If you’re searching for a treat that’s both dazzling and dangerously delicious—and one you can whip up in no time—these Dubai Chocolate Donut Rolls deserve the spotlight in your kitchen. Picture this: silky pistachio knafeh nestled inside fluffy sweet rolls, all finished off with a glossy chocolate glaze. Sound good? Trust me, they’re even better than they sound! Perfect for those crazy weeknights when you crave something decadent but want it easy, these donut rolls are a total crowd-pleaser and feel genuinely special, even if you’re in your pajamas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lightning-Fast & Effortless: Thanks to the shortcut of store-bought sweet rolls and a streamlined filling, you’ll spend more time eating (and less time in the kitchen).
- Unforgettable Flavor: Creamy pistachio blends with crisp kataifi for a textured filling that’s nutty, buttery, and oh-so-satisfying. Then, the chocolate glaze—all glossy richness—seals the deal.
- Perfect for Sharing or Treating Yourself: Whether you’ve got friends coming over or you just want to indulge, this recipe scales beautifully.
- Gorgeous Presentation: The shiny glaze and optional icing drizzle make these a showstopper, no bakery experience required.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these for your masterpiece—you might already have most of them!
- Kataifi (Shredded Filo Dough): Adds crunch and the signature “knafeh” vibe; makes the filling irresistibly textured.
- Unsalted Butter: Blends into the kataifi, bringing a rich, golden flavor. Melted for easy mixing.
- Pistachio Cream: The heart of the filling—going for a high-quality brand pays off big time! Look for one made with real pistachios, no funny business.
- Pinch of Salt: Just a little heightens the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Chocolate (Any Kind, but Semi-Sweet Shines): Forms the lush, pourable glaze. Semi-sweet is recommended for the best sweet-bitter balance, but dark or milk chocolate are options for tweaking.
- Heavy Cream: Melts into the chocolate, ensuring a luscious, shiny glaze that doesn’t harden unpleasantly.
- Neutral Oil (such as canola): Makes your glaze oh-so-smooth and pourable, just like a bakery.
- King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls: These ultra-soft rolls have a subtle sweetness that’s the perfect backdrop for the rich filling and glaze.
- Powdered Sugar (Optional Icing): For a sweet drizzle that looks beautiful and adds extra indulgence.
- Extra Heavy Cream (Optional Icing): Helps whisk up that perfectly pourable icing for finishing.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
Ready to get creative? Here are a few ideas:
- Nut Swap: If you’re not a pistachio lover (hard to imagine, but possible!), try almond cream or even tahini for a Middle Eastern twist.
- Chocolate Choice: Play with milk chocolate for extra sweetness or dark chocolate for an intense cocoa flavor.
- Roll Alternatives: Any soft, sweet dinner rolls will do if King’s Hawaiian aren’t available—just make sure they’re pillowy!
- Spice It Up: A sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom in the filling is divine for those who want some extra warmth.
- Skip the Icing: These are plenty delicious without the drizzle, if you’re feeling minimal.
How to Make Dubai Chocolate Donut Rolls
Step 1: Prep the Filling
Start by combining the kataifi with melted butter—a quick toss to coat everything evenly does the work. Stir in the pistachio cream and just a pinch of salt, mixing until everything is luscious and uniform.
Step 2: Prepare the Rolls
Take your King’s Hawaiian rolls and slice them open horizontally, keeping the batch intact so you have a top and bottom “sheet” of rolls. Don’t worry about perfect cuts—the gooey filling will cover any mistakes!
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Spread that divine pistachio knafeh filling on the bottom half. Try to get all the way to the edges so every bite is filled with goodness. Place the top half of the rolls back on.
Step 4: Chocolate Glaze Magic
Melt your chocolate, heavy cream, and oil together—either gently in the microwave or over a double boiler. Stir until glossy-smooth, and then pour or spread over the top of your filled rolls.
Step 5: (Optional) Icing Drizzle
Whisk together powdered sugar and enough heavy cream to make a thick but pourable icing. Drizzle over the chocolate-topped rolls for that final bakery finish.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Use a sharp knife to cut the rolls apart. Serve warm for maximum gooeyness, or at room temperature if you prefer a firmer bite.
Pro tip: These taste even dreamier with a little rest for the flavors to marry, but they’re irresistible right away.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overbake: There’s no actual baking required—just a quick assembly, so don’t be tempted to “crisp” them up unless you want a toastier effect.
- Keep the Kataifi Crunchy: Assemble just before serving or keep the filling separate until ready to build so it doesn’t go soggy.
- Room Temperature Glaze: Let your chocolate glaze cool for a few minutes before spreading, so it doesn’t run straight off the rolls.
- Neat Icing: Use a fork or a squeeze bottle to drizzle icing for Instagram-worthy results.
- Warm for the Win: If you love a gooey chocolate moment, give the assembled rolls a quick 5-10 second zap in the microwave before serving.
How to Serve
There’s no wrong way to enjoy these, but a little presentation love doesn’t hurt!
- On a Party Platter: Pile high, drizzle extra glaze or icing, and scatter with chopped pistachios for color and crunch.
- Paired with Coffee: Strong espresso, dark Turkish coffee, or even a sweet chai are the perfect drinks to balance out the rich flavors.
- As a Dessert Board: Arrange with fresh berries, more nuts, and extra chocolate pieces for an elegant after-dinner spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftovers with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five—though they rarely last that long!
Freezing
Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic, then in foil, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw at room temp before enjoying.
Reheating
A quick spin in the microwave (5-10 seconds) or a few minutes in a low oven will bring back all the gooey, melty magic.
FAQs
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Can I use a different filling if I don’t have pistachio cream?
Absolutely. Almond or hazelnut cream make excellent substitutes, as well as a tablespoon of plain nut butter mixed with honey for a quicker fix. The texture will shift, but the flavor is still delightful.
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What if I don’t have kataifi?
No worries! Shredded phyllo works well, or you can simply omit it for a creamier filling. The kataifi just gives that signature knafeh crunch.
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How far ahead can I assemble these?
For the freshest texture, assemble up to two hours in advance. If you plan to serve much later, keep the filling and rolls separate until close to serving time to ensure the kataifi stays crisp.
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Can I make these with regular dinner rolls?
Yes, but opt for the soft, sweet kind for the best results. The light sweetness and airy texture of Hawaiian rolls really make this dessert shine, but feel free to experiment with what you have!
Final Thoughts
These Dubai Chocolate Donut Rolls are a whirlwind of flavor, texture, and pure joy—without demanding hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a last-minute gathering, spoiling your family, or just treating yourself after a long day, give this recipe a try. Feel free to experiment, play with flavors, and make it your own—the possibilities are as sweet as the rolls themselves!
Print
Dubai Chocolate Donut Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Dubai Chocolate Donut Rolls are a fusion dessert featuring sweet Hawaiian rolls filled with a luscious pistachio knafeh mixture, glazed with rich chocolate, and optionally topped with a silky icing for extra decadence. This recipe is inspired by the vibrant dessert culture of Dubai and offers a unique, indulgent treat perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Pistachio Knafeh Filling
- 3 cups kataifi (100g)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (56g)
- 3/4 cup pistachio cream (210g)
- Pinch of salt
Chocolate Glaze
- 100g chocolate of choice (e.g., semi-sweet)
- 100g heavy cream (1/3 cup + 1 tbsp)
- 1 tbsp oil
Assembly
- 12 King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls (1 pack)
Optional Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–4 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Pistachio Knafeh Filling: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roughly chop the kataifi pastry and toss with the melted butter and a pinch of salt until well mixed. Spread it in a thin layer on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway, until lightly golden and crisp. Set aside to cool, then mix gently with the pistachio cream to create a uniform filling.
- Prepare the Chocolate Glaze: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until just simmering. Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl and pour the hot cream over it. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes, then add the oil and stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Set aside.
- Assemble the Donut Rolls: Slice each King’s Hawaiian roll horizontally, keeping the bottoms and tops together as sets. Fill the bottom half of each roll with a generous layer of the pistachio knafeh mixture. Place the top half of each roll back on.
- Glaze the Rolls: Spread or drizzle the prepared chocolate glaze generously over the filled rolls, ensuring an even coating.
- Prepare Optional Icing (if using): In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2-4 tbsp heavy cream, adding the cream gradually until you reach a pourable consistency. Drizzle the icing over the chocolate-glazed rolls for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Serve: Allow the glaze (and icing, if used) to set for several minutes, then serve the Dubai Chocolate Donut Rolls slightly warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Notes
- Kataifi pastry is usually found in the frozen section of Middle Eastern or specialty stores; thaw before using.
- Pistachio cream is a sweet, spreadable pistachio paste; if unavailable, substitute with another nut cream or blend pistachios with white chocolate spread.
- For best texture, serve the rolls the same day they are made.
- Use good quality chocolate for best flavor in the glaze.
- Customize the filling by adding chopped nuts or a hint of orange blossom water.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 27mg
