Baking Techniques

Date Rolls Recipe

Recipe Disclaimer: Nutritional information is provided as a general estimate only. Actual values may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and cooking methods. Always check ingredient labels for allergen information.

Date breads and pastries like these rolls are popular throughout the Middle East and are a perfect treat for the month of Ramadan. The dough and filling for them vary from region to region, as do the shape of the rolls. My version, known as naan-e khormayi (bread with dates) in Persian, uses a fluffy yeast dough filled with a mixture of dates, walnuts, coconut and cinnamon. The dates make the rolls just sweet enough – and delicious with a cup of coffee or tea. The dough uses yogurt, which helps keep it soft and easy to work with, and it’s perfect for twisting into the attractive spiral shape used in this recipe.

  • Level: Easy
  • Yield: 12 date rolls
  • Nutritional Analysis Per Serving Serving Size 1 of 14 servings Calories 338 Total Fat 15 g Saturated Fat 2 g Carbohydrates 47 g Dietary Fiber 3 g Sugar 17 g Protein 6 g Cholesterol 15 mg Sodium 48 mg
  • Total: 2 hr 30 min
  • Active: 40 min

Indulge in the timeless delight of Persian naan-e khormayi (date bread)soft, spiral rolls bursting with sweet dates, crunchy walnuts, coconut, and warm cinnamon. A Ramadan favorite across the Middle East, these tender treats pair perfectly with coffee or tea, thanks to yogurt-enriched dough that's easy to shape into stunning spirals.

Dough:
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup neutral oil, like grapeseed or avocado oil
1/2 cup plain yogurt (see Cook's Note)
1 large egg white
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
One 1/4-ounce (7-gram) packet instant yeast
4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading and dusting

Filling:
12 to 15 pitted dates
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup walnuts
3 tablespoons desiccated coconut

Topping:
1 large egg yolk
2 tablespoons sesame seeds

  1. For the dough: In a large bowl, whisk milk, oil, yogurt, egg white, and 1/2 cup lukewarm water. Stir in sugar, salt, yeast, and flour to form a dough. Knead on a floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elasticslightly tacky, not sticky (add flour if needed; or use a stand mixer with dough hook).
  2. Place dough in a clean bowl, cover with plastic wrap and a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour.
  3. Prepare filling: Soak dates in hot water 30 minutes, drain, then pulse in a food processor with oil, walnuts, and coconut into a paste. Set aside.
  4. Punch down risen dough, roll into a 12-by-18-inch rectangle (short side toward you). Spread filling over top half, fold bottom up. Cut into 1-inch-wide, 9-inch-long strips.
  5. On parchment-lined baking sheets, twist strips oppositely at ends, coil into spirals, tucking ends under. Let rise 15 minutes.
  6. Preheat oven to 350F with racks in upper and lower thirds.
  7. Top and bake: Brush with egg yolk, sprinkle sesame seeds. Bake 25-30 minutes until golden, rotating sheets midway. Cool on sheets. Store airtight at room temp (2 days) or fridge (1 week); reheat 20-30 seconds in microwave.

This versatile recipe shines with any milk or yogurteven plant-based!

Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) NEW: Switch to Cook Mode to prevent your screen from sleeping.

Copyright 2024 Television Recipe Iseasy, G.P. All rights reserved.

Categories:

RecipeIsEasy Editorial Team

RecipeIsEasy Editorial Team

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Our team of passionate home cooks and professional chefs test every recipe to ensure it's easy to follow, delicious, and reliable. We believe great food should be accessible to everyone.

Tested & reviewed by the RecipeIsEasy Kitchen Team

🍽️ Important Recipe Notice

The recipes and nutritional information provided on RecipeIsEasy.com are intended for general informational and educational purposes only. Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the specific brands or types of ingredients used.

If you have food allergies, dietary restrictions, or specific health conditions, please consult a qualified dietitian or healthcare professional before preparing or consuming any recipe from this site. Never disregard professional dietary advice because of content you have read here.

Food safety is important — always follow safe food handling and cooking practices. When in doubt about ingredient substitutions or storage, consult a food safety authority.

Tandoori Vegetables in Oven: Perfectly Roasted & Flavorful Every Time

Avoid soggy veggies with this easy tandoori vegetables in oven recipe. Learn baking tips for crispy, aromatic results. Try it tonight for bold flavor!

Karjalanpiirakka: The Ultimate Homemade Recipe & Tips

Learn how to bake authentic Finnish karjalanpiirakka with easy steps, pronunciation help, tweaks, and tips on buying fresh pies.

What to Do with Egg Yolks

Use up leftover egg yolks in dessert recipes, dressings, pastas and more.

Easy Banana Bread with Yogurt – Quick, Moist & Healthy

Bake a moist loaf with ripe bananas and Greek yogurt. This easy banana bread with yogurt is protein‑rich and perfect for snack.

Chicken Breast Dutch Oven Stovetop: Juicy & Easy Baking Tips

Master chicken breast dutch oven stovetop cooking for juicy, tender results. Simple steps and handy tips to enjoy flavorful chicken every time.

Healthy Banana Bread No Sugar – Moist, Quick & Guilt‑Free

Enjoy a slice of this healthy banana bread no sugar recipe—moist, quick, and naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and oats.

What Are the Ingredients for Meat Pie? A Friendly Guide

Find out what are the ingredients for meat pie and how to blend them for a perfect buttery crust and juicy filling.

Bierocks Recipe: Easy, Authentic German Rolls You’ll Love

Easy bierocks recipe: buttery German rolls stuffed with seasoned beef, cabbage and optional cheese – a quick, comforting dinner.

Meat Pie Origin Country: Explore Its Tasty Global Roots

Trace the meat pie origin country from ancient Greek roots, through Roman and British twists, to today’s Australian steak‑pie.

Baked Potato Microwave and Oven: Quick Crisp & Fluffy Perfection

Perfect your baked potato microwave and oven technique for fast, crispy skin and fluffy inside. Follow expert tips for delicious results every time.

Recipeiseasy.com

Your trusted source for cooking tips, answers, and tasty recipes. Make cooking easier and more enjoyable every time!

Email Us: contact@recipeiseasy.com

Copyright ©2025 RecipeIsEasy. All Rights Reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted without prior written permission.