Description

Delicate chocolate-coated balls filled with a luscious pistachio kunefe center—crunchy on the outside, sweet and nutty within—perfect as festive treats or elegant petit fours.

Ingredients

Units Scale

200 g shredded kataifi dough (or fine kunefe shreddings)
100 g unsalted butter, melted
150 g shelled pistachios, finely chopped or ground
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp rose water (optional)
200 g dark chocolate (70%), chopped
1 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable oil
50 g pistachio halves or flakes, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). In a bowl, toss kataifi dough with melted butter until well coated.
Spread the buttered kataifi on a baking sheet in a thin layer; bake 10–12 minutes until crisp and golden. Let cool.
Combine chopped pistachios, sugar, and rose water (if using) in a bowl.
Once kataifi is cool, gently mix with the pistachio mixture until it clumps—adjust consistency so it holds shape.
Form small balls (about 1 inch diameter) and place them on a parchment-lined tray. Chill for 15 minutes to firm up.
Meanwhile, melt dark chocolate and oil together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler), stirring until smooth.
Dip each chilled ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring even coating. Allow excess chocolate to drip off.
Place on parchment, immediately sprinkle with pistachio halves or flakes for garnish.
Chill in refrigerator until chocolate is set, about 20–30 minutes.
Serve cold or at room temperature. Store in airtight container in fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

Use kataifi dough for authentic kunefe texture; shredded phyllo is a good substitute.
Rose water adds floral depth—optional but traditional in Middle Eastern sweets.
Work quickly when dipping in chocolate so filling stays firm.
Let chocolates sit at room temperature 5 min before serving to soften slightly.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ball (approx. 25 g)
Calories: 110
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 10 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg