Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies

Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies are a decadent and creative twist on the classic Middle Eastern dessert, baklava. These cookies combine the signature flavors of baklava—honey, nuts, cinnamon, and warm spices—with the satisfying crunch of a sandwich cookie. Sandwiched between two buttery, spiced cookies is a luscious honey cream filling, layered with chopped nuts for texture and flavor. The result? A dessert that’s elegant, indulgent, and perfect for special occasions or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary.

This recipe takes inspiration from traditional baklava while simplifying the process and making it accessible as an easy-to-make cookie. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, contributing to a cookie exchange, or indulging in a weekend baking project, these cookies are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Baklava Flavors, Simplified: Get all the warm, nutty, and spiced flavors of baklava without the hassle of working with phyllo dough.
• Unique Presentation: Sandwich cookies are always a hit, and the creamy filling with crunchy nuts makes these extra special.
• Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are beautiful and travel well, making them ideal for holiday gifts or cookie exchanges.
• Customizable: Use your favorite combination of nuts or tweak the spices to match your preferences.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Children will enjoy helping assemble the cookies and sandwiching them together.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes per batch
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: ~2 hours
Yield: 20 sandwich cookies (40 individual cookies)
Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 190
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 14g

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground cardamom (optional)

For the Honey Cream Filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

For the Nut Mixture:

• ½ cup finely chopped walnuts
• ½ cup finely chopped pistachios
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

For Garnishing:

• 2 tbsp honey (for drizzling, optional)
• ¼ cup finely chopped pistachios or walnuts (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom (if using).
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
5. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Roll and Bake the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles.
3. Place the cookie rounds on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Honey Cream Filling

1. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the honey and vanilla extract, mixing well.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the filling is smooth and spreadable. Set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Nut Mixture

1. In a small bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, pistachios, and ground cinnamon. Stir until evenly mixed.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies

1. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the honey cream filling onto the flat side of half the cookies.
2. Sprinkle a generous pinch of the nut mixture over the cream filling, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Top each filled cookie with another cookie, flat side facing the filling, to create a sandwich.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Drizzle a small amount of honey over the tops of the sandwich cookies, if desired, and sprinkle with chopped pistachios or walnuts for garnish.
2. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Ingredient Background

Butter

Butter forms the base of the cookies, lending a rich flavor and tender texture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the cookies.

Honey

Honey is a key ingredient that ties the flavors of the cookies to the traditional baklava dessert. Choose a high-quality honey for the best flavor, as it’s a prominent component of the filling and garnish.

Walnuts and Pistachios

These nuts are classic in baklava and add texture, richness, and nuttiness to the sandwich cookies. Feel free to substitute with almonds or pecans if preferred.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese gives the filling its creamy, tangy base, balancing the sweetness of the honey and powdered sugar.

Cardamom and Cinnamon

These warm spices enhance the flavor of the cookies, creating a more authentic baklava-inspired taste.

Technique Tips

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
• Even Thickness: Roll the cookie dough evenly to ensure all the cookies bake at the same rate.
• Cool Completely: Make sure the cookies are fully cooled before assembling to prevent the filling from melting.
• Use a Piping Bag: For a neater look, pipe the cream filling onto the cookies instead of spreading it with a knife.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Mini Cookies: Use a smaller cookie cutter to create bite-sized sandwich cookies.
• Drizzle with Chocolate: Add a drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
• Single-Layer Cookies: Instead of sandwiching the cookies, serve them open-faced with the cream filling and nut mixture on top.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Double the Batch: These cookies are so delicious that they disappear quickly! Make a double batch if you’re serving a crowd.
2. Nut-Free Option: If you need a nut-free version, use sunflower or pumpkin seeds in place of the nuts.
3. Store Properly: Keep the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
4. Enhance the Honey Flavor: Add a touch of honey to the cookie dough for a subtle honey undertone.

Recipe Variations

• Orange Blossom Honey Cookies: Use orange blossom honey in the filling and add a teaspoon of orange zest to the cookie dough for a citrusy twist.
• Rosewater-Infused Filling: Add a splash of rosewater to the cream filling for a floral, Middle Eastern-inspired flavor.
• Chocolate Nut Cookies: Add mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough and use hazelnuts in the nut mixture for a Nutella-inspired variation.
• Spiced Holiday Cookies: Incorporate a pinch of nutmeg and cloves into the cookie dough for a festive holiday version.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing Instructions

• Unbaked Dough: Wrap the cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.
• Baked Cookies: Freeze the baked cookies (without filling) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Assemble the sandwich cookies after thawing.

Storage Tips

• Store assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
• If you prefer crispier cookies, store them unassembled and add the filling just before serving.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Whole Wheat Flour: Use whole wheat pastry flour in place of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
• Reduced Sugar: Reduce the sugar in the cookie dough and filling by 25% without sacrificing flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives for a vegan-friendly version.
• Natural Sweeteners: Substitute powdered sugar with a powdered natural sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Holiday Platters: Add these cookies to a holiday cookie platter alongside shortbread, gingerbread cookies, and chocolate truffles.
• Tea Time: Serve with a cup of mint tea, chai, or Turkish coffee for a delightful pairing.
• Dessert Table: Include these cookies as part of a dessert spread with baklava, pistachio ice cream, and fruit tarts.

Special Equipment

• Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out the cookie dough evenly.
• Round Cookie Cutter: Ensures uniform cookies for perfect sandwiching.
• Piping Bag: Helps create neat and professional-looking filling layers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought cookies?
Yes, you can use plain store-bought cookies as a base if you’re short on time.

2. Can I substitute the nuts?
Absolutely! Almonds, pecans, or even macadamia nuts work well in place of walnuts and pistachios.

3. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the cream filling can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

4. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?
Chill the dough before rolling and again after cutting the cookies to ensure they hold their shape.

5. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the cookie dough.

6. What’s the best way to chop the nuts?
Use a food processor for quick and even chopping, but be careful not to turn the nuts into a paste.

7. Can I add more honey to the filling?
Yes, but reduce the powdered sugar slightly to maintain the correct consistency.

8. How do I prevent the cookies from becoming soggy?
Assemble the cookies shortly before serving, and store them in the refrigerator to maintain their texture.

Conclusion

Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies are a creative and indulgent way to enjoy the flavors of baklava in a modern, easy-to-make treat. These cookies strike the perfect balance between crispy, creamy, and nutty, making them a crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special event, or just because, this recipe will wow your friends and family with its unique presentation and irresistible flavor. Try it today and elevate your cookie game to the next level!

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