Ramadan Recipe: Cream Cheese and Honey Bread Rolls
These sweet and creamy bread rolls (Khaliat Nahl) are a delightful Arabic sweet treat that is popular during Ramadan and other special occasions. Its name, meaning "beehive", comes from the way the soft, fluffy rolls are arranged in a circular pattern, resembling a honeycomb. Filled with cream cheese, and then brushed with golden honey, this bread offers a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Served warm, it’s a comforting and indulgent treat that pairs beautifully with tea or coffee after a long day of fasting.
Read More: Ramadan Recipe: Palestinian Musakhan
This recipe was crafted by our esteemed culinary advisor, Chef Sarah.
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Ingredients of Honeycomb Bread
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- 25 Minutes
- 9 Serving
- 189 Calories
- 2 ½ cups flour, divided into 1 cup and 1 ½ cups
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp instant yeast, see notes
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup olive oil
- 150 grams cream cheese block
- 1 egg, whisked at room temperature
- ½ tbsp sesame seeds
- ½ tbsp black seed
- ¼ cup honey
Honeycomb Bread
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Method & Directions of Honeycomb Bread
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- 25 Minutes
- Preheat the Oven
تم نسخ الرابطStart by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's ready for baking.
- Allow the Yeast to Proof
تم نسخ الرابطIn a bowl, mix together the warm water and instant yeast. Set aside for 2 minutes to allow the yeast to activate and become frothy.
- Start the Dough
تم نسخ الرابطIn a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, the yeast mixture, yogurt, and sugar. Mix well until fully incorporated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes to develop flavor and texture.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese
تم نسخ الرابطWhile the dough is resting, cut the cream cheese block into small cubes. Use approximately 5-7 grams per dough ball for even distribution.
- Finish the Dough
تم نسخ الرابطAfter 10 minutes, the mixture should look bubbly. Add the remaining 1½ cups of flour, olive oil, and salt to the bowl. Mix everything together using a spoon until the dough starts forming.
- Start Kneading
تم نسخ الرابطTransfer the dough to a lightly greased surface and knead for a few minutes until smooth. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky—this is key to achieving a fluffy texture. Lightly oil your hands if needed to prevent sticking.
- Divide the Dough
تم نسخ الرابطShape the dough into equal-sized balls, each weighing approximately 45 grams. You can use a kitchen scale for accuracy or estimate by hand.
- Make the Stuffed Balls
تم نسخ الرابطFlatten each dough ball with your hands, place a cream cheese cube in the center, and pinch the dough closed around the cheese. Ensure the seams are sealed properly to keep the cheese from leaking during baking.
- Arrange the Stuffed Dough
تم نسخ الرابطPlace the stuffed dough balls into a greased and floured baking pan, leaving some space between them for expansion. This recipe typically fills two 9-inch pans for 17 dough balls.
- Egg Wash and Sprinkle Seeds
تم نسخ الرابطWhisk an egg at room temperature, then brush it over the dough balls. Sprinkle sesame seeds and black seeds on top for a flavorful and decorative finish.
- Bake and Broil
تم نسخ الرابطBake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until the dough is fully cooked. Then, switch to broil mode for a few minutes to achieve a deep golden-brown color on top.
- Brush with Honey and Serve
تم نسخ الرابطAs soon as the bread rolls come out of the oven, brush them with honey for a deliciously glossy and slightly sweet finish. Serve warm and enjoy!
This dough is called the 10-Minute Dough because it comes together quickly and is ready to use within just 10 minutes!