Baklava cookies are a delightful twist on the classic Middle Eastern dessert. Combining layers of sweet, flaky pastry with a rich nut filling, these cookies pack all the flavors of traditional baklava into an easy-to-bake treat. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying on a cozy afternoon, these cookies are sure to impress with their crispy edges and gooey honey glaze.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 16 small cookies
- Difficulty Level: Medium
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 180
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
Why Make This Baklava Cookies
These baklava cookies bring the delightful combination of nuts, honey, and cinnamon into a convenient cookie format that’s not only easy to make but also perfect for any occasion. Whether for a holiday dessert table or a simple afternoon treat, they offer a crispy exterior that gives way to a nutty and sweet interior, all drizzled in honey syrup. Plus, they are versatile, allowing you to customize the type of nuts and spices to fit your taste!
How to Make Baklava Cookies
Baking baklava cookies is straightforward, focusing on the key components that highlight their rich flavors. Follow these steps to make your own batch of delicious baklava cookies!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pistachios, or almonds)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup water
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan to ensure easy removal of the cookies later.
Step 2: Mixing
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Stir until a soft dough forms. This will create the perfect base for your cookies.
Step 3: Layering
Spread half of the dough evenly into the greased baking pan, forming the bottom layer. In another bowl, mix your choice of chopped nuts with ground cinnamon, then spread this nut mixture evenly over the dough in the pan. Crumble the remaining dough over the nut layer, covering it completely.
Step 4: Baking
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges look crisp.
Step 5: Finishing
While the cookies are baking, prepare the sweet syrup by bringing the honey and water to a boil in a small saucepan. Reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes. Once the cookies are out of the oven, immediately pour the hot syrup over them. Let the cookies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
How to Serve Baklava Cookies
Baklava cookies are delightful on their own but can be complemented with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They make lovely gifts when arranged in a decorative box, perfect for sharing with friends and family during festive occasions.
How to Store Baklava Cookies
Keep your baklava cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag; they can be kept frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Baklava Cookies
- Ensure that your butter is completely melted and not too hot to avoid cooking the flour.
- Use a mix of nuts for variety in texture and flavor.
- Don’t skip the syrup step! It adds moisture and that classic baklava taste.
- Let the cookies sit after pouring the syrup for the best absorption and flavor.
Delicious Variations
- Nut Mix: Try using a blend of walnuts, pistachios, and almonds for a richer flavor.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the nut mixture for an exotic twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: After pouring the syrup, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies for added decadence.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but using unsalted butter brings out the best flavor in these cookies. -
What nuts can I use?
You can use any combination of chopped walnuts, pistachios, or almonds based on your preference. -
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cookies and store them with syrup for a few days or freeze them for later enjoyment. -
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for a golden brown color on the top; the edges should be crispy to the touch. -
Is there a gluten-free substitute for flour?
Yes, you can try gluten-free all-purpose flour as a substitute for regular flour.
Conclusion
Baklava cookies are a scrumptious way to enjoy all the sweet, nutty flavors you love in traditional baklava, all while being easier to prepare. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a treat that delights everyone. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the heavenly taste of these cookies fresh from your oven. Happy baking!
Print
Baklava Cookies
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 small cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful twist on traditional baklava, with layers of flaky pastry and a rich nut filling, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pistachios, or almonds)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, flour, powdered sugar, and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Spread half of the dough into the greased pan. Mix the chopped nuts with ground cinnamon and spread over the dough. Crumble the remaining dough over the nut layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
- Prepare syrup by boiling honey and water for 10 minutes. Pour over cookies immediately after baking and cool before cutting.
Notes
For added flavor, use a mix of nuts. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream, and store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
