How many calories in a Persian cream roll? A comprehensive nutritional guide

November 29, 2025 •

3 min read

A single Persian cream puff (Noon Khamei), weighing about 50 grams, typically contains approximately 250 calories. However, the exact amount can vary significantly based on the specific recipe, the type of cream used, and the portion size, making a definitive answer complex for a Persian cream roll.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a Persian cream roll is highly variable, depending on the dough type, cream filling, and portion size. While a 50-gram puff contains about 250 calories, versions using puff pastry or rich fillings will have more. Different types of Persian cream roll desserts like Noon Khamei and Rollet-e Khamei have distinct nutritional profiles.

Key Points

Calorie Variability: The calorie count of a Persian cream roll is not fixed and varies significantly based on the pastry type (cake vs. puff pastry), cream richness, and portion size.
Noon Khamei Average: A traditional 50-gram Persian cream puff, or Noon Khamei, contains approximately 250 calories.
Dough Type Impact: Puff pastry versions like Shirini-e Ghifi are generally higher in fat and calories than lighter sponge cake types like Rollet-e Khamei.
Ingredients Matter: Heavy cream and sugar are the main sources of calories in the filling, while toppings like nuts add further calories.
Homemade Control: Making cream rolls at home provides the flexibility to reduce calories by adjusting ingredients, such as using lighter cream or less sugar.
Enjoy Moderately: Persian cream rolls are best enjoyed as an occasional treat in moderation due to their rich nature and high sugar and fat content.

Understanding the Persian Cream Roll

A Persian cream roll is a popular and delicious dessert that can refer to several different pastries, most commonly Noon Khamei (cream puff) or Rollet-e Khamei (Swiss roll). The calorie content is not standardized and depends entirely on the preparation method and ingredients. Both versions feature a light dough and a rich cream filling, often flavored with rosewater, making them a high-calorie treat.

The Variability in Calorie Count

Several factors contribute to the wide range of calorie counts. Simply knowing the name of the dessert is not enough to accurately track its nutritional impact. For example, a commercial "Persian donut" with frosting can contain as many as 570 calories for a 4 oz (113.4g) serving, a far cry from the smaller, traditional versions. To get a more precise estimate, it's necessary to consider the composition of the specific pastry being consumed.

The Key Calorie Contributors

The Pastry Base: The type of dough is a major determinant. Noon Khamei uses a choux pastry that is light and airy, while Rollet-e Khamei uses a baked sponge cake. Some variations, like Shirini-e Ghifi, use a flaky, buttery puff pastry. The puff pastry is typically higher in fat and therefore calories than the lighter choux or sponge cake bases.
The Cream Filling: The filling is often sweetened heavy whipping cream. The amount of sugar and fat in the cream dictates a large portion of the calories. Some variations might use a pastry cream or other custard, which also contains significant sugar and egg yolks, contributing to the calorie total.
Added Flavorings and Toppings: Rosewater is a common addition, which adds minimal calories. However, toppings like chopped pistachios or a dusting of powdered sugar add extra calories. One commercial product cited a high calorie count partly due to its specific frosting and toppings.

Comparison of Different Cream Roll Types

Here is a comparative look at the approximate calorie content of different types of pastries that might be called a "Persian cream roll," based on available data. All values are approximate and can change depending on the recipe.


Pastry Type (Approximate Weight)	Estimated Calories	Macronutrient Profile	Source	Notes
Noon Khamei (50g)	~250 kcal	Variable (carbs, fat)		Traditional choux pastry puff
Swiss Roll (65g)	~187 kcal	12% Fat, 12% Carbs	General data	A commercial strawberry version
Cream Roll (40g)	~142 kcal	Variable (prot, carbs, fat)		A different commercial cream roll
Persian Donut (113.4g)	570 kcal	42% Carbs, 53% Fat		A specific commercial "Persian" pastry

Creating a Healthier Persian Cream Roll at Home

For those looking to enjoy the delicious taste while managing calorie intake, a homemade version offers more control. Here are some tips for reducing calories without sacrificing flavor:

Use Lighter Cream: Substitute some or all of the heavy cream with low-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or a sugar-free whipped topping.
Reduce Sugar: Decrease the amount of sugar in the cream filling. Flavor with extra rosewater or vanilla extract instead.
Mind the Pastry: For a lighter option, a sponge cake base (Rollet-e Khamei) is generally less calorie-dense than a puff pastry base (Shirini-e Ghifi).
Portion Control: Simply cutting smaller slices of a Rollet-e Khamei or enjoying just one small Noon Khamei can make a big difference.
Healthier Toppings: Garnish with fresh fruit instead of powdered sugar or excessive nuts.

Conclusion

While it's impossible to give a single, definitive answer to how many calories are in a Persian cream roll, most traditional versions fall within a range of 150 to 300 calories per serving, depending on the type and size. The best way to know for sure is to create your own recipe at home, where you can control the ingredients and serving size. A typical Noon Khamei is a moderate treat, but some commercial varieties can be quite high in calories. By understanding the factors that influence the calorie count, you can make an informed decision and enjoy this delightful pastry responsibly. For more on traditional recipes and their nutritional breakdowns, you can consult various cooking resources. For a specific example of a homemade choux pastry recipe, see this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on a 50-gram serving, a traditional Noon Khamei is typically estimated to contain around 250 calories. However, this is an estimate that can vary.

No, the calorie count varies greatly. The term can refer to different types of pastries, such as the choux-based Noon Khamei, the sponge cake Rollet-e Khamei, or even puff pastry versions, all with different calorie totals.

A Rollet-e Khamei, which is based on a light sponge cake, is often lower in calories per gram than a butter-heavy puff pastry version. The final calorie count depends on the cream filling and slice size.

The calories mainly come from the heavy cream and sugar in the filling, as well as the fat from the butter used in the pastry base.

Yes. For a homemade version, you can reduce calories by using low-fat dairy alternatives for the cream, decreasing the sugar content, or serving smaller portions.

Commercial versions often have a higher and more consistent calorie count due to standardized, often richer, ingredients and preparation methods. Homemade rolls allow for ingredient adjustments to lower calories.

Rosewater is a zero or near-zero calorie flavoring agent. It adds a traditional Persian taste without contributing to the overall calorie count.