Rose Water Turkish Delight Recipe
Introduction
Rose Water Turkish Delight is a classic, fragrant treat that’s soft, chewy, and subtly floral. This delightful confection, dusted with powdered sugar, makes a perfect sweet snack or an elegant gift for friends and family.

Ingredients
- 2½ cups granulated sugar
- 1½ cups water
- 1 packet unflavored gelatin (or 2 tbsp powdered gelatin)
- 1½ tsp high-quality rose water
- 2 drops red food coloring (optional, for pink hue)
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Step 1: Line a 9-inch cake pan with foil, leaving some overhang, and lightly coat it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a large pot, combine the granulated sugar, water, and gelatin. Stir together and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the rose water and red food coloring if you desire a pink tint.
- Step 4: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight until fully set and firm.
- Step 5: Sprinkle a cutting board generously with confectioners’ sugar. Turn the set Turkish delight onto the board and carefully peel off the foil.
- Step 6: Using a sharp knife, slice the jelly into cubes of your preferred size.
- Step 7: Roll each cube in confectioners’ sugar thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Step 8: Serve the Turkish delight immediately, or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Tips & Variations
- If you prefer a different flavor, substitute rose water with orange blossom water or lemon extract for a unique twist.
- For a nutty addition, gently press chopped pistachios or walnuts onto the surface before setting.
- Make sure to stir constantly while simmering to avoid scorching the sugar mixture.
- If you want a firmer texture, increase the gelatin slightly but avoid too much or it will become rubbery.
Storage
Store Turkish delight in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat, for up to one week. To keep pieces from sticking together, ensure they are well coated in confectioners’ sugar. If they lose some softness, allow them to come to room temperature before serving as chilling can harden the gelatin slightly.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make Turkish delight without gelatin?
Traditional recipes use gelatin to achieve the chewy texture, but you can try agar-agar as a vegetarian substitute. Note that the texture may differ slightly.
Why is my Turkish delight too sticky?
Ensure you roll each piece generously in confectioners’ sugar after cutting. Also, storing them in an airtight container helps maintain the right texture and prevent excessive stickiness.
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Rose Water Turkish Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Rose Water Turkish Delight recipe creates a traditional, fragrant, and chewy sweet treat made with gelatin, sugar, and infused with delicate rose water. Perfect for gifting or enjoying as a delightful snack, these pink-hued cubes are coated with confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking. The process involves simmering, setting overnight, and simple slicing, delivering an authentic taste of Turkish confections.
Ingredients
For the Turkish Delight:
- 2½ cups granulated sugar
- 1½ cups water
- 1 packet unflavored gelatin (or 2 tbsp powdered gelatin)
- 1½ tsp high-quality rose water
- 2 drops red food coloring (optional, for pink hue)
For Coating:
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9-inch cake pan with foil, ensuring there is an overhang for easy removal later, and lightly coat it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Mixture: In a large pot, combine the granulated sugar, water, and gelatin. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium and let it simmer for 20 minutes while stirring constantly to dissolve the gelatin and sugar completely.
- Add Flavor and Color: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the rose water for fragrance and add red food coloring if you desire a pink tint to your Turkish Delight.
- Set the Mixture: Pour the hot mixture into the prepared pan, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight until it is fully set and firm.
- Remove and Prepare for Cutting: Sprinkle confectioners’ sugar onto a cutting board. Carefully flip the set jelly onto the board and gently peel off the foil.
- Slice the Delight: Using a sharp knife, cut the Turkish Delight into small cubes for serving.
- Coat the Pieces: Roll each cube generously in confectioners’ sugar to prevent pieces from sticking together.
- Store or Serve: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, maintaining freshness and texture.
Notes
- If you prefer a vegan version, agar-agar can be used as a substitute for gelatin, but the texture may vary slightly.
- Using high-quality rose water is essential for the best aromatic flavor.
- Red food coloring is optional and purely for aesthetic appeal—omit if you want a natural color.
- Ensure the mixture simmers gently and is stirred continuously to prevent burning or uneven texture.
- Coating in confectioners’ sugar is crucial to prevent sticking and to add a slight sweetness to the exterior.
- Store Turkish Delight in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Turkish
Keywords: Turkish Delight, Rose Water, Gelatin Dessert, Middle Eastern Sweet, Traditional Candy

