The Ultimate Guide to Making Perfect Holi Sweet Gujiya at Home

Written by Deepali Verma | March 14, 2025

Is your Holi celebration even complete without a plate of hot, golden gujiyas? This classic sweet has been enjoyed during Holi celebrations for generations, with the comforting crunch of its crust and the rich, fragrant filling within. Preparing gujiya at home can be intimidating, but with the proper technique and a little practice, you can make this celebratory treat that tastes as special as it feels.

Gujiya, in its crescent form and sweet filling, is not only a dessert but also a sign of celebration and joy. Although the traditional khoya and dry fruit filling is still favored, there is so much scope to innovate. From chocolatey twists to nutty ones, adding a creative touch to the filling can make your gujiya special. And the process of making and sealing every gujiya can be a family activity in itself, further enhancing the festive mood. So, let's get to the complete guide on how to prepare ideal gujiyas at home, with some innovative ideas for creative fillings that give a new twist to this Holi favorite.

How to Make Perfect Gujiya at Home

Ingredients:

• 2 cups maida (all-purpose flour)
• _ cup ghee (clarified butter)
• Water (as required)
• Oil or ghee for deep frying
• For Classic Filling:
• 1 cup khoya (mawa)
• _ cup powdered sugar
• _ cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, raisins)
• 1 tsp cardamom powder
• 2 tbsp grated coconut
• 1 tbsp chironji (optional)

Method:

• Combine flour and ghee in a bowl and mix until the flour mixture looks like breadcrumbs. Gradually add water to knead hard dough. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
• Heat khoya in a pan until golden brown. Add powdered sugar, nuts, cardamom powder, grated coconut, and chironji. Mix well and let it cool.
• Roll small dough balls into a circle. Fill the center with a spoonful of filling in the center, fold in a half-moon shape, and seal edges with a fork or gujiya mold.
• Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Fry gujiyas on a medium heat until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
• Serve the gujiyas hot or store in an airtight container after it cools.

7 Sweet Gujiya Fillings for Holi

Chocolate and Nuts Gujiya

For a contemporary twist, replace the classic khoya filling with a combination of melted chocolate, chopped nuts, and some grated coconut. Dark or milk chocolate are both good options, providing a rich, indulgent flavor that complements the crunchy nuts. You can even drizzle white chocolate on top for a festive appearance. This one is particularly loved by children and provides a fusion twist to the Holi dessert table.

Coconut and Jaggery Gujiya

This filling is ideal when you want something naturally sweet. Grate the coconut and mix it with melted jaggery and a pinch of cardamom powder. Jaggery provides a deep, caramel sweetness to the gujiya while coconut imparts a gentle chewiness. Add a handful of toasted sesame seeds if you want some crunch and warmth too.

Thandai Flavored Gujiya

Thandai is a very popular Holi drink, and its essence also makes for a great gujiya filling. Mix crumbled khoya with thandai powder, which is a mix of almonds, fennel seeds, cardamom, and rose petals. The filling not only has the taste of Holi but also brings an awesome fragrance and a subtle spiced kick to the gujiya.

Dry Fruit and Mawa Gujiya

This stuffing is a favorite for a reason. Roast khoya with an ample combination of chopped dry fruits like almonds, pistachios, cashews, and raisins. Mix in a spoonful of desiccated coconut and a pinch of saffron for added richness. This stuffing is perfect if you're adamant about staying true to tradition but with a nuttier, richer twist.

Rose and Pistachio Gujiya

Give the traditional gujiya a refreshing new twist with a filling of ground pistachios, dried rose petals, and a little khoya. Alternatively, you can add rose syrup to the filling for a perfumed, subtly sweet filling. This one looks stunning when garnished with a little edible silver leaf, making it ideal for special occasions.

Saffron and Almond Kesari Gujiya

For a touch of royalty, prepare a filling with saffron-infused khoya and slivered almonds. The saffron gives the gujiya a rich golden color and an aromatic flavor that makes the gujiya stand out. A few chopped dates can also be included to add to the natural sweetness and provide the filling with a twist.

Fruit and Nut Gujiya

Mix chopped dried fruits such as apricots, dates, and figs with nuts and a small amount of desiccated coconut. This is a sweet filling in itself and goes well with the crunchy gujiya crust. It's also an excellent means of varying your dessert platter and providing a lighter, fruit-based option amidst the more indulgent sweets.