Top 10 Armenian Sweets & Desserts
Armenian cuisine is a delicious mosaic of flavors and ingredients, crafted from cultures across the Middle East, Mediterranean, and Eastern Europe — even as far as Iran! Dishes are adapted to match regional climates resulting in unique styles like no other.
Come explore the flavors of Armenia with me through its delicious array of desserts and sweets. From the traditional Kourabia cookies to the classic Ponchik Doughnuts to the unique Mikado Layer Cake and T’tu lavash — Armenian desserts are sure to tantalize your taste buds!
Let’s dive into some of these sweet treats and maybe you’ll be inspired to make them yourself. So prepare your appetite for a culinary ride — it’s time to explore the wonders of Armenian desserts!
1. Gata
Bite into an Armenian dessert that is like nothing else — Gata! This beloved dessert straddles the line between decadent and delicious — think of a mix between croissants and rugelach with an independent streak! A heavenly combination of crisp, flaky sweet dough — laced with vanilla indulgence throughout.
It is a delectable pastry regardless if it is baked in one piece or individually rolled up to encase the flavorful khoreez filling, made from flour, butter, and sugar, within tantalizing spirals. This unique treat is beloved all times of the year for its signature texture and mesmerizing sugary taste.
Don’t miss out on your chance to try this scrumptious divine delight from Armenia!
2. Paklava
Indulge your sweet tooth with the mouth-watering dessert that never fails to impress: Armenian Paklava! Enjoy the wondrous flavors of this delectable pastry made with flaky layers of phyllo dough filled with a scrumptious nutty blend of walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon. The treat is then drenched in a clove-infused syrup for an unforgettable experience that will tantalize your taste buds!
The sweet aroma of the baking Paklava wafts throughout the house and tantalizes your taste buds with its heavenly flavors. With its roots deeply embedded in Armenian culture, this sweet treat has been a beloved delicacy for centuries and continues to charm the hearts of dessert lovers all around the world. Just one morsel of this delicious pastry will be enough to have you hooked forever.
Whether you’re enjoying it as an after-dinner treat or sharing it with friends and family over coffee, Paklava is a dessert that brings people together and ignites joy in their hearts. Why not try making it yourself and experience the deliciousness firsthand?
3. Bourma
If you’re looking for a treat that’s both tasty and technically impressive, Bourma is the perfect pick! All it takes to make this delicious pastry is some baking talent and a simple tool — a wooden skewer. The phyllo dough is generously spread with a scrumptious paste of walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon before being firmly rolled up into neat rolls using the skewer. The two ends are scrunched together to make a crinkled effect.
After it is baked to a golden brown, the sugar, lemon, and clove syrup is generously drizzled overtop. The lemon’s zesty flavor will deliciously offset the sweet syrup in tandem with those buttery walnuts… YUM!
4. Anoushabour
Introducing a dessert that will transport your taste buds to a whole new world: Armenian Anoushabour! It’s not your typical pudding, as it features a base of cooked barley that creates a lusciously thick paste. But when you combine sugar, fruit and nuts in this delectable treat — trust me, it will make your taste buds do a jig! The ultimate cherry on top? Fresh cream — an exquisite finishing touch.
Though it may appear simple, this delicious dessert demands patience and commitment to create. But I can guarantee you that it’s all worth your while — especially when savored with those closest to you. So take some time for yourself and indulge in this extraordinary dessert sure to wow any crowd!
5. Kourabia
Enjoy an unforgettable festive treat this season with Kourabia! This traditional Armenian Kourabia made from butter, flour, sugar, and eggs is truly something special, as its buttery melt-in-your-mouth texture will have you wanting more.
These cookies are perfect for the holidays or after dinner to pair perfectly with a warm cup of tea or coffee — great for making favorite memories. Get creative in your kitchen and make it merry by unleashing the deliciousness that awaits within the flavorful twist of Kourabia!
6. Ponchik Doughnuts
Have you ever heard of a Ponchik? No, it’s not a mythical creature or a new type of yoga pose. It’s actually a delicious pastry filled with sweet, gooey goodness. Ponchiks are a popular snack in Armenia and are starting to gain popularity in other parts of the world.
They are made by frying dough until it turns golden brown and then filling it with anything from powidła (plum jelly) or rose petal jelly to Nutella to Bavarian cream or strawberry jam.
Once you take a bite, you’ll understand why they are so beloved. The combination of crispy dough and warm filling is nothing short of heavenly. If you’re lucky enough to come across a Ponchik shop, make sure to try one (or five) and let your taste buds be transported to pastry paradise.
7. Armenian Matzoon Cookies
Armenian Matzoon Cookies are a delicacy celebrated amongst those of Armenian descent. Said to have been crafted centuries ago, these delectable treats are composed of simple components such as flour, yogurt, sugar and butter that come together for an extraordinary flavor experience. Often served during holidays or special occasions, these delightful treats have become known for their moist but dense texture.
When baked to perfection, these cookies light up the room with a sensational aroma that tingles the senses. Perfect for escapists looking for tasty adventure — one bite will transport your taste buds on a remarkable journey! Only after exploring all the facets of its delectable flavors will you truly understand what sets these beautiful cookies apart.
Whether dining at an Armenian restaurant or enjoying them at home with family and friends, Armenian Matzoon Cookies are certain to delight those with even the most discerning palates!
8. Mikado
Have you ever heard of Armenian Mikado? No, it’s not a type of game, but rather a sweet treat that will satisfy your dessert cravings! Mikado is a layered pastry that consists of crispy phyllo dough and a rich, sweet filling that contains ground nuts, butter, sugar, and honey.
This delicious dessert dates back to the 18th century and is a beloved treat in Armenian culture. One bite of a freshly baked Mikado will transport you to a world of delicate flavors and textures that will leave you yearning for more. It’s the perfect dessert to enjoy after a savory meal, or simply as a standalone indulgence.
Craving this delectable and one-of-a-kind dessert? Find your local Armenian pastry shop and indulge in the deliciously sweet Mikado. You won’t regret it!
9. T’tu Lavash
Imagine biting into a delicious and fruity snack that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also packs a nutritious punch. That’s T’tu Lavash, the Armenian version of fruit leather. This chewy and flavorful snack is a popular treat in Armenia and other parts of the Caucasus region.
To whip up the classic recipe, start by blending together fresh fruits and sugar for a sweet puree. Spread this mixture out on a baking sheet then leave it in direct sunlight to air-dry over several days. The result is a satisfyingly chewy treat that bursts with the flavor of the fruit. Armenian households have been making T’tu Lavash for generations and use it as a convenient and healthy snack to give to their children.
So, whether you’re looking for a quick snack on the go or a healthier alternative to candy, give T’tu Lavash a try!
10. Armenian Apple Chunk Cake
Ready to tantalize your taste buds with a sumptuous treat? Look no further than Armenian Apple Chunk Cake! With every bite, this delightful dessert will take you on a heavenly journey. The combination of sweet and tart notes is simply irresistible; the chunks of apples are nestled in an incredibly moist and fluffy cake with indulgent aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg that fill your home with warmth.
This delectable cake not only tantalizes one’s taste buds but is surprisingly simple to make. It only needs a few ingredients and can be prepared in minutes! Whether you are hosting a dinner party or simply craving something sweet, Armenian Apple Chunk Cake is the dessert that will leave everyone raving!
Wrapping It Up
Armenian desserts and sweets are truly a treat for the senses! Whether you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth with something unique or create special memories with family — Armenian desserts have you covered!
From classic Kourabia cookies to Ponchik Doughnuts, Matzoon Cookies, Mikado Layer Cake, T’tu Lavash, and Apple Chunk Cake — there’s something for everyone! So why not immerse yourself in the culture and flavor of Armenia today? Go ahead, indulge — you won’t regret it!
Bari akhorzhak!
Paree akhorzhag!
