Ultimate Gujiya Recipe Guide: Dough, Filling, Shaping, and Frying Explained

Author : Bumppy Media | Published On : 28 Feb 2026

Holi, the festival of colors, is incomplete without indulgent sweets, and among them, gujiya is a true favorite. Crispy on the outside, soft and nutty on the inside, gujiyas symbolize festive joy and togetherness. If you want to enjoy this delight at home, nothing beats this authentic gujiya recipe, prepared the traditional way. Follow this guide to make perfect gujiyas that your family and friends will love.

Ingredients for Authentic Gujiyas

Quality ingredients are key for the perfect taste and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
4 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter), softened
A pinch of salt
Water, as required

For the Filling:

1 cup khoya (mawa), crumbled
½ cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
¼ cup chopped dry fruits (almonds, cashews, pistachios, raisins)
½ teaspoon cardamom powder
1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional, for added texture)

For Frying:

Ghee or oil, for deep frying

This combination of ingredients ensures your gujiyas are both authentic and flavorful.

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Mix flour and ghee: Take all-purpose flour in a bowl. Add salt and softened ghee. Rub it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This step is crucial for a flaky texture.
Form the dough: Slowly add water and knead into a firm, pliable dough. Cover and rest for 20–30 minutes. Resting helps in rolling gujiyas smoothly without cracking—a must in any authentic gujiya recipe.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling

Cook the khoya: Crumble khoya into a pan and cook on low heat for 3–4 minutes. Cooking enhances its flavor and ensures a creamy texture.
Add dry fruits and flavorings: Transfer khoya to a bowl. Mix in powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and chopped dry fruits. Optionally, add poppy seeds or saffron for a festive touch. Allow the filling to cool completely before stuffing.
Pro tip: Keep the filling dry. Moisture can make the gujiya shell soggy, which is a common mistake in amateur versions of this authentic gujiya recipe.

Step 3: Rolling and Shaping Gujiyas

Divide the dough: Make lemon-sized balls and roll them into discs about 3–4 inches in diameter.
Stuffing the gujiyas: Place a teaspoon of the cooled filling in the center. Avoid overfilling, as it may break during frying.
Seal the edges: Fold the disc into a half-moon. Press edges firmly. Use a fork or twist the edges for traditional designs. This step is essential in any authentic gujiya recipe to prevent leakage and create the classic shape.

Step 4: Frying the Gujiyas

Heat the ghee: Use medium flame. The ghee should be hot but not smoking.
Fry slowly: Add a few gujiyas at a time. Fry on medium-low heat until golden brown. Slow frying ensures even cooking and maintains crispiness.
Drain excess ghee: Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels. Overcrowding can reduce the temperature and make gujiyas greasy—a common pitfall avoided in this authentic gujiya recipe.

Step 5: Cooling and Storage

Cool completely: Warm gujiyas may soften due to residual moisture.
Store properly: Use an airtight container. Authentic gujiyas can last 2–3 weeks, making them ideal for gifting during Holi or Diwali.

Tips for Perfect Authentic Gujiyas

Dough consistency is key: Too soft and gujiyas burst; too hard and they won’t be flaky.
Fry on low heat: Ensures even cooking and golden crispiness.
Filling variations: Coconut, chocolate, or fruit-infused fillings are fun twists while keeping it traditional.
Edge sealing matters: Proper sealing prevents leakage—a hallmark of any authentic gujiya recipe.

Why Homemade Gujiyas Stand Out

Homemade gujiyas prepared with care and love are unmatched. Rolling the dough, stuffing it, and sealing edges is not just cooking—it’s a festive ritual. The aroma of ghee, cardamom, and dry fruits instantly fills your home with celebration vibes. Making gujiyas at home allows you to adjust sweetness, use quality ingredients, and ensure hygiene—details that store-bought versions often miss. This is why following an authentic gujiya recipe elevates the entire Holi experience.

Conclusion

Making gujiyas the traditional way may seem time-consuming, but the result is priceless. Crispy, flavorful, and richly filled, authentic gujiyas are more than sweets—they are a festive symbol of joy. By following this authentic gujiya recipe, you can bring the spirit of Holi to your kitchen and delight everyone with perfect homemade gujiyas.

Celebrate this Holi with homemade gujiyas that taste as good as they look. With practice, patience, and the right technique, your gujiyas will be festival-perfect, delicious, and authentically Indian.