Qurabiya
(Qurabiyeh Tabrizi, Ghorabieh, Qurabiyə, Kurabiye, قورابیه)
Qurabiya is a soft, crumbly almond-based cookie originating from the city of Tabriz in northwestern Iran. Known locally as "qurabiyeh Tabrizi," it is one of the best-known sweets of the region and is strongly associated with Azerbaijani-Iranian culture.
This confection is made primarily from ground almonds, egg whites, sugar, and often a small amount of flour or starch to give it structure, resulting in a delicate pastry that is pale in color and rich in texture. The history of qurabiya in Tabriz reflects the city’s long-standing role as a cultural and commercial center on trade routes connecting Iran with the Caucasus and Anatolia.
As a city influenced by Persian and Turkic culinary traditions, Tabriz developed a version of qurabiya distinct from similar cookies in Turkey or the Arab world. While the name itself shares roots with “kurabiye” in Turkish and other regional variants, the Tabrizi preparation is characterized by its use of high-quality almonds, minimal flavorings, and a focus on technique. Read more
Historically, qurabiya was prepared for celebrations, gifts, and as a high-end sweet offered to guests. It was commonly included in wedding feasts and New Year (Nowruz) spreads, as well as for special guests during formal visits. The process of making Tabrizi qurabiya begins with finely ground almonds, which are combined with powdered sugar and stiffly beaten egg whites.
This mixture is gently folded to maintain volume, resulting in a thick but light batter. A small amount of flour or cornstarch may be added to improve shape retention during baking. The dough is then spooned or piped onto baking sheets in round or oval shapes.
Each cookie is typically topped with a single almond, pistachio, or a piece of candied cherry for decoration. They are baked at a low temperature to prevent browning and to preserve their pale color and delicate texture. After cooling, they are packaged in layers with wax paper to prevent sticking, often in metal or cardboard boxes used specifically for sweets.
Qurabiya in Tabriz is often sold in specialized pastry shops that have prepared this cookie in the same way for decades. Some of these bakeries are well-known in the region and attract customers from other cities and countries, especially among Azerbaijani-speaking communities.
The cookie is commonly served with black tea, either as part of an afternoon refreshment or after a formal meal. It is often presented on decorative trays alongside other local confections like nogha (Persian nougat) or baslogh (a starch-based sweet).
Although fragile and easily broken, qurabiya from Tabriz is regularly purchased for long-distance gifting, and care is taken in how it is packed and transported.
