Go Back
honeycomb bread

Honeycomb Bread (Khaliat Nahal)

Honeycomb Bread is a Middle Eastern–inspired bread made of soft, fluffy rolls filled with cream cheese (or Nutella, jam, or chocolate), baked together in a beehive-like pattern, and brushed with honey syrup. Perfect for sharing at gatherings, brunch, or tea time!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
1 hour 30 minutes 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 24 rolls
Course: Bread, Dessert, Tea-time
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¼ tsp 1 packet instant yeast
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup warm milk 110°F
  • ¼ cup warm water
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 egg
For the Filling:
  • 6 oz cream cheese cut into 24 cubes
  • alternatives: Nutella, date paste, jam, or chocolate chips
For the Topping:
  • 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk for egg wash
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds or black seeds optional
  • ¼ cup honey for glaze, warmed

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • 10–12 inch round baking pan
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

Make the dough
  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm milk, water, oil, and egg. Mix and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First rise
  1. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape the rolls
  1. Punch down the dough and divide into 24 equal pieces. Flatten each piece, place a cube of cream cheese inside, and pinch edges to seal. Roll into a ball.
Arrange the honeycomb
  1. Place filled dough balls in a greased round baking pan (10–12 inch). Arrange in concentric circles, leaving just a little space between them to rise into the honeycomb shape.
Second rise
  1. Cover and let rise another 30–40 minutes until puffy.
Bake
  1. Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame or black seeds if desired. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
Glaze with honey
  1. While still warm, brush the tops generously with warmed honey for a glossy, sweet finish.

Notes

For extra richness, brush with melted butter + honey after baking.
Try different fillings: Nutella, peanut butter, dates, or fruit preserves.
Best enjoyed warm the day of baking but can be reheated.