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1. Prepare the Peanut Filling
Start by preparing the filling. Place the roasted peanuts in a food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped but still have some texture. You don’t want them to be completely ground into a paste—small chunks will give the cigars a pleasant crunch. If you don’t have a food processor, you can also finely chop the peanuts by hand.
In a small bowl, combine the chopped peanuts with honey, sugar, and cinnamon (if using). Stir the mixture until everything is evenly incorporated. The honey will bind the peanuts together, giving the filling a sticky, sweet texture.
2. Prepare the Phyllo Dough
Lay out a clean kitchen towel and place a sheet of phyllo dough on top. Phyllo dough can dry out quickly, so keep the remaining sheets covered with a damp towel. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the phyllo sheet with melted butter to help it become golden and crispy when baked.
You can choose to use puff pastry instead of phyllo dough for a flakier texture, but phyllo dough is traditional and results in a crispier, lighter texture.
3. Assemble the Sweet Peanut Cigars
Once the phyllo dough is ready, place about a tablespoon of the peanut-honey mixture near the bottom of each sheet. Roll the dough tightly around the filling, folding in the edges as you go to create a cigar-like shape. Brush the outside of the cigar with more melted butter to ensure that the pastry turns golden and crispy while baking.
Repeat the process with the remaining sheets of phyllo dough and filling until all the cigars are assembled.
4. Bake the Cigars
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the filled cigars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring that they are not touching each other to allow for even baking. Bake the cigars in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
5. Finish and Serve
Once baked, remove the Sweet Peanut Cigars from the oven and let them cool slightly. You can drizzle a little extra honey on top for added sweetness and shine. Dust the cigars with powdered sugar for a festive and elegant touch.
Serve them warm or at room temperature with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful dessert experience.
Tips for the Perfect Sweet Peanut Cigars
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of honey or sugar in the filling. You can also opt for a sugar-free honey substitute.
- Add extra flavor: Feel free to experiment with other spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor profile.
- Storage: These cigars can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for a couple of minutes to restore their crispiness.
Why You’ll Love These Sweet Peanut Cigars with Honey
The combination of crunchy peanuts, the sweetness of honey, and the crispiness of phyllo dough creates a perfectly balanced treat that is irresistible. They are easy to make yet feel fancy enough for special occasions. Whether you’re preparing them for a family gathering or treating yourself, these Sweet Peanut Cigars with Honey are sure to be a hit.
Enjoy the delightful crunch, the rich sweetness, and the warm aroma as you indulge in this delicious snack.
