tahini Phyllo Rolls

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake these beauties until they’re golden brown and crispy.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven is properly preheated for even baking.
2. Bake the Rolls: Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. If they start to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover them with foil.
3. Cool Slightly: Once the rolls are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional): If desired, dust the cooled rolls with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few extra tips and ideas to make these tahini phyllo rolls even more amazing!

• Working with Phyllo Dough: Phyllo dough dries out quickly, so it’s important to keep it covered with a damp towel while you’re working with it. If the dough becomes too dry, it will crack and be difficult to work with.
• Butter Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use coconut oil or another type of oil instead of butter for brushing the phyllo dough.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of honey to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet roll, reduce the amount of honey. You can also use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute.
• Nut Variations: Experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts. You can also use a combination of nuts.
• Spice Variations: Try adding other spices, such as nutmeg, ginger, or cloves, to the tahini filling.
• Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the tahini filling for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: For a decadent treat, add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the tahini filling.
• Savory Option: For a savory version, omit the honey and cinnamon and add herbs such as dill, parsley, or oregano to the tahini filling. You can also add crumbled feta cheese.
• Storage: Store the baked rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

These tahini phyllo rolls are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take them to the next level:

• Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Drizzle them with honey or maple syrup.
• Serve them with a cup of coffee or tea.
• Include them as part of a dessert platter.
• Bring them to a potluck or party.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating these delicious tahini phyllo rolls! They’re a perfect treat for any occasion.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another dessert recipe; it’s an experience. The flaky, golden-brown phyllo dough, the rich, nutty tahini filling, and the delicate sweetness of the syrup combine to create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. I truly believe that these Tahini Phyllo Rolls are a must-try for anyone who appreciates a delicious and relatively easy-to-make treat. They’re impressive enough for a special occasion but simple enough to whip up for a weeknight dessert.

But why should you take my word for it? The real magic happens when you try it yourself. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as these rolls bake, the anticipation building with each passing minute. And then, the moment of truth: that first bite. The crispness of the phyllo giving way to the creamy, sesame-infused filling. It’s pure bliss, I promise!

Beyond the basic recipe, there’s so much room for customization. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the tahini filling for a warm, spiced flavor. A sprinkle of chopped pistachios or walnuts on top adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal. For a citrusy twist, incorporate some orange or lemon zest into the syrup. And if you’re looking for a vegan option, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative – coconut oil works beautifully!

Serving suggestions are endless. These Tahini Phyllo Rolls are fantastic on their own, but they also pair perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of sesame seeds adds an extra touch of elegance. They’re also a wonderful addition to a dessert platter, alongside other Middle Eastern delicacies like baklava or kanafeh. Consider serving them warm with a cup of strong Turkish coffee or a refreshing glass of iced tea.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. But the best part of sharing a recipe is seeing how others make it their own. So, I encourage you to give these Tahini Phyllo Rolls a try. Don’t be intimidated by the phyllo dough; with a little patience and practice, you’ll be a pro in no time. And remember, even if they don’t look perfect, they’ll still taste amazing!

Once you’ve baked your own batch of these delectable rolls, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve them with? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to improve and share recipes that you’ll truly enjoy. Let’s create a community of bakers who appreciate the simple pleasures of homemade goodness, one Tahini Phyllo Roll at a time! Happy baking!