Baklava Cookies
Baklava Cookies capture the essence of the classic Middle Eastern baklava in a convenient, bite-sized cookie form. Featuring flaky phyllo dough layered with a cinnamon-spiced nut filling and drenched in warm honey syrup with a hint of lemon, these cookies offer a perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and aromatic flavors. Ideal for sharing, gifting, or enjoying as a delightful treat, they combine tradition and simplicity in every crisp and sticky bite.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Can be made gluten-free with gluten-free phyllo; vegan option available
Phyllo Dough Layers
- Phyllo dough sheets, thawed if frozen (about 8-10 sheets)
- Butter, melted (about 1 cup or 225g)
Nut Filling
- Finely chopped walnuts (1 1/2 cups, about 150g)
- Sugar (1/3 cup, 65g)
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
- Optional: other warm spices like cardamom or nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon each)
Honey Syrup
- Honey (3/4 cup)
- Water (1/4 cup)
- Sugar (1/4 cup)
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
- Prepare the Nut Filling: Combine finely chopped walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Stir well so the spices and sugar evenly coat the nuts, enhancing their natural flavor and sweetness.
- Layer the Phyllo Sheets: Carefully lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a greased baking tray, brushing it lightly with melted butter. Repeat this process with 3 to 4 layers to create a sturdy and flaky base.
- Add the Nut Mixture: Evenly spread the prepared nut filling over the layered phyllo base, distributing it uniformly to ensure consistent crunch and flavor in every cookie.
- Seal with More Phyllo Layers: Place several more sheets of phyllo dough on top of the nut filling, brushing each layer generously with melted butter to achieve crispiness and golden coloring after baking.
- Cut Into Shapes: Using a sharp knife, pre-cut the layered pastry into diamond or square shapes to form cookie-sized pieces before baking. This helps maintain their classic look and eases portioning later.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cookies turn golden brown and the butter has soaked through the layers, creating a perfect flaky texture.
- Prepare the Honey Syrup: While the cookies bake, combine honey, water, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Warm until sugar dissolves completely, then remove from heat.
- Pour Honey Syrup: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, pour the warm honey syrup evenly over them. Allow the cookies to soak up the syrup, becoming moist and sticky.
Notes
- Use fresh, properly thawed phyllo dough for the best flaky texture; thaw frozen phyllo overnight in the refrigerator.
- Brush butter generously between phyllo layers to achieve signature flakiness and golden color.
- Chop nuts finely for better integration and a harmonious bite.
- Pour the honey syrup while both syrup and cookies are warm to maximize syrup absorption.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to maintain crispness.
- Wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Rewarm cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to regain crispness without drying out the filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: baklava cookies, phyllo cookies, nut cookies, honey syrup, Middle Eastern dessert, walnut cookies, cinnamon cookies, flaky cookies, sweet cookies