Phyllo-Wrapped Halawet el-Jibn Sweet Cheese Rolls
Soft cheese rolls wrapped in thin phyllo dough, soaked in fragrant rose water syrup for a delicate Syrian dessert. This middle eastern-inspired desserts ready in about 45 minutes layers semolina flour, all-purpose flour, milk into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup semolina flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted cheese (mozzarella or akkawi), shredded
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp rose water
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar for syrup
- 8 sheets phyllo dough sheets
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups milk, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 cup semolina flour, and 1/2 cup all-purpose flour. Whisk constantly over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
- Step 2: Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese until fully melted and incorporated, then add 1 tbsp rose water and mix well. Let the mixture cool until warm but pliable.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and brush lightly with 1 tbsp melted butter. Repeat layering 4 sheets total, brushing each with butter.
- Step 4: Spread half of the cheese mixture evenly in a strip down the center of the layered phyllo. Carefully roll the phyllo over the filling to form a tight log. Repeat with remaining phyllo and cheese mixture.
- Step 5: Place the rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush the tops with the remaining melted butter. Bake for 20 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Step 6: Meanwhile, prepare syrup by boiling 1 cup sugar with 1/2 cup water for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp rose water.
- Step 7: Pour the warm syrup evenly over the hot rolls and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped pistachios. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Phyllo-Wrapped Halawet el-Jibn Sweet Cheese Rolls take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Phyllo-Wrapped Halawet el-Jibn Sweet Cheese Rolls?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Phyllo-Wrapped Halawet el-Jibn Sweet Cheese Rolls?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Phyllo-Wrapped Halawet el-Jibn Sweet Cheese Rolls for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Phyllo-Wrapped Halawet el-Jibn Sweet Cheese Rolls?
Middle Eastern desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
