Chocolate Kunafa Cigars

These chocolate kunafa cigars are the kind of dessert that disappears from the plate before you have time to Instagram them. Crispy kunafa pastry rolled around a decadent chocolate-pistachio cream filling, baked until golden, and finished with a chocolate drizzle and pistachio dust.

They are essentially the cigar-shaped cousin of the famous Dubai chocolate bar — same flavor DNA (kunafa + pistachio cream + chocolate), but in a portable, dippable, snackable format. Make a batch of 16 and watch them vanish.

Chef's Notes

• The key to great kunafa cigars is keeping the sheets moist while you work. Cover unused sheets with a damp towel to prevent drying.
• Roll them tightly but not too tight — the filling needs a little room to expand as it heats.
• For the chocolate-pistachio filling, mix the chocolate while warm so it stays pliable. If it seizes, add a teaspoon of warm cream and stir vigorously.
• Brush each cigar with ghee before AND after rolling for maximum crispiness.

Variation Ideas

• Nutella Version: Replace the chocolate-pistachio cream with Nutella mixed with crushed pistachios.
• White Chocolate Cardamom: Use white chocolate in the filling and add 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom.
• Mini Size: Cut the kunafa sheets in half for bite-sized cigars perfect for dessert platters.
• Deep Fried: Skip the oven and deep fry at 175°C for 3-4 minutes for an extra crispy shell.

Storage Tips

• Store baked cigars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a 165°C oven for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Unbaked cigars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 3-4 extra minutes to the cook time.

Related Recipes

If you love these cigars, try our Pistachio Kunafa Rolls for a similar format with a different flavor profile, or our Mini Kunafa Nests with Chocolate for another party-friendly kunafa treat. For the classic bar form, see our Classic Dubai Chocolate Bar.