Golden Sweet Cheese Puffs

Delight your senses with the irresistible charm of **Cheese Fritters**, known affectionately as **Jubniyeh**. These sweet, hollow, and wonderfully airy dough fritters, made with the rich creaminess of cheese, offer a truly exquisite dessert experience. Perfect for grand parties, intimate family gatherings, or simply as a delightful conclusion to any meal, Jubniyeh is a surprisingly easy-to-make treat requiring just a handful of common ingredients. Their golden-brown exterior gives way to a soft, fluffy interior, making them a textural masterpiece that’s both comforting and exciting.

For those who adore sweet pastry, these Middle Eastern cheese fritters are a revelation. Unlike savory fritters, Jubniyeh leans into its sweet side, often enhanced with a luscious drizzle of simple syrup or a delicate dusting of confectioner’s sugar. They are more than just a dessert; they are a culinary tradition, bringing warmth and joy to tables across the region. Imagine biting into a crisp, light fritter, slightly sweet and utterly addictive – that’s the magic of Jubniyeh.

Before diving into this delightful recipe, perhaps you’d like to explore another simple pleasure: these easy chocolate croissants.

Contents

❤️ Why You’ll Love These Irresistible Cheese Fritters

Jubniyeh is a dessert that truly has it all – ease of preparation, incredible flavor, and universal appeal. Here’s why these sweet cheese fritters are destined to become a staple in your recipe collection:

**Effortlessly Easy & Quick:** Despite their impressive appearance, these fritters come together with minimal fuss. With just four core ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a show-stopping dessert even on a busy weeknight.
**A Crowd-Pleasing Finger Food:** Everyone, from the pickiest eaters to the most discerning dessert connoisseurs, falls in love with Jubniyeh. Their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for parties, brunches, or simply as a grab-and-go sweet treat. You’ll find them disappearing rapidly from any dessert table!
**Fun for the Whole Family:** The process of making these fritters is incredibly engaging, especially when it comes to rolling out the dough and cutting shapes. It’s one of those recipes where kids can happily lend a hand, making it a wonderful bonding activity in the kitchen.
**Versatile for Any Occasion:** Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a dinner party, or just craving something sweet, Jubniyeh fits perfectly. You can use different cookie cutters to create festive shapes for various occasions, adding a personalized touch to your dessert spread.
**Unique Texture & Flavor:** The combination of a crispy exterior and a wonderfully hollow, soft interior, infused with the subtle tang of cream cheese and a hint of sweetness, creates a truly unique and satisfying experience.
**Budget-Friendly Ingredients:** Made with common pantry staples, these fritters are an economical way to produce a gourmet-tasting dessert without breaking the bank.

This recipe isn’t just about making fritters; it’s about creating joyful moments and delicious memories. Their delightful simplicity and comforting taste make them an absolute must-try for anyone looking to expand their dessert repertoire with a touch of Middle Eastern sweetness.

📝 Essential Ingredients for Sweet Cheese Fritters

Crafting the perfect Jubniyeh requires a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving their characteristic texture and flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on everyday items to create something truly special.

📋 Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Understanding each component helps in mastering this recipe. Please note: The following are affiliate links, which may earn us a small commission if you make a purchase.

All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of our fritter dough, providing structure. While all-purpose is ideal, you could experiment with a mix of pastry flour for an even lighter texture.
Cream Cheese: The star ingredient that gives Jubniyeh its unique tenderness and subtle tang. Ensure it’s full-fat and, crucially, at room temperature. This makes it much easier to incorporate into the dough without lumps, leading to a smoother, more consistent texture. Neufchâtel cheese can be a lighter alternative, but full-fat cream cheese yields the best results.
Dry Yeast: The leavening agent responsible for the fritters’ delightful puff and hollow interior. Active dry yeast or instant yeast will both work. If using active dry, you might need to proof it first in a small amount of warm water with a pinch of sugar.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and aids in yeast activation. You can slightly adjust the amount based on your preference for sweetness, keeping in mind that most of the final sweetness comes from the topping.
Warm Water: Essential for activating the yeast and bringing the dough together. The exact amount may vary slightly depending on environmental humidity and flour type, so add it gradually.
Oil for Frying: A neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil, is best for deep-frying these fritters to a beautiful golden brown.

For the final touch of sweetness, you will need either homemade simple syrup or confectioner’s sugar. You can also get creative with other toppings like honey or chocolate syrup, though traditional Jubniyeh often features simple syrup or powdered sugar.

🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Cheese Fritters

Making these sweet cheese fritters is a straightforward process, but paying attention to a few details will ensure they turn out light, fluffy, and perfectly golden every time. Follow these steps for an enjoyable baking experience:

**Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, thoroughly combine the flour, dry yeast, and granulated sugar. Whisk them together to ensure even distribution.
**Add Cream Cheese:** Incorporate the softened, room-temperature cream cheese into the dry ingredients. Mix until the cheese is somewhat broken down and blended with the flour mixture.
**Knead the Dough:** Gradually add the warm water, a little at a time, while kneading. Continue kneading (either by hand or with a dough hook) until you achieve a smooth, consistent, and elastic dough that no longer sticks to your hands or the sides of the bowl. The exact amount of water can vary, so trust the feel of the dough.
**First Rise:** Lightly oil a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat lightly with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for about one hour, or until doubled in size.
**Roll and Cut the Dough:** Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured, clean work surface. Roll the dough out evenly to a thickness of approximately 3-4 mm (about 1/8 inch). Using your favorite cookie cutters (hearts, stars, or simple rounds work beautifully), cut the dough into desired shapes.
**Fry the Fritters:** Heat about 1 inch of neutral oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or deep skillet over medium heat. The oil should reach approximately 350-375°F (175-190°C). Carefully place a few fritters into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until they turn a beautiful golden brown on both sides. As they fry, they will puff up and become delightfully hollow inside. This usually takes 1-2 minutes per side. Remove the fried fritters with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
**Sweeten and Serve:** While the fritters are still warm, generously drizzle them with cooled simple syrup, warm honey, or dust them with confectioner’s sugar. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.

💡 Expert Tips for Flawless Jubniyeh

Achieving perfectly puffed, golden, and delicious cheese fritters is simple with a few insider tips:

**Room Temperature Cream Cheese is Key:** This cannot be stressed enough. Cold cream cheese will be difficult to incorporate evenly into the dough, leading to a lumpy texture and inconsistent fritters. Take it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes to an hour before you start.
**Gradual Water Addition:** The amount of water needed can vary. Add it slowly, observing the dough’s consistency. You want a dough that’s smooth, pliable, and slightly sticky, but easily comes away from your hands.
**Optimal Oil Temperature:** Too low, and the fritters will absorb too much oil, becoming greasy. Too high, and they’ll brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside. Aim for 350-375°F (175-190°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test with a small piece of dough; it should sizzle and float to the surface immediately.
**Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Fry the fritters in batches. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, leading to greasy fritters. Give them enough space to puff up and cook evenly.
**Serve Fresh for Best Texture:** While leftovers are still tasty, cheese fritters are truly at their peak when served fresh and warm, right after frying. The crisp exterior and soft, hollow interior are best enjoyed immediately.
**Prepare Simple Syrup Ahead:** If you’re using simple syrup, make it in advance and let it cool completely. Drizzling hot fritters with cold syrup prevents them from becoming soggy.

👩‍🍳 Delicious Variations to Customize Your Fritters

While traditional Jubniyeh is wonderful as is, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences or the occasion:

**Spice It Up:** Add a touch of warmth and aromatic complexity by incorporating ground spices into the dough. Ground cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves work exceptionally well and add a distinct Middle Eastern flair. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to taste. A pinch of nutmeg can also be lovely.
**Citrus Zest:** For a brighter, fresher flavor, grate in some lemon or orange zest when mixing the dry ingredients. It complements the sweetness beautifully.
**Vanilla Extract:** A teaspoon of vanilla extract added to the dough can enhance the overall sweetness and provide a comforting aroma.
**Alternative Toppings:** Beyond simple syrup and confectioner’s sugar, consider drizzling your hot fritters with honey, chocolate sauce, or even a fruit compote.
**Nutty Garnish:** Sprinkle your finished fritters with crushed pistachios, walnuts, or almonds for added texture and a nutty flavor contrast.
**Fruit Pairing:** Serve them alongside fresh berries or sliced fruits for a refreshing balance to the sweet, fried dough.

🧺 Storage and Reheating Tips

Cheese fritters are undeniably best enjoyed fresh, but if you happen to have leftovers, here’s how to store and potentially refresh them:

**Storage:** Leftover cheese fritters should be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. They will remain fresh and enjoyable for up to 2 days. Refrigeration can sometimes alter their texture, making them a bit dense.
**Reheating:** To slightly revive their crispness, you can gently warm the fritters in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as this tends to make them soft and chewy rather than crispy.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cheese Fritters

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making these delightful cheese fritters:

**Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?**
While frying gives them their signature crisp exterior and hollow interior, you can try baking them. Brush them with melted butter or oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown. However, expect a different texture – they won’t be as light or hollow as their fried counterparts.
**How do I know if my yeast is active?**
If you’re using active dry yeast, you can proof it by dissolving it in a quarter cup of the warm water (from the recipe) with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. If it becomes foamy, your yeast is active and ready to use. If not, your yeast might be old, and you’ll need new yeast.
**My dough is too sticky/too dry. What should I do?**
If the dough is too sticky, add a very small amount of flour (1 tablespoon at a time) until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit more warm water (1 teaspoon at a time) and continue kneading until it’s pliable and smooth.
**Can I make the dough ahead of time?**
Yes, you can prepare the dough and let it have its first rise. After the first rise, you can punch it down, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 12-24 hours. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling and frying.
**What if my fritters don’t puff up?**
This could be due to several reasons: inactive yeast, oil temperature too low (they’ll absorb oil but not expand), or the dough wasn’t rolled thin enough. Ensure your yeast is fresh, the oil is at the correct temperature, and the dough is rolled to about 3-4 mm thickness.

📣 Related Sweet Treats to Explore

If you’ve enjoyed these delightful cheese fritters, you’ll surely love exploring more sweet and savory recipes from our collection:

This easy and quick sweet vermicelli recipe is a favorite, whether served with milk or on its own. It’s a comforting and quick dessert that never disappoints.
Discover one of the best Tunisian desserts – Deblah – a visually stunning treat that tastes as fabulous as it looks, perfect for special occasions.
Chebakia is a traditional Moroccan flower-shaped cookie, elegantly fried and then generously dipped in fragrant honey. A true labor of love that’s utterly rewarding.
Basbousa is a beloved Egyptian dessert crafted from semolina flour, coconut, and yogurt, then soaked in a sweet simple syrup. It’s both delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare!
Dive into this ultimate collection of kunafa recipes. Featuring both sweet and savory versions, along with essential tips for a perfect Kunafa every time, including a recipe to make the dough from scratch!

We truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this Cheese Fritter recipe. If you do make it, please take a photo and tag it with #amiraspantry – we adore seeing your culinary creations on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!
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Cheese Fritters (Jubniyeh)

A close up on a plate with golden cheese fritters, ready to be served.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 1 vote)

Print Recipe | Pin Recipe

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Middle East

Diet: Halal

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Rising Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Servings: 20 fritters

Author: Amira

Ingredients

For the Fritters:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 block cream cheese (8oz, room temperature)
1 ½ teaspoon dry yeast
2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
¼ cup warm water (more or less, depending on dough consistency)
Oil for frying

To Garnish:

Confectioner’s sugar, simple syrup, or chocolate syrup
Optional: crushed nuts, fresh fruits

Instructions

In a large bowl or your mixer’s bowl, combine the dry ingredients (flour, yeast, sugar) well.
Add the softened cream cheese and mix until well combined.
Gradually add warm water while kneading until you get a nice consistent dough that is smooth and does not stick.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for an hour.
Roll the dough on a clean, lightly floured surface to about 3-4 mm thickness.
Cut the dough with cookie cutters into your shape of choice.
Heat 1 inch of neutral oil in a pan to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Fry the fritters in batches until golden brown on both sides. They will puff up and become hollow as they fry.
Remove fried fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Drizzle the hot fritters with cooled simple syrup, honey, or dust generously with powdered sugar.
Garnish with crushed nuts and serve with fresh fruits if desired.

Notes

Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This facilitates easier kneading and a smoother dough.
For an enhanced flavor, consider adding ground cinnamon, cardamom, or cloves to the dough.
Cheese fritters are best consumed fresh to enjoy their optimal texture and taste.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Simple Syrup Recipe: To make simple syrup, combine 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 cup water, and the juice of ½ lime in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of rose water, orange blossom water, or vanilla extract. Let it cool completely before using.
Nutritional values provided are calculated for the dough only, excluding oil absorbed during frying and toppings.
Please refer to our nutrition disclaimer policy for more information.

Nutrition

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First published October 25, 2013. This article was last updated on January 20, 2022, with important tips, clear step-by-step instructions, and improved readability to enhance your cooking experience.