Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies

Introduction

Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies are a delightful fusion of two beloved treats—classic sandwich cookies and the rich, fragrant flavors of baklava. These cookies are a showstopper, with their flaky, buttery layers and a sweet, creamy filling that perfectly captures the essence of baklava. Each bite combines the warm, comforting taste of honey, walnuts, and pistachios with the satisfying crunch of pastry, creating a luxurious experience for your taste buds.

I fell in love with Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies after making them for a family gathering. I was craving baklava, but I wanted something a little different, so I decided to experiment by turning it into a sandwich cookie. The result was nothing short of magical! The crunchy, flaky texture of the cookies combined with the sweet, nutty filling was an instant hit, and I knew I’d found a new favorite dessert. Since then, I’ve made them for birthdays, holidays, and even just as a special treat on a quiet afternoon.

What I love most about these cookies is the balance of flavors and textures. The honey and nuts offer the familiar, comforting taste of baklava, while the creamy filling makes these cookies extra indulgent. They’re surprisingly easy to make, too—perfect for when you want to impress guests with a show-stopping dessert without spending all day in the kitchen. Whether you serve them at a gathering or enjoy them with a cup of tea, Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies are sure to become a cherished recipe in your baking repertoire.

Perfect for:

• Dessert parties
• Special occasions and holidays
• Coffee and tea time
• Gift giving
• Anyone who loves baklava and cookies

Why You’ll Love This Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies

Here’s why Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies will become your new favorite treat:

• Unique Flavor Profile: Combining the sweetness of honey, the nuttiness of walnuts and pistachios, and the richness of a creamy filling makes these cookies a one-of-a-kind dessert.
• Flaky and Buttery Texture: The base cookie has a buttery, flaky texture that’s reminiscent of the pastry layers in baklava, offering the perfect balance with the creamy filling.
• No-Fuss, No-Bake Filling: The creamy filling is easy to make and doesn’t require any baking, making it a simple yet decadent addition to the cookies.
• Impressive Presentation: These cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious, with their intricate layers and golden brown finish, making them an impressive choice for any dessert table.
• Versatile Flavors: You can customize the filling with different nuts and spices, or even drizzle the cookies with a little extra honey for added sweetness.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours (includes cooling time)
• Preparation Time: 45 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Baking Time: 15-20 minutes
• Servings: 12-16 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories per cookie
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 14g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies:

For the Cookies:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup finely chopped walnuts
• ½ cup finely chopped pistachios

Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon honey, for drizzling (optional)
• Extra crushed walnuts or pistachios, for sprinkling (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Honey: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to both the cookies and the filling, mimicking the flavors of traditional baklava.
• Pistachios and Walnuts: These nuts are essential for capturing the essence of baklava, offering a satisfying crunch and nutty richness.
• Cream Cheese: Provides a smooth and tangy base for the cream filling, which complements the sweetness of the cookies and honey.
• Butter: The key to creating the flakey, rich texture of the cookie, as well as the creamy filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions on how to make Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies

Follow these simple steps to make Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies:

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the egg yolk, honey, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Continue to beat until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

Shape and Bake the Cookies:

5. Roll the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion between two sheets of parchment paper to about ¼-inch thickness.
6. Cut the Cookies: Use a cookie cutter to cut the dough into circles, about 2 inches in diameter. Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.

Prepare the Cream Filling:

8. Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, softened butter, honey, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
9. Add the Nuts: Fold in the finely chopped walnuts and pistachios until evenly distributed throughout the cream filling.

Assemble the Cookies:

10. Fill the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous amount of cream filling on the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie, pressing gently to sandwich them together.
11. Garnish the Cookies: If desired, drizzle honey over the top of the cookies and sprinkle with additional crushed pistachios or walnuts for extra flavor and decoration.

How to Serve Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies

Here are 10 ideas for how to serve Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies:

• With Coffee or Tea: These cookies pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or a pot of tea, making them an ideal addition to your afternoon break.
• As a Gift: Package the cookies in a decorative tin or box to give as a homemade gift for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.
• At Dessert Buffets: Serve these cookies as part of a dessert table at weddings, parties, or family gatherings for an elegant touch.
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla or honey ice cream.
• For Afternoon Snacks: Enjoy them as a sweet treat during the afternoon when you need a pick-me-up.
• With Fruit: Pair with fresh berries or sliced citrus for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
• For Special Occasions: These cookies are great for special celebrations such as birthdays, holidays, or family reunions.
• As Part of a Middle Eastern Dessert Spread: Serve them alongside traditional desserts like baklava, Turkish delight, and kunafa for a themed dessert party.
• With Hot Chocolate: For a cozy dessert, serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of hot chocolate.
• With a Glass of Milk: The rich, creamy filling pairs beautifully with a tall glass of milk for a comforting snack.

Additional Tips for Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies

Here are some tips for making the best Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies:

• Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too soft to handle while rolling, chill it for 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator before cutting out the cookies.
• Use Fresh Honey: Using high-quality, fresh honey will elevate the flavor of these cookies and enhance the sweetness.
• Toast the Nuts: For added flavor, lightly toast the walnuts and pistachios in a dry skillet before chopping and adding to the filling.
• Don’t Over-Bake: Be sure to keep an eye on the cookies while baking. They should just be golden around the edges to ensure they remain soft and flaky.
• Store Properly: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week.
• Customize the Nuts: Feel free to use other nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans in place of or in addition to the walnuts and pistachios.
• Make Ahead: These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. They will stay fresh for several days, and the flavor will improve as they sit.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: For evenly sized cookies, use a small cookie scoop to portion out the dough.
• Add a Touch of Spice: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of ground cardamom or allspice to the dough for a warm, aromatic touch.
• Keep the Filling Thick: Ensure that the cream filling is thick enough to hold up between the cookies by adjusting the powdered sugar quantity if needed.

Recipe Variations for Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies

Here are 10 variations you can try for Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies:

• Chocolate Baklava Cookies: Add a layer of melted chocolate on top of the cream filling for a rich, chocolatey twist.
• Coconut Baklava Cookies: Fold shredded coconut into the cream filling for a tropical flavor.
• Maple Baklava Cookies: Substitute honey with maple syrup for a sweet, maple-infused version of these cookies.
• Churro Baklava Cookies: Sprinkle the baked cookies with cinnamon sugar for a churro-inspired variation.
• Lemon Baklava Cookies: Add a bit of lemon zest to the dough or cream filling for a refreshing citrus twist.
• Pistachio Baklava Cookies: Use only pistachios for the filling for a more intense pistachio flavor.
• Nut-Free Baklava Cookies: Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds in place of the nuts for a nut-free version.
• Spiced Baklava Cookies: Add ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the cream filling for a spiced variation.
• Orange Baklava Cookies: Infuse the cream filling with orange zest for a bright, citrusy note.
• Gluten-Free Baklava Cookies: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour to make the cookies gluten-free.

FAQ Section for Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies

1. Can I substitute the nuts in this recipe?
   Yes, feel free to use your favorite nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans in place of walnuts and pistachios.
2. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
   Make sure the dough is chilled before baking. You can also chill the cookie sheets for a few minutes before placing them in the oven.
3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
   Absolutely! These cookies can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
4. How can I make the filling thicker?
   If you want a thicker filling, add a little more powdered sugar to achieve the consistency you prefer.
5. Can I freeze the cookies?
   Yes, these cookies freeze well. Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Conclusion

Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies bring the rich, indulgent flavors of baklava into a new and exciting form. These buttery, flaky cookies are filled with a creamy, nut-filled center that perfectly captures the essence of classic baklava. With every bite, you’ll enjoy the sweet, nutty, and fragrant flavors that make baklava such a beloved treat, all wrapped up in a delicious sandwich cookie.

Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply for a sweet indulgence, these cookies are guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Easy to make, customizable, and full of flavor, they’re an irresistible dessert that everyone will love.

Enjoy making these decadent cookies and sharing them with friends and family! I can’t wait to see how your Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I love seeing your delicious creations! Feel free to leave a comment or share your experience. Happy baking!