Rosewater recipes aren’t super common in the US, but I think you’ll love these lightly sweet and wonderfully floral dishes from around the world.
But believe it or not, these aren’t all dessert recipes. In the right amounts, rosewater pairs well with everything from spicy chicken to tomatoes.
That said, it’s pretty easy to go overboard with this fragrant ingredient. Much like almond extract, a little goes a long way.
So whether you want to try sweet rosewater recipes or something more unique, be sure to follow the recipe carefully.
How to Cook With Rose Water
1. Organic DIY Rosewater
Before cooking with rosewater, it’s a good idea to learn how to make it.
Of course, you can buy it in most supermarkets and specialty stores, but most people prefer to make their own.
You’ll need nothing more than rose petals, water, and ice cubes.
It takes about 30 minutes to make a batch, but it’s super simple.
Furthermore, a bottle of rosewater will last up to four months. That means you won’t have to make it very often.
2. Rosewater and Raspberry Sponge Cake
This cake features delicate pink icing, rose petals, and fresh raspberries. Put simply; it’s gorgeous.
That’s always the first thing people say when they see it. After tasting it, though, they’ll have something else to rave about.
It has a spongy, fluffy texture and a phenomenal taste that’s lightly sweet and just a bit tart from the raspberries.
It makes the ideal summer dessert and a stunning centerpiece for any dessert table.
3. Rose Water Gelees
Did anyone else read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe as a kid? Did it leave you with an insatiable craving for Turkish delight?
Yeah, me too.
Before reading that book, I’d never even heard of Turkish delight, but I wanted it as soon as I was done with the last page.
Luckily, I had a wonderful, doting mother who wasn’t afraid to try new recipes.
The Turkish delight she made for me was very much like these rosewater gelees.
However, these are lighter, more floral-like, and not as sweet. They’re 100% as addictive, though.
I can definitely see how a white witch could ensnare an unsuspecting child with these treats.
4. Rosewater Limeade
This 10-minute, four-ingredient drink is a must-try for summer. It’s crisp, refreshing, and subtly sweet.
It takes the traditional recipe for limeade and adds three tablespoons of rosewater.
You wouldn’t think three tablespoons could completely transform a recipe, but it does.
It makes it so much more exotic and flavorful, and it smells terrific, too.
5. Rosewater Ice Cream
This pretty pink ice cream is cold, creamy, and delicious.
The rosewater isn’t even the best part of it! It combines the sweetness of heavy cream and sugar with pistachios’ crunchy saltiness.
The saffron threads are optional. But, of course, they add a delightful touch of decadence, so add them if you can.
With or without them, though, people will love this chilly dessert.
6. Rosewater Pistachio Shortbread Cookies
These tender, nutty cookies are crumbly, buttery, and pleasantly light. They taste just like homemade shortbread cookies, only with a kick.
The “kick” comes from the pistachios and rosewater, which you won’t find in most shortbread cookies.
Serve them with a mug of hot tea or coffee for dipping. Trust me; it’s the best way to eat these scrumptious snacks.
7. Vanilla Rosewater Cupcakes
It takes about an hour to make these intricate cupcakes, but they’re worth it. They look like they’re straight out of a fancy wedding magazine!
If you need an exquisite dessert for a formal occasion, these are perfect. And that isn’t just because they look fantastic – they also taste incredible.
They’re light and sweet, and the candied rose petals are a flawless final touch. It’ll be hard for anyone to believe you made them yourself.
8. Rose-Flavored Cake
This cake is light, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth good.
Flavored with just enough rosewater to give it a yummy floral flavor, it’s also wonderfully fragrant.
And if the icing roses terrify you, don’t worry about them. There are plenty of other ways to decorate this cake.
For example, you can use actual flowers instead. You could also do a simple white or pink icing with candied rosebuds.
Honestly, it doesn’t matter how it looks. The delectable flavor will have everyone hooked.
9. Rosewater Cookies
It’s hard to beat soft, tender shortbread cookies. They have a wonderful buttery texture and a yummy flavor that pairs especially well with tea.
Next time you make a batch, stick two of them together with a rosewater buttercream filling.
The pink frosting gives them a sweet, delicate appearance, while the rosewater provides a taste to match.
These are great for weddings, baby showers, or Sweet Sixteens.
10. Arabic Coffee With Rosewater
As much as I love coffee, I’m a hot tea person at heart.
However, this coffee is warm, spiced, and gently sweetened with rosewater, making it a lot like hot tea in that way!
The next time you want to jazz up your morning cup ‘o Joe, give it a try.
11. Rosewater Panna Cotta
Panna cotta is always a fun dessert. It has a smooth, creamy consistency and a sweet, milky taste I just adore.
This panna cotta recipe is one of my favorites.
It combines the bold flavor of sugared raspberries with a dash of rosewater. Its vibrant red and white color scheme is gorgeous to look at, too.
12. Rosewater Meringues
Have you ever had a meringue so light that it literally melts on your tongue? If not, you’re eating the wrong meringues.
Luckily, this recipe can help you pick the right ones.
These soft, creamy meringues are unbelievably light – almost magical. Their soft texture and pretty pink color make them look like fairy food.
Now imagine that tantalizing treat but with a sweet rose aroma. Like I said – fairy food.
These are almost too lovely and magical to eat. But don’t let that stop you! They’re too good to pass up.
13. Dark Chocolate Rosewater Truffles
Ah, truffles. If you’re looking for a genuine delicacy, you can’t beat them.
And these are dark chocolate truffles infused with rosewater.
Are you drooling yet?
They’re also surprisingly simple to make and not all that bad for you. After all, they’re gluten, dairy, egg, and nut-free.
Plus, they’re vegan-friendly and keto and paleo-compliant, so you can enjoy these no matter your dietary restrictions.
14. Rosewater French Madeleines
French Madeleines always fascinate me. That funky little bump is so strange and yet so alluring.
It’s also elusive, and I haven’t always been able to get it right.
That’s why I like this recipe. It tells you precisely how to get that signature finish. (Spoiler alert: It’s all about dropping the oven temperature mid-bake.)
Whether or not you succeed in getting the bump, you’ll love these.
They’re lightly sweet, flowery, and fragrant, and they don’t have to look right to taste amazing.
And hey, maybe you will mess up the bumps on the first batch. That just means you’ll have to eat them all and try again! 🙂
15. Pistachio Rose Blondies with White Chocolate
You’ll flavor these dense, crumbly blondies with white chocolate, rosewater, and pistachios.
They take less than an hour to make and taste insanely good.
These are perfect if you’re looking for a springtime brunch option.
They taste incredible with tea and coffee, and I bet you’ll need to double the batch. They won’t last long!
16. Raspberry Rose Macarons
Macarons have become super popular over the last few years. There are recipes for them everywhere.
Even so, these are some of the prettiest I’ve ever seen.
You’ll love their rosy pink color, and their taste and texture are also superb.
They’re sweet and slightly tangy, but be warned: they’re also highly addictive.
Once you try one, you’ll want at least three more.
17. Harissa Chicken With Rosewater Sauce
Tender, succulent chicken in a harissa marinade is delicious. Once you add veggies, rosewater, and couscous, it’s unbeatable.
It’s a complete meal in one dish with everything from protein and veggies to carbs and more.
The meat practically falls off the bone, and the flavor is scrumptious.
The whole thing is flavorful, aromatic, and nutritious, and I know the entire family will love it.
18. Tomato Salad with Rosewater Dressing
This salad is fresh and zesty, with a hint of sweetness thrown in.
You’ll need only five garden-fresh ingredients for the salad, while the dressing uses six more.
It’s minty, flowery, and brightly tangy. Feel free to make extra and bottle it for later.
19. Old-Fashioned Blueberry Pudding with Rosewater Sauce
This fluffy, old-fashioned pudding is buttery, crusty, and full of tart blueberry goodness.
It has a fantastic texture that’s similar to warm blueberry muffins. The taste is similar, too, but the rosewater adds more depth and sweetness.
If taking a bite of this pudding leaves you feeling nostalgic, you’re not alone.
The recipe is based on one from the Little House on the Prairie books, so it’s bound to hit you right in the feels.
20. Berry Parfait With Rosewater
Take your morning parfait game up a notch with this 30-minute recipe.
It features all the bold, tangy flavor of a berry parfait, but there’s more to it.
You’ll add a dash of rosewater, a few rosebuds, and fresh mint as a garnish.
It’s an elegant option for breakfast or dessert. Plus, it’s high in antioxidants and vitamins.
21. Rosewater Tea Cake
This tea cake is pillowy, soft, and delicate. It’s one of those simplistic desserts that doesn’t need to be fancy to be great.
The topping is nothing more than melted butter and powdered sugar. Plus, the cake itself is primarily plain, aside from the rosewater.
Despite its plainness, though, it’s a lovely cake. And it tastes even better than it looks.
If you had brunch in a secret garden, this dessert would fit right in.
22. Rosewater Iced Tea
This recipe gives you a citrusy, refreshing twist on traditional iced tea. Better yet, you can whip it up in 15 minutes or less with just five ingredients.
You’ll need water, sugar, orange juice, white tea, and rose petals.
It has a bright, invigorating taste and isn’t too heavy in caffeine, making it an excellent way to cool down on a hot day.
23. Rosewater Pudding
Also known as Mahalabia, this pudding is silky smooth and exceptionally creamy. It has a fresh orange and rosewater flavor and is pretty mild.
You can add whatever toppings you like best to adjust the taste, though this recipe recommends raisins and lots of nuts.
You could also use berries if you were in the mood for something tarter.
23 Best Ways to Use Rosewater This Spring
Rosewater recipes aren’t super common in the US, but I think you’ll love these lightly sweet and wonderfully floral dishes from around the world.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a delicious recipe in 30 minutes or less!
