Description
Rich Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies combine flaky, crisp phyllo layers with a smooth, nutty cream filling infused with honey and warm spices. This easy-to-make dessert offers a sophisticated twist on classic baklava flavors, perfect for special occasions or sweet treats that impress with their texture and taste.
Ingredients
Phyllo Layers
- Phyllo Dough (about 4-5 sheets per cookie base)
- Unsalted Butter (melted, for brushing the phyllo)
Nutty Cream Filling
- Mixed Nuts (finely chopped, typically pistachios and walnuts, about 1 cup)
- Cream Cheese (softened, 8 oz)
- Honey (2 tablespoons)
- Powdered Sugar (1/4 cup)
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground)
- Cardamom (1/4 teaspoon, freshly ground)
- Lemon Zest (1 teaspoon)
Instructions
- Prepare the Phyllo Layers: Carefully thaw the phyllo dough according to package instructions. Gently brush each sheet with cold melted butter and layer 4-5 sheets together to form thin, crisp stacks that will bake into golden, flaky cookie bases.
- Bake the Phyllo Layers: Cut the layered phyllo sheets into cookie-sized rounds. Bake them on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-12 minutes or until crisp and golden brown. Let cool completely to ensure maximum crunchiness for assembly.
- Make the Nutty Cream Filling: In a bowl, blend finely chopped mixed nuts with softened cream cheese, honey, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, cardamom, and lemon zest until smooth and spreadable. Adjust thickness to ensure the cream holds between cookie layers without oozing.
- Assemble the Cookies: Once the phyllo cookie bases are fully cooled, sandwich a generous dollop of the nutty cream filling between two cookie rounds. Press gently to adhere them without breaking the delicate layers.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled cookies for at least one hour to let the cream set and the flavors meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- Handle phyllo dough gently and keep covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out during preparation.
- Use cold melted butter for brushing to help create crisp, flaky layers.
- Adjust cream filling consistency by modifying cream cheese or sugar amounts to avoid runny filling.
- Freshly ground cinnamon and cardamom enhance authentic Middle Eastern flavor.
- Let cookies rest after assembly for flavors to deepen and textures to firm up.
- For garnish, sprinkle crushed pistachios or powdered sugar, or drizzle melted chocolate or honey.
- Store assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze wrapped cookies for up to 2 weeks and thaw before serving; gently warm in a low oven to refresh texture if desired.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: baklava cookies, phyllo cookies, nutty cream filling, Middle Eastern dessert, sandwich cookies, flaky pastry, honey cream cookies