Looking for a fun way to teach your kids about Moroccan culture?
We might have just what you need!
Introducing new cultures through international cuisine is not only an entertaining way for your kids to learn about new countries, but it’s also an opportunity to create amazing memories together!
So, even though you might not be able to take your family to Morocco right now, you can still get a taste of this colorful country through cooking fun and easy recipes and have fun along the way!
Today, we’re taking you on a mouthwatering journey to Morocco with these eleven delicious snack recipes.
Bon appetit or besseha as they say in Morocco!
M’hancha
Also called the “Moroccan snake”, this delicious pastry will be an instant hit with the whole family. All you need to whip up this flavorsome treat is almond paste, a spoonful of orange flower water, and some cinnamon. Once cooked, add a zest of honey and sprinkle some powdered sugar on top as garnish and ta-da. You’re in for a treat!
Not only does the snake shape make for a fun pastry to bake with the kids, but M’hanncha can serve many, making it the ideal snack for football games or social activities.
Maamoul Cookie
How does indulging in soft, chewy, and buttery date-filled cookies that melt in your mouth sound?
Popular at Eid, a holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, these delicious cookies will delight your taste buds and those of your children! Low in refined sugar, they’re packed with healthy ingredients such as date paste, almond flour, and rose water.
And the best thing about them is that they can be stored for up to 3 weeks in an airtight container, making them the ideal dessert for lunch boxes! You really can’t go wrong with this easy-to-make cookie recipe.
Baklava
Baklava is one of the most popular desserts in Morocco, and for good reason. Made with baked phyllo pastry, it is then soaked with syrup, filled with delicious nuts and topped with orange blossom water.
There are many theories as to where this flaky and floral treat originated from first, but it’s traditionally associated with Ottoman Turkish cuisine.
One of our favorite Baklava recipes is the almond, cinnamon, and orange blossom water Baklava by Waiting for Blancmange.
Gazelle Horns
Nothing better to introduce your kids to a new world of fantastic Moroccan flavors and amazing textures than making gazelle horns together!
Funnily enough, the literal Moroccan Arabic translation of this absolutely divine pastry is Gazelle ankles or kaab el ghazal. These traditional Maghreb nutty pastries have the shape of a mini croissant and are made with a heavenly combination of almond, cinnamon, honey and orange blossom.
Usually served with lots of mint tea, gazelle horns are a treat served on special occasions such as weddings or parties.
If you decide to bake these tasty snacks with the kids, we can almost guarantee you’ll be rewarded with big smiles!
Harsha
Bread is a staple in Morocco and one of the best bread types you’ll find in this flavourful country is Harsha. Introduced by Algerian bakers who settled in the city of Fes in the 19th century, this delectable fluffy pan-fried flatbread is made with semolina. It can be dipped in olive oil, jam, honey syrup, or stuffed with cheese. This tasty savory treat makes for the perfect breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up!
And of course, like many snacks in Morocco, it’s usually served with mint tea.
Coconut, Lemon and Semolina Ghriba
Ghriba is a type of crunchy and nutty coconut shortbread cookie extremely popular in Arab countries and, more particularly, in Morocco. Ghriba means “the mysterious” in Moroccan Arabic, and it’s believed that this sweet snack was introduced to Moroccan cuisine by a group of Andaloussi who fled to Morocco.
The basic recipe includes sugar, flour, nuts and butter, but there are many variations. We personally love the quick and easy recipe by Megounista.
These cookies are crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside and the refreshing flavor combination gives us a taste explosion every time!
Baghrir
Next on our list of best Moroccan snacks to make with your kids is a classic; the Moroccan version of pancakes.
Baghrir (also called thousand-hole pancake due to its appearance) is a Moroccan staple enjoyed at Iftar, the evening meal that ends each daily Ramadan fast. Sweet, fluffy, and spongy, when it comes to easy snacks to make with kids, nothing beats this real crowd-pleaser.
This tasty treat is made with semolina flour, yeast and baking powder. Once cooked, combine equal parts of butter and honey and pour the indulgent syrup on your pancakes. A real piece of paradise for any pancake lover 😉
Msemen
Guess what?
We have another delicious Moroccan pancake recipe in store for you!
Msemen is a square-shaped pancake widely enjoyed in Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco. The name means clarified butter which is an essential ingredient in the recipe.
Usually stuffed with onion and tomatoes or meat, this delicacy can also be enjoyed plain hot off the griddle with some honey, jam, or butter and a cup of aromatic mint tea.
Msemen’s versatility makes it the perfect breakfast idea or the best filling snack for lunch boxes.
Fekkas
Fekkas (also called fakkas) are crunchy biscuits that look very much like biscotti cookies. While you’ll find different fekkas recipes in Morocco, one of the most traditional versions is the almond and raisin fekkas.
In this recipe, the almond paste, sugar, butter, raisin, anise and sesame seeds combine harmoniously to make for a delicious treat to be enjoyed without moderation 😉
Note that in some places like Fes, fekkas are served in a bowl of milk for breakfast and pistachios or hazelnuts replace the almonds.
Briouats
Briouats (or birwats) are traditional fried Moroccan pastries that can be stuffed with various sweet or savory fillings, making them a favorite with kids.
They are usually served for tea time. And they’re also particularly popular during Ramadan. In the lead up to this holy month, Moroccan families make large batches of birwats to be served throughout the month at Iftar to break the fast.
Want to know our favorite versions? Try pistachio and minced beef or lamb filling for a delicious lunch addition, or stuff them with almond and pistachio before dipping them in honey syrup for a great afternoon pick-me-up like in this mouthwatering recipe by Somebody Feed Seb.
Kalinti
We couldn’t write an article about the best Moroccan snacks to make with your kids without talking about Kalinti! Kalinti (derived from the Spanish word Caliente which means hot) is a quiche-like snack popular in the northern and eastern regions of Morocco. Besides being delicious and filling, this typical Moroccan street food is easy to whip up.
Made with chickpea flour, butter, eggs, and various spices such as black pepper, cayenne, paprika or cumin, Moroccans usually stuff it into bread. However, for a lighter option, it pairs well with a fresh Moroccan salad.
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