Irresistible Baklava Cookies Recipe: Sweet Honey-Nut Magic

Soft, buttery cookies meet the classic flavors of Middle Eastern baklava in this delightful baklava cookies recipe that marries two beloved desserts.

Crisp edges give way to a tender center packed with nutty goodness.

Layers of chopped walnuts and pistachios create a delicate crunch in every bite.

Honey-soaked and delicately spiced, these cookies bring a touch of sweetness to your dessert table.

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and honey will fill your kitchen as they bake.

Each cookie offers a perfect balance of crisp texture and rich, nutty flavor.

You’ll fall in love with this delectable twist on a traditional favorite that promises to become a new family classic.

Why Baklava Cookies Are the Ultimate Treat

• These baklava cookies combine the rich, nutty essence of traditional Middle Eastern desserts with a delightful cookie twist, delivering an unexpected and luxurious taste experience.
• Despite the intricate flavor profile, the recipe breaks down into simple steps that even novice bakers can master, making gourmet baking accessible and fun.
• The rose sugar coating and pistachio filling transform ordinary cookies into elegant, conversation-starting treats perfect for special gatherings or impressive dessert spreads.
• Bakers can experiment with different nut variations or adjust sugar levels, allowing creativity and personal flair in every batch of these unique cookies.

The Key Ingredients for Baklava Cookies

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and deep caramel-like sweetness to the cookies.
• Granulated Sugar: Contributes to the cookie's structure and sweetness.
• Egg Yolks: Bind the ingredients and create a rich, soft cookie.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
• Flour: Forms the primary structure of the cookie dough.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light.
• Baking Soda: Assists in browning and provides additional leavening.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the cookie's flavors.

• Pistachios: Creates a nutty, rich filling with authentic Middle Eastern flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and depth to the pistachio mixture.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps bind the filling.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken and stabilize the filling.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice to the filling.

• Dried Rose Petals, Granulated Sugar: Creates a fragrant, delicate rose sugar coating that adds a unique floral note to the cookies.

Tools and Trays for Perfect Baklava Cookies

• stand mixer or hand mixer: Essential for creaming butter and mixing dough thoroughly.
• food processor or small blender: Perfect for grinding rose petals and pistachios into fine powder.
• cookie scoop (3-tablespoon size): Helps create uniform cookie portions with ease.
• rubber spatula: Great for scraping bowl sides and bringing dough together smoothly.
• parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy baking and cleanup.
• round cookie cutter or spatula: Used for shaping and evening out cookie edges after baking.
• baking sheets: Large sheets for baking cookies evenly.
• mixing bowls: For preparing different components of the recipe.

How to Prepare and Bake Baklava Cookies

Step 1: Craft Rose Sugar

Pulse dried rose petals with granulated sugar in a food processor until they transform into a delicate powder.

Blend the rose dust with remaining sugar in a bowl, creating a fragrant and sweet coating.

Step 2: Create Pistachio Filling

Grind pistachios into fine crumbs using a food processor.

• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Cornstarch

Stir melted butter and honey into the nut mixture until perfectly combined.

Step 3: Whip Cookie Dough Base

• Room temperature butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar

Blend on medium speed for five minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet Components

Scrape bowl sides and add egg yolks and vanilla.

Mix on medium speed until smooth and fully integrated.

Step 5: Introduce Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Mix on low speed until just combined.

The dough might look crumbly initially – use a rubber spatula to bring everything together.

Step 6: Warm the Oven

Heat oven to 350F (175C).

Line two large cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Step 7: Shape Filled Cookies

Use a cookie scoop to portion dough.

Place six scoops per sheet.

Flatten each piece, add pistachio filling to the center, then fold dough around filling.

Roll into smooth balls.

Step 8: Dust with Rose Sugar

Roll each cookie ball completely in rose sugar mixture.

Arrange six cookies per baking pan.

Step 9: Prepare for Baking

Gently press each cookie down to approximately 1cm thickness using your hand or a cup bottom.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake one pan at a time for 8-10 minutes.

Edges should be set while centers remain soft.

Step 11: Final Touches

Immediately after removing from oven, use a cookie cutter or spatula to smooth edges.

Sprinkle extra rose sugar while warm.

Allow cookies to cool completely on the pan.

Baker’s Tips for the Best Baklava Cookies

• Grind dried rose petals finely to ensure an even, delicate flavor throughout the cookie coating.
• Pulse nuts carefully to achieve a fine, consistent grind without turning them into paste.
• Knead dough thoroughly to prevent crumbling and ensure smooth, even cookie formation.
• Center pistachio mixture precisely to create a balanced, flavorful cookie interior.
• Remove cookies when edges are set but centers remain soft for a perfectly tender texture.

Delicious Variations for Baklava Cookie Fans

• Gluten-Free Cookie Twist: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same delicious pistachio and rose flavor profile.
• Vegan Baklava Cookie Spin: Swap butter for coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of egg yolks, and ensure all ingredients are plant-based while keeping the signature honey and pistachio filling.
• Nutty Alternative Version: Substitute pistachios with almonds or walnuts for a different nutty experience, adjusting the filling recipe to complement the new nut choice.
• Low-Sugar Option: Replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce honey quantity, and use a sugar-free rose dust alternative for a diabetic-friendly cookie version.

Ways to Serve Baklava Cookies

• Festive Dessert Platter: Arrange the baklava cookies on a elegant wooden board with whole pistachios, dried rose petals, and small honey drizzles for a stunning presentation.
• Middle Eastern Tea Pairing: Serve these cookies alongside traditional Turkish or Arabic tea in delicate glass cups, creating an authentic cultural culinary experience that highlights the recipe's rich flavors.
• Gifting Gourmet Touch: Package the cooled cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with silk ribbons, perfect as a sophisticated homemade gift for special occasions or holiday gatherings.
• Brunch Companion: Create a beautiful brunch spread by placing these cookies next to fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, and light pastries for an elegant sweet complement to morning beverages.

Storing Baklava Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their soft texture and preventing moisture buildup.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper separating each layer. Freeze for up to 3 months. Ensure cookies are completely cool before freezing to prevent condensation.
• Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Place a piece of bread in the container to help maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Warm refrigerated or frozen cookies in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-5 minutes. Allow cookies to reach room temperature before serving to restore their original texture and flavor.

FAQs

• What makes the rose sugar special?

Rose sugar adds a delicate floral flavor and subtle sweetness to the cookies, creating a unique and aromatic element that elevates the traditional baklava taste.

• Can I substitute pistachios with another nut?

Yes, you can use almonds or walnuts as alternatives. Just make sure to finely grind them and adjust the sweetness if needed to match the original recipe’s flavor profile.

• Why do I need to cream the butter for five minutes?

Creaming butter for five minutes incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in lighter, softer cookies with a tender crumb and improved texture.

• How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

The cookies are done when the edges are set but the centers remain soft. They should look slightly underbaked, as they will continue to firm up while cooling on the baking sheet.

Baklava Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delectable baklava cookies blend Middle Eastern pastry traditions with classic cookie comfort. Layers of phyllo, honey, and nuts create a sweet, crisp treat that transports you to Mediterranean kitchens with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 cup pistachios, shelled
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Wet Ingredients and Sweeteners:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large egg yolks, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla paste or extract
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed

Rose Sugar Coating:

• 1/4 cup dried roses (edible version)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Craft rose-infused sugar by grinding dried rose petals with granulated sugar in a food processor until transformed into a fine, fragrant powder. Set aside in a separate bowl.
2. Pulverize pistachios into a fine texture, then combine with brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Integrate melted butter and honey into the nut mixture, stirring until thoroughly blended.
3. Utilize a stand mixer to cream butter and sugars for approximately 5 minutes, achieving a light, airy consistency.
4. Incorporate egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter becomes smooth and uniform.
5. Gently fold in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix on low speed, using a spatula to ensure all ingredients are fully integrated, even if the dough initially appears crumbly.
6. Heat oven to 350°F and prepare parchment-lined baking sheets.
7. Portion cookie dough using a 3-tablespoon scoop. Flatten each portion, center a dollop of pistachio filling, then encase completely. Roll into smooth spheres.
8. Generously coat each cookie ball in the prepared rose sugar mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Delicately flatten cookies to approximately 1cm thickness using gentle hand pressure or a flat-bottomed object.
10. Bake for 8-10 minutes, targeting set edges with slightly soft centers.
11. Immediately after removing from oven, reshape edges using a cookie cutter or spatula. Dust with additional rose sugar while warm, then allow to cool completely on the baking sheet.

Notes

• Customize Sugar Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a lower glycemic index option that still provides sweetness.
• Control Texture Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain a perfect round cookie shape during baking.
• Nut Alternatives Replace pistachios with almonds or walnuts for different flavor profiles while maintaining the classic baklava-inspired filling.
• Gluten-Free Conversion Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the same delicate texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 95 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg