🍯 Moroccan Shebbakia: The Iconic Ramadan Pastry & How to Make It at Home

🍯 Moroccan Shebbakia: The Iconic Ramadan Pastry & How to Make It at Home

Golden, crisp, and honey-soaked—Shebbakia is Morocco’s Ramadan favorite
Photo by Moussa Idrissi

✨ A Sweet Symbol of Moroccan Tradition

Shebbakia (also spelled Chebakia or Mkherqa) is Morocco’s signature Ramadan sweet—crispy, honey-drenched, and spiced with cinnamon, anise, and saffron. Twisted into flower-like shapes and crowned with sesame seeds, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. More than just a dessert, Shebbakia is a cultural treasure, passed down from generation to generation and lovingly shared during the holy month of Ramadan.

🕌 Uniquely Moroccan: With its intricate folding and aromatic flavors, Shebbakia is a culinary creation that can’t be imitated. It’s a symbol of care, family, and the sacred spirit of Ramadan in every golden bite.

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🥣 Ingredients to Make Authentic Shebbakia

You’ll need a few special ingredients to get the true Moroccan flavor:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 egg

• 1/2 cup ground almonds

• 1/4 cup toasted + ground sesame seeds

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup melted butter

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground anise

• A pinch of saffron threads

• 1 tbsp orange blossom water

• 1/4 cup vinegar

• 1/2 tsp salt

• Warm water (as needed)

• 🐝 For soaking: Warm honey with a splash of orange blossom

• ✨ Garnish: Toasted sesame seeds

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step: How to Make Shebbakia

1. 🌀 Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix flour, ground almonds, sesame, cinnamon, saffron, and anise. Add melted butter, oil, egg, and vinegar. Slowly add warm water and knead until smooth. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes.

2. 🌸 Shape the Flowers
Roll out the dough thin. Cut into rectangles, slice each into 4 vertical strips, and weave into flower shapes. This step is fun and artistic—don’t worry if your first few aren’t perfect!

3. 🍳 Fry to Perfection
Fry in hot oil until golden brown. Remove and briefly drain.

4. 🍯 Soak in Honey
Immediately dip the hot cookies into warm, aromatic honey. Let them soak, then sprinkle generously with sesame seeds.

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📸 Suggested Image

• Title: Moroccan Shebbakia Ramadan Pastry

• Alt Text: Golden Moroccan Shebbakia cookies soaked in honey and topped with sesame seeds

• Caption: Golden, crisp, and honey-soaked—Shebbakia is Morocco’s Ramadan favorite.

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🎥 Video Tutorial

Title: How to Make Moroccan Chebakia (Shebbakia) – Step-by-Step Recipe