Chocolate Kunafa Cigars
Rolled kunafa pastry filled with chocolate-pistachio cream, baked until golden — crispy, indulgent, and perfect for gatherings.
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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.
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ChocoVision Rev 2B Chocolate Tempering Machine (1lb)
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FDKYOEK 6-Cavity Silicone Chocolate Bar Mold Kit
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KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer (KSM150PS)
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Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Medjool Dates 2 lbs
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Andreano Dubai Chocolate Bar White Chocolate Kunafa Pistachio (110g)
The original viral Dubai chocolate bar by Fix Dessert Chocolatier. If you want to taste the real thing before making your own, this is it. Features pistachio cream, kunafa, and premium chocolate.
Cuisinart DFP-14BCNY 14-Cup Food Processor
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Valrhona Caraïbe 66% Dark Chocolate Feves
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Fiddyment Farms Premium Creamy Pistachio Butter
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Bronte Sicilian Pistachio Cream
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Cerez Pazari Kataifi Shredded Phyllo Dough 1.1 lb
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ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE Instant-Read Thermometer
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Gusto ETNA Pistachio Flour 8.8oz (Italian, Gluten-Free)
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