How to Make Halawet El Jibn: A Sweet Syrian Cheese Dessert

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If you enjoy Middle Eastern desserts like baklava or kunafa, then Halawet El Jibn is a treat you absolutely must try. Originating in Syria and popular across the Levant, this delicacy translates to “sweetness of the cheese.” It combines soft, stretchy cheese dough with a light cream filling, all topped with sugar syrup and crushed pistachios. The result is a soft, melt-in-the-mouth dessert that’s both rich and refreshing.

In this blog post, you’ll learn how to make Halawet El Jibn at home using ingredients that are easy to find and steps that are simple to follow—all in under 1000 words.

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What is Halawet El Jibn?

Halawet El Jibn is a cheese-based dessert made with semolina and soft white cheese, usually Akkawi or mozzarella, to form a pliable dough. This dough is then filled with Ashta (Arabic-style clotted cream or sweet cream), rolled or layered, and finally topped with fragrant sugar syrup and ground pistachios. The result is a light yet indulgent dessert perfect for celebrations or special occasions.

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Ingredients

For the Cheese Dough:

1 cup semolina (fine)

1 cup water

1 tbsp rose water

1 tbsp orange blossom water

1 tbsp sugar

250g unsalted soft white cheese (mozzarella is a good substitute)

For the Cream Filling (Ashta):

1 cup milk

1 tbsp cornflour

1 tbsp sugar

1 tsp rose water or orange blossom water

For the Sugar Syrup:

1 cup sugar

½ cup water

1 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp rose water or orange blossom water

Garnish:

Crushed pistachios

Extra syrup for serving

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Equipment:

Saucepan

Mixing spoon

Rolling pin

Cling film

Tray or flat surface

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Syrup

Start by making the syrup so it has time to cool.

1. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water.

2. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for about 7–8 minutes.

3. Add lemon juice and simmer for another 2 minutes.

4. Remove from heat and stir in rose water or orange blossom water.

5. Set aside to cool.

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Step 2: Make the Cream Filling (Ashta)

1. Mix the cornflour, sugar, and milk in a small saucepan.

2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.

3. Add the rose or orange blossom water and stir well.

4. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before using.

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Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Dough

1. Soak the cheese in cold water for 1–2 hours, changing the water a few times to remove the salt (if using salted cheese like Akkawi).

2. Drain the cheese and shred it.

3. In a saucepan, heat the water, sugar, rose water, and orange blossom water until just warm.

4. Add the semolina and stir continuously until it thickens.

5. Add the shredded cheese and stir until the mixture turns into a stretchy, cohesive dough.

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Step 4: Roll and Fill the Dough

1. While the dough is warm (but not hot), transfer it to a clean work surface lined with cling film.

2. Place another piece of cling film on top and use a rolling pin to flatten the dough into a thin rectangle—about 0.5 cm thick.

3. Remove the top film and cut the dough into strips (around 10x5 cm).

4. Place a spoonful of the cream filling at one end of each strip and roll tightly.

5. Alternatively, spread the cream over half the dough sheet and fold the other half over it, then cut into squares.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Arrange the rolls or squares on a serving plate.

2. Drizzle with cooled sugar syrup.

3. Sprinkle generously with crushed pistachios.

4. Serve chilled for best results.

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Serving Suggestions

Halawet El Jibn is traditionally served cold, making it ideal for summer gatherings or festive meals. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of Arabic coffee or mint tea. For a modern twist, you can even serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

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Storage Tips

Store the dessert in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Do not freeze, as the texture may change. Keep the syrup separate and drizzle just before serving for the freshest experience.

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Final Thoughts

Halawet El Jibn is one of those desserts that look and taste luxurious but are surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re celebrating Eid, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself, this cheese-based treat will bring a taste of the Middle East to your table.

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How to make Halawet El Jibn, Syrian cheese dessert, Middle Eastern sweets, Lebanese cheese rolls, Arabic dessert recipes, semolina cheese dessert, homemade Ashta cream, easy Arabic desserts

--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.