Nagpur is not only famous for its oranges but also its variety of traditional sweets. Soan Roll is a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth Indian sweet that’s made with sugar, flour, ghee, and cardamom, commonly enjoyed during festivals or special occasions. This Nagpur-style Soan Roll recipe provides the perfect combination of crunchy layers and a sweet, aromatic center.
This guide will help you make this delightful treat with easy-to-follow, detailed instructions to create an authentic Nagpur-style Soan Roll that can become a star on your dining table!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 10-12 pieces

Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
- 1/2 cup gram flour (besan)
- 1 cup ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons saffron milk (optional for color)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pistachios and almonds (for garnish)
- 2-3 tablespoons silver varkh (silver leaf) for garnish (optional)
- 2 tablespoons rose water (optional)
- A pinch of baking soda
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Sift the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, sift 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup gram flour, and a pinch of baking soda. This helps remove lumps and ensures smooth mixing. - Add Ghee to the Flour:
Add 1/2 cup ghee to the flour mixture and rub the ghee into the flour using your fingertips. Continue this process until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. - Add Milk and Knead:
Gradually add 1/2 cup milk to the flour mixture and knead it into a soft, pliable dough. The dough should not be sticky. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 15 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Sugar Syrup
- Heat Sugar and Water:
In a separate saucepan, combine 1 cup powdered sugar with 1/4 cup water. Stir and heat the mixture on medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. - Simmer the Syrup:
Allow the syrup to simmer for 5-7 minutes until it reaches a slightly thick consistency. You can test by taking a drop between your fingers—it should form a single-thread consistency. - Add Cardamom and Saffron:
Add 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder and 2 tablespoons saffron-infused milk to the syrup. Stir well and remove from heat. If using rose water, add it at this stage for extra fragrance.
Step 3: Roll the Dough into Thin Layers
- Divide the Dough into Balls:
Divide the rested dough into small balls of equal size (about 10-12 portions). - Roll the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out each dough ball into a thin circle (approximately 6-7 inches in diameter). The thinner, the better for flaky layers. - Layer with Ghee and Sugar Mixture:
Brush each rolled-out dough sheet with melted ghee and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Stack another dough layer on top, and repeat the process with more layers (aim for 3-4 layers total).
Step 4: Shape the Soan Rolls
- Cut into Strips:
Using a sharp knife, cut the stacked dough into long strips about 2 inches wide. - Roll the Strips:
Gently roll each strip from one end to the other to form the classic cylindrical shape of a soan roll. The layers should be visible on the sides, giving the roll its signature flaky texture.
Step 5: Bake the Soan Rolls
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking tray with ghee or line it with parchment paper. - Bake the Rolls:
Place the rolled strips onto the tray, ensuring space between them for even baking. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Glaze and Garnish
- Dip in Sugar Syrup:
Once baked, allow the soan rolls to cool slightly. Then, dip each roll into the prepared sugar syrup, ensuring a light coating. Let the syrup soak for 1-2 minutes before removing. - Garnish:
Sprinkle chopped pistachios and almonds on top of the sugar-coated soan rolls. For an extra festive touch, apply a layer of silver varkh (silver leaf) to each roll.
Step 7: Let the Rolls Set
- Set the Soan Rolls:
Place the glazed rolls on a wire rack to cool and set for 1 hour. This allows the sugar syrup to be fully absorbed into the flaky layers, enhancing the flavor and texture.
Expert Tips for Perfect Soan Rolls
- Use Cold Ghee:
Cold ghee helps create flaky layers, so avoid using warm or melted ghee when kneading the dough. - Knead Softly:
Over-kneading the dough can make it tough. Knead just until it comes together into a soft ball. - Don’t Overcook the Syrup:
Cook the sugar syrup only until it reaches a single-thread consistency. Overcooking will make it too thick and difficult to soak. - Saffron and Cardamom:
Adding saffron and cardamom enhances the flavor of the soan rolls, but you can skip saffron if it’s not available. - Use a Pastry Brush for Layers:
Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the dough layers with ghee and sugar, ensuring every part of the dough gets the same amount of richness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make Soan Roll without an oven?
Yes, you can cook soan rolls on a stovetop by frying them in ghee. However, baking ensures a healthier and less greasy version. - How do I store Soan Rolls?
Store the soan rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Avoid refrigerating as it can make them soggy. - Can I use jaggery instead of sugar?
Yes, you can replace sugar with jaggery for a more earthy, caramelized flavor. Adjust the consistency of the syrup accordingly. - Why is my dough not flaky?
If the dough isn’t flaky, you may not have used enough ghee between the layers. Ensure you brush ghee evenly during the layering process. - Can I add dry fruits inside the rolls?
Yes, you can add finely chopped dry fruits like cashews or almonds inside the layers for extra crunch and richness. - Can I make the soan rolls vegan?
Substitute ghee with plant-based butter and milk with almond or coconut milk to make a vegan version of soan rolls. - How long do the soan rolls take to set?
Soan rolls usually take 1-2 hours to set after glazing with sugar syrup. Ensure they are fully cooled before serving. - How to make soan rolls without saffron?
If saffron is unavailable, skip it, or use a pinch of turmeric for color. Cardamom will still provide a lovely aroma. - What is the best way to serve soan rolls?
Serve soan rolls as a snack with chai or coffee, or present them as part of a dessert platter during festivals like Diwali or Holi.
Serving Suggestions for Nagpur-Style Soan Roll
- Festive Treat:
Soan rolls are perfect for festive occasions such as Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, or wedding celebrations. - With Tea or Coffee:
Pair the flaky, sweet rolls with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful mid-afternoon snack. - Gift Box:
Soan rolls make a fantastic addition to gift boxes for family and friends during the festive season.
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If you have any questions not covered in this post and if you need help, leave a comment or mail us at blog@ramshiromanicaterers.in and we’ll help as soon as we can.
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