Divulge the Delight of Traditional Armenian Roejig with Our Easy Recipe.
Roejig, a beloved Armenian sweet, is a delightful treat made with walnuts and thickened grape juice, perfect for enjoying during the holiday season.
Available in Armenian stores in late fall after the grape harvest, this unique dessert is traditionally served at festive meals, bringing a touch of Armenian heritage to your celebrations.
Our simple Roejig recipe guides you through creating this classic confection at home.
With layers of walnut halves strung together and repeatedly dipped in rich, molasses-like grape juice, Roejig offers a sweet, chewy texture that’s irresistible.
Whether you're looking to recreate a cherished family tradition or introduce a new dessert to your holiday table, this Armenian sweet is sure to impress.
Follow our step-by-step instructions to make this authentic Armenian treat, and enjoy the rich flavors and cultural heritage of Roejig at your next gathering.
⦁ Walnuts
⦁ 1 cup cornstarch
⦁ 3 quarts white grape juice (or other fruit juice)
⦁ 3 cups flour (Gold Medal)
⦁ 3 cups sugar
⦁ String
1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and cornstarch. Gradually add the fruit juice, mixing until smooth.
2. Prepare Walnuts: Soak walnuts in water for 30 minutes, then shell them, keeping the halves intact.
3. String the Walnuts: Use a strong string and large needle to string the walnut halves, starting with the first two halves back-to-back in the middle of the string. Continue stringing the remaining halves similarly.
4. Prepare for Drying: Tie the ends of the string to a stick, leaving 3 inches of space between each string. Hang the strings so the nuts face upward.
5. Cook and Dip (First Day): Cook half of the grape juice over low heat until thick like molasses. Dip the strung walnuts into the thickened juice several times, then hang to dry overnight.
6. Repeat Dipping (Second Day): The next day, cook the remaining grape juice, dip the nuts several times, and hang to dry overnight. Repeat over several days until well-dried.
7. Finish and Store: Once dry, cut to desired lengths, roll in powdered sugar, and slice into round pieces for serving. Store in covered jars.
🛒 Choosing Ingredients
✔ Grape Juice – Use fresh, unsweetened grape juice (typically from red or black grapes) for a rich, authentic flavor
✔ Walnuts – Traditional choice; use whole halves or large pieces, cleaned and evenly sized
✔ Flour or Cornstarch – Acts as a thickening agent for the grape juice coating
✔ Sugar (Optional) – Add if your grape juice isn’t sweet enough; traditionally kept minimal
✔ Cotton Thread & Needle – For stringing the nuts into a roll
✔ Flavor Additions (Optional) – Rosewater, cinnamon, or cloves can be added to the juice for a unique twist
👩🍳 Preparation
✔ Thread the Nuts First – Use a strong needle and cotton thread to string walnut halves into a sausage-like roll
✔ Make the Grape Juice Base – Simmer grape juice with flour or cornstarch until thick, glossy, and pudding-like
✔ Dip While Warm – Dip the nut string into the hot mixture to coat it evenly
✔ Repeat Dipping – Let each layer dry slightly before the next dip (2–3 layers is traditional)
✔ Hang to Dry – Hang the rolls in a dry, airy place for 3–5 days until firm and chewy
🔥 Cooking Techniques
✔ Whisk Constantly – While cooking the grape juice and flour to avoid lumps
✔ Test Consistency – The juice mixture should coat the back of a spoon like custard
✔ Cool Slightly Before Dipping – Too hot and the coating won’t cling; too cool and it won’t spread
✔ Hang Over Wax Paper – To catch drips and keep your kitchen clean
🍳 Balancing Flavors
✔ Grape Sweetness + Nut Earthiness – The perfect natural contrast
✔ Add Spices Cautiously – Optional cinnamon or rosewater can enhance without overpowering
✔ Natural Sugar Preferred – Use the sweetness of ripe grapes when possible
✔ Don’t Overcoat – Too many layers can make the texture gummy instead of chewy
📦 Storage
✔ Hang to Dry Completely – Ensure it’s fully dried before storing
✔ Wrap in Parchment – Once dried, wrap tightly in parchment or wax paper
✔ Keep in a Cool, Dry Place – No fridge needed; it keeps well for several weeks
✔ Freezer-Friendly – Can be frozen in airtight bags and thawed at room temperature
🍽 Serving
✔ Slice into Discs – Enjoy as a sweet snack, dessert, or part of a festive platter
✔ Pair With – Armenian coffee, black tea, or wine
✔ Garnish Platter With – Dried fruits, cheeses, or fresh grapes for a celebratory touch
✔ Perfect For – Holidays, gifts, and traditional family gatherings