Cooking and Baking with Roses: A Fragrant Twist on Classic Recipes

Roses have long been a symbol of beauty, love, and elegance, but did you know that they can also add a unique and aromatic touch to your cooking and baking?

Cooking with roses is a delightful way to bring floral notes into your kitchen, offering both subtle fragrance and delicate flavour.

 From rose water and rose petal jams to candied petals and rose-infused desserts, this versatile flower is as at home on your plate as it is in your garden.

In this blogpost, we’ll explore some exciting ways to incorporate roses into your cooking and baking, along with tips on how to prepare them safely and get the most out of their floral essence.

Choosing the Right Roses

Before you start cooking with roses, it’s important to choose the right kind. Not all roses are suitable for culinary use. You’ll want to look for organic, unsprayed roses—either grown yourself or purchased from a reputable supplier. Avoid store-bought bouquets as they are often treated with chemicals.

The most fragrant varieties work best in the kitchen, with Damask and Centifolia roses being popular choices for their heady aroma. In general, any edible rose variety will work, but make sure to wash the petals thoroughly to remove any dust or insects.

Preparing Rose Petals for Cooking

Once you’ve selected your roses, gently pluck the petals and give them a good rinse in cold water. After rinsing, pat them dry with a clean towel. When preparing rose petals for baking or cooking, it’s also a good idea to remove the white base of each petal, as this can sometimes taste bitter.

Fresh rose petals can be used immediately, or you can dry them to use later. To dry rose petals, spread them out on a clean tray in a warm, dry area for several days until they are crisp.

Rose Water: A Floral Kitchen Staple

One of the easiest and most common ways to cook with roses is to use rose water. This fragrant liquid is made by distilling fresh rose petals in water and is often used in Middle Eastern and Indian cooking. You can buy rose water from speciality shops, or make your own at home by simmering fresh petals in water and straining the mixture.

How to Make Rose Water at Home:

2 large handfuls of fresh rose petals

500ml (about 1 pint) distilled water

Place the rose petals in a saucepan and pour the water over them.

Bring the water to a gentle simmer, then cover the saucepan with a lid.

Simmer for 20-30 minutes until the petals lose their colour and the water takes on a rosy hue.

Strain the liquid into a clean glass bottle and store it in the fridge.

Rose water can be used to flavour cakes, custards, ice creams, and even savoury dishes like rice or couscous. A little goes a long way—just a few drops can transform a dish into something special.

Baking with Roses

When it comes to baking, roses lend themselves beautifully to cakes, biscuits, and pastries. Rose-infused desserts are perfect for afternoon tea, weddings, or any occasion where you want to add a touch of elegance. Here are some delicious ideas to get you started:

1. Rose Petal Jam

A traditional delicacy in Persian and Turkish cuisines, rose petal jam is fragrant, sweet, and incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, scones, or as a filling for cakes and pastries.

Ingredients:

150g fresh rose petals (from untreated roses)

500g granulated sugar

Juice of 1 lemon

500ml water

Method:

Rinse the rose petals thoroughly and set them aside.

In a large saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and lemon juice, and bring to a boil.

Add the rose petals to the syrup and let it simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jam thickens.

Pour the jam into sterilised jars and let it cool before sealing.

This jam can be stored for several weeks and makes a thoughtful, homemade gift.

2. Rose and Almond Shortbread

Rose water adds a delicate flavour to this buttery shortbread, while the ground almonds give it a rich, nutty texture. Perfect with a cup of tea!

Ingredients:

150g plain flour

50g ground almonds

100g unsalted butter, softened

50g caster sugar

1 tsp rose water

Method:

Preheat your oven to 160°C (140°C fan) or Gas Mark 3.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Stir in the flour and ground almonds, mixing until the dough comes together.

Add the rose water and knead the dough gently until evenly combined.

Roll out the dough to about 1cm thick and cut into rounds or shapes of your choice.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the edges are golden.

Let the shortbread cool before serving, and garnish with a sprinkle of crushed dried rose petals for a decorative touch.

3. Rose Scented Victoria Sponge

Take your classic Victoria sponge cake to the next level with a hint of rose water in the buttercream filling. This recipe is sure to impress at any gathering.

Ingredients:

225g self-raising flour

225g unsalted butter

225g caster sugar

4 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the buttercream:

100g unsalted butter, softened

200g icing sugar

1 tsp rose water

2 tbsp rose petal jam (optional)

Method:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or Gas Mark 4. Grease and line two 20cm cake tins.

Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until pale and fluffy.

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then fold in the flour and vanilla extract.

Divide the mixture between the two tins and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the sponges are golden and spring back when touched.

For the buttercream, mix the butter and icing sugar together until smooth, then add the rose water.

Once the cakes have cooled, spread the buttercream on one sponge and top with a layer of rose petal jam if using. Place the second sponge on top and dust with icing sugar.

Candied Rose Petals

Candied rose petals are a beautiful and edible decoration for cakes, cupcakes, and desserts. They’re surprisingly simple to make and add a sweet, crispy texture to any dish.

Ingredients:

Fresh rose petals (washed and dried)

1 egg white (lightly beaten)

Caster sugar

Method:

Brush each rose petal lightly with the beaten egg white.

Sprinkle caster sugar over the petals until they are evenly coated.

Place the petals on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let them dry at room temperature for 12-24 hours.

These candied petals will keep for several weeks in an airtight container and make a lovely garnish for cakes or as a sweet snack.

Conclusion: A Rose in Every Dish

Cooking and baking with roses adds a touch of sophistication to your dishes, infusing them with a fragrant aroma and unique flavour. Whether you’re creating rose-infused desserts, jams, or using rose water in savoury dishes, this versatile flower offers endless possibilities in the kitchen. So, next time you want to elevate your cooking, why not give roses a try? After all, the kitchen is just another place where roses can bloom!

Where can you buy edible roses? Specialist cook's shops and you can buy them from www.amazon.co.uk