Moroccan Sesame and Honey Slippers, known as Blighates, are delicious traditional pastries made with toasted sesame seeds, scented with orange blossom water, and generously coated in honey.
These oriental sweets are especially popular during religious celebrations such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, but they can be enjoyed throughout the year with a warm cup of Moroccan mint tea.
Their unique slipper-shaped appearance makes them instantly recognizable. Crispy on the outside, fragrant, and wonderfully tender thanks to the honey coating, these pastries are a true delight.
Made with simple ingredients that are easy to find, Blighates are among the most beloved treats in Moroccan pastry traditions.
A Traditional Moroccan Delight
The word Blighates literally means “slippers” in reference to their shape, which resembles the traditional Moroccan babouche.
Prepared with sesame seeds, flour, honey, orange blossom water, and cinnamon, these pastries offer a rich combination of flavors that perfectly represent North African dessert culture.
[IMAGE: Close-up of honey-coated sesame pastries]
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 125 g toasted sesame seeds
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon softened butter
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking powder (about 4 g)
- 100 ml orange blossom water
- Milk (optional, if needed)
- Blanched fried almonds for decoration
- Oil for frying
For the Honey Coating
- 250 g honey
- 2 tablespoons orange blossom water
[IMAGE: Ingredients arranged on a kitchen table]
Instructions
1. Toast the Sesame Seeds
Lightly toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant. Even if the seeds are already toasted, reheating them for a few minutes enhances their flavor.
2. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, toasted sesame seeds, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon.
Add the softened butter and rub it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Mix in the egg yolk and orange blossom water.
Gradually add a little milk if necessary until a smooth and soft dough forms.
Cover the dough and let it rest while preparing the frying oil.
3. Shape the Blighates
Divide the dough into two portions.
Roll each portion into a thin sheet on a lightly floured surface.
Cut circles using a cookie cutter.
Lift and pinch the two ends of each circle together to create the traditional slipper shape.
Place the shaped pastries on a tray.
4. Fry the Pastries
Heat plenty of oil in a deep pan.
Fry the pastries, starting with the pinched side facing down to prevent them from opening.
Cook until both sides are golden brown.
5. Coat with Honey
Warm the honey with the orange blossom water over low heat.
Immediately after frying, dip the pastries into the warm honey and allow them to soak for a few minutes.
Transfer them to a strainer to remove excess honey.
6. Garnish and Serve
Decorate each pastry with a fried almond.
Serve with Moroccan mint tea for the perfect traditional experience.
Why You’ll Love These Moroccan Sesame Cookies
- Crispy outside and tender inside
- Rich honey flavor with floral orange blossom notes
- Easy to prepare with basic ingredients
- Perfect for Eid celebrations and special occasions
- Excellent for serving with tea or coffee
Conclusion
Moroccan Blighates are a beautiful example of traditional North African pastry making. Their crunchy texture, fragrant sesame aroma, delicate orange blossom flavor, and sweet honey coating make them an unforgettable treat.
Whether served during Eid celebrations or enjoyed as an everyday dessert, these honey-coated sesame pastries are guaranteed to impress family and guests alike.
