Bengali Pink Chum Chum Recipe That Melts in Your Mouth

Soft, spongy, and beautifully pink, chum chum is one of the most loved sweets from Bengal. Made from fresh paneer (chhena), sugar syrup, and a touch of rose flavor, this melt-in-the-mouth dessert is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. The best part? You can prepare this festive treat right in your kitchen with simple ingredients.

What Is Pink Chum Chum?

Chum chum is a traditional Bengali sweet made by kneading fresh chhena into smooth oval shapes and cooking them in sugar syrup. The pink version gets its lovely color from a few drops of food coloring and often carries a subtle rose essence. It is usually garnished with coconut, mawa, or nuts.

Ingredients

For the Chhena

• 1 litre full-fat milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar
• 4 cups water
• Ice cubes

For Sugar Syrup

• 2 cups sugar
• 5 cups water
• 2-3 cardamom pods

For Flavor and Color

• 2-3 drops pink food color
• 1/2 teaspoon rose water or rose essence

For Garnishing

• 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
• Chopped pistachios
• 2 tablespoons grated mawa (optional)

Step 1: Prepare Fresh Chhena

Boil the milk in a heavy-bottomed pan. Reduce the flame and add lemon juice gradually while stirring gently. Once the milk curdles, add ice cubes to stop further cooking.

Strain the curdled milk through a muslin cloth and rinse under cold water to remove any sourness. Squeeze out excess water and hang the cloth for 30–40 minutes.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

Transfer the chhena to a plate and knead with your palm for 8–10 minutes until smooth and soft. The mixture should become creamy and leave a slight sheen.