Zoolbia recipe: The Best Simple Crispy Sweet

Zoolbia recipe is one of the most popular Iranian sweets that is used on religious occasions such as Ramadan. In this article, we have prepared the easiest way to cook this delicious sweet for you to easily prepare at home.
Zoolbia is a honey and crispy sweet whose unique color and smell tempts anyone. One of the most important ingredients of this sweet is saffron and rose water, which is better to use the best quality.
Many sweets and desserts are prepared with saffron in Iran, including Saffron pudding, Digche, and Shole Zard. In Iran, this sweet is known as Zoolbia bamiye, which is also consumed under different names in Middle Eastern countries.
The method of preparing zulbia seems difficult at first glance, but with this method that we have provided for you, it can be easily prepared and eaten at home. This sweet is widely consumed in Iran during Ramadan, and it provides significant energy to the body due to the properties of saffron and rose water.
Ingredients for the Zoolbia recipe: The Best Simple Crispy Sweet
The recipe for Zoolbia is a two-step process, the first step is to prepare its special syrup, and the second step is to prepare its dough.
Ingredients for making Zoolbia syrup
Sugar | 2 Cups |
Rose water | 2 Tablespoons |
Brewed saffron | 1 Tablespoon |
Apple cider vinegar | 1 Teaspoon |
Ingredients for Zoolbia dough
White flour | 2 Tablespoons |
Cornstarch | 2 Tablespoons |
Cardamom powder | Half a teaspoon |
Rose water | 1 Tablespoon |
Yogurt | 2 Tablespoons |
Baking soda | 1/4 Teaspoon |
Butter | Half a teaspoon |
Oil | As needed |
Steps for making Zoolbia recipe: The Best Simple Crispy Sweet
How to make Zoolbia syrup
To make a honey and fragrant syrup, you should use high-quality rose water and saffron. Combine two glasses of water with sugar and heat. Stir it gently over heat until the sugar is completely dissolved in the water.
How to make Zoolbia dough
Step 1
First, remove the yogurt from the refrigerator to room temperature and add the starch to it. Stir with an electric mixer for 3 minutes.
Step 2
Sieve the white flour twice until there are no lumps and add it to the yogurt and starch step by step. Give this mixture 5 minutes and after that, add the rose water, cardamom, baking soda and melted butter.
Step 3
Add oil to a deep container and place it on the heat. The flame temperature should not be high because the oil may burn. After the oil is hot, place the ingredients in a funnel or plastic and pour into the oil.
Step 4
After the Zoolbia is fried, place it in a colander for 1 minute to remove the excess oil. Place the sweets in the syrup you have prepared in advance for 2 to 3 minutes and then place them in the desired container.
Place Zoolbia in the refrigerator for 2 hours before consumption.
Benefits of Zoolbia for the body
- Supply of body sugar
- Energetic and invigorating
- Improves brain function
- Calming due to the presence of cardamom and rose water
Disadvantages of Zoolbia for the body
- High calories
- High sugar and dangerous food for diabetics
- High fat and cholesterol
The sweet family is not beneficial for the body due to the use of oil and artificial sugar. These foods can only be used as an immediate supply of body sugar. Zoolbia is also widely consumed during the month of Ramadan.

Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Prepare Syrup
- In a saucepan, mix sugar and water.
- Heat gently until sugar dissolves.
- Add saffron, rose water, and vinegar.
- Simmer until slightly thickened, then set aside to cool.
- Step 2: Make Batter
- Mix yogurt and cornstarch with a hand mixer for 3 minutes.
- Sift flour and gradually add to the mixture.
- Stir in rose water, cardamom, baking soda, and melted butter.
- Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Step 3: Frying
- Heat oil in a deep pan (medium heat).
- Pour batter into a piping bag or squeeze bottle.
- Pipe circular shapes into hot oil.
- Fry until golden and crispy.
- Step 4: Soaking in Syrup
- Remove fried zoolbia and drain excess oil.
- Soak in syrup for 2-3 minutes.
- Place on a serving dish.
- Step 5: Serving
- Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
- Garnish with pistachios or rose petals if desired.
- Serve with Persian tea.
Zoolbia What Is It?
Are you searching “zoolbia wat is dat” or just curious about zoolbia what is it? Zoolbia (also spelled Zulbia) is a beloved Iranian dessert crispy, sticky, and dipped in fragrant syrup.
Whether you know it by its Persian name persian zoolbia or by its Arabic‑influenced variations, this sweet treat is a staple during Ramadan and festive gatherings across Iran.
Origins of Zulbia & Cultural Significance in Iran
Zulbia Iran traces its roots to ancient Persian cuisine, becoming especially popular in holy months like Ramadan and celebrations such as Nowruz.
Street vendors and sweet shops sell golden, intricately shaped pieces of dough soaked in saffron‑infused syrup making Zoolbia part of Iran’s culinary identity and zoolbia food tradition.
Zoolbia is often paired with its cousin bamia (also spelled zoolbia bamieh): small, deep-fried dough balls soaked in syrup together they are widely known as zoolbia‑bamieh combo on menus.
What Makes Zoolbia Unique? Key Features
Texture & Shape
Zoolbia is made by piping batter into hot oil in swirling or flower-like shapes—creating crisp outside and tender inside. The syrup bath makes it glossy and sticky.
Flavors & Aroma
Infused with saffron, rosewater, and orange blossom water, Zoolbia offers a fragrant sweetness that defines Persian zoolbia dessert.
Nutritional Info & Food Pairings
Although rich and sugary, Zulbia provides quick energy. It’s best enjoyed in moderate portions with:
-
A cup of Persian tea (chai)
-
Roasted nuts, like pistachios or almonds
-
A small platter of fresh fruit, dates, or cheese for balance.
Conclusion
Zoolbia recipe or Zoolbia Bamiye is one of the most famous Iranian crispy sweets. The taste and color of this delicious sweet is with saffron and rose water. One of the most important properties of saffron is that it is blood-forming and invigorating.
Zoolbia Bamiye have an easy recipe that you can prepare with the help of this article and share your opinions with us.
1- What is Zoolbia?
Zoolbia is a traditional Persian sweet made of deep-fried dough, soaked in saffron and rosewater syrup.
2- Is Zoolbia recipe the same as Jalebi?
They are very similar, but Zoolbia has Persian flavors like saffron and rosewater, while Jalebi is spiced differently in South Asia.
3- Can I make Zoolbia recipe without saffron?
Yes, you can, but saffron gives it the golden color and authentic flavor. Without it, the taste will be milder.
4-How is Zoolbia usually served?
It’s served as a sweet snack with Persian tea, often during Ramadan and celebrations.
5- Is Zoolbia recipe vegetarian?
Yes, Zoolbia is vegetarian, but not vegan since it usually contains yogurt or butter.