Get ready to fall head over heels for Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies! This playful twist on the beloved Middle Eastern classic transforms crunchy nutty layers and luscious honey into melt-in-your-mouth cookies, sandwiched with a fluffy, dreamy cream. Every bite delivers the essence of baklava, with aromatic spices and the irresistible crunch of pistachios and walnuts — but in portable, hand-held form. Whether for a show-stopping tea-time treat, a festive gift, or a moment of pure dessert joy, these cookies capture everything magical about baklava in a whole new way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but magical together! Each one serves an important role in bringing the classic flavors and textures of baklava to your Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies. Treat yourself to the best-quality ingredients you can find — your taste buds will thank you.
- Unsalted Butter: Gives the cookies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth base and helps them brown beautifully.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough just right and ensures delicate crispness.
- Egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness to the cookie shells.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for the cookies while keeping them soft.
- Ground Cinnamon: Infuses every bite with that signature baklava warm spice.
- Ground Cardamom: Adds a lovely floral note and authentic Middle Eastern flair.
- Salt: Enhances and balances all the sweet creamy, nutty flavors.
- Chopped Walnuts: Bring a buttery crunch and classic baklava heartiness.
- Chopped Pistachios: Offer vivid color, texture, and irresistible nuttiness.
- Honey: Delivers that unmistakable baklava sweetness and stickiness everyone loves.
- Heavy Cream: Whips up into a rich, cloud-like filling for the sandwiches.
- Mascarpone Cheese: Lends a silky, barely tangy body to the cream filling.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and keeps it smooth.
- Orange Zest (Optional): A pop of citrus brightness that makes the flavors sing.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out both the cookie and cream with warmth and depth.
How to Make Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Begin by creaming your butter and sugar until light and fluffy—this is your launchpad for the tender, bakery-worthy cookies at the heart of Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies. Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract, working until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom, then gently incorporate this mix into the butter mixture just until a soft dough forms. Fold in those nuts at the end and try not to snack on the irresistible dough!
Step 2: Chill and Shape the Cookies
Wrap the dough in plastic and let it rest in the fridge for at least an hour; this step ensures your cookies won’t spread and will bake up with that perfect tender snap. When ready, roll the dough out between sheets of parchment to about 1/4-inch thick, then cut into rounds with a cookie cutter (or have fun with shapes). Place the cutouts on baking sheets lined with parchment.
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Space the cookies an inch apart and bake for 10-12 minutes, just until the edges are kissed golden brown. They’ll harden up a bit as they cool, so resist overbaking. Let them cool completely on a wire rack — essential for that delicate sandwich structure.
Step 4: Make the Cream Filling
While the cookies cool, prepare your luscious filling for the Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies. Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form, then fold in the mascarpone, honey, more vanilla extract, and the optional orange zest for a fragrant lift. The filling should be light, airy, and just sweet enough — it’s the ultimate partner for those nutty cookies!
Step 5: Fill and Assemble the Sandwiches
Pipe or spoon a generous swirl of cream onto the flat side of half the cookies, then gently top each with a matching pair. Press very lightly, just enough for the filling to reach the edges. For a true baklava effect, roll the edges in a mix of chopped pistachios and walnuts. Drizzle a touch of honey over the tops for showstopping sparkle and decadence.
How to Serve Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies
Garnishes
Presentation is everything with Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies! Try an extra dusting of powdered sugar, a sprig of fresh mint, or a scattering of finely chopped green pistachios for that vibrant pop. Edible rose petals look stunning for a special occasion, while a tiny extra drizzle of golden honey is always a hit for extra sparkle.
Side Dishes
These cookies are lovely alongside black coffee, Turkish tea, or a frothy cardamom latte — each enhances the sweet nutty flavors. For a dessert platter, pair them with dried apricots, some dark chocolate, or a scoop of vanilla gelato for a truly extravagant treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies look gorgeous stacked on a vintage cake stand or nestled in pretty tins for easy gift-giving. You could also tie a few together with twine and tuck them into a dessert box with a handwritten note. For parties, arrange them alongside classic baklava pieces as a playful contrast between old and new.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve the creamy filling and crunchy cookie layers. They’re best enjoyed within 3 days for maximum freshness, but you might find they disappear long before then!
Freezing
For longer storage, assemble your cookies and freeze them in a single layer before transferring to an airtight container between sheets of parchment. They’ll keep well for up to a month. Thaw gently in the fridge (not at room temperature) to maintain texture and prevent condensation.
Reheating
These cookies are at their best served cool or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed! If the filling seems too firm straight from the fridge, just let them sit for 10 minutes before enjoying for that perfect, creamy bite.
FAQs
Can I substitute mascarpone in the filling?
Yes! If mascarpone is hard to find, full-fat cream cheese works well, although the flavor will be slightly tangier. Be sure to beat it until smooth for a silky, cloud-like texture in your Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies.
Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely. While walnuts and pistachios echo classic baklava, pecans or almonds are delicious alternatives. Just chop them finely so they blend into the dough smoothly and give every bite that signature crunch.
How do I keep the cookies from getting soggy?
Make sure the cookies are completely cool before sandwiching and avoid overfilling with cream. Store them in a single layer, separated by parchment, in the fridge to keep them crisp and dreamy.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Definitely! The dough for Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept tightly wrapped in the fridge. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight before rolling and baking.
Are these cookies gluten free?
As written, the recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Be sure to watch the texture of the dough and add a tablespoon of extra liquid if it seems dry.
Final Thoughts
Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies offer the nostalgia of a classic dessert in a grab-and-go, handheld treat — pure magic for baklava fans and cookie lovers alike. Give them a try, and you’re sure to find yourself reaching for “just one more” every time you pass the cookie jar!
PrintBaklava Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: About 24 sandwich cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic baklava dessert. Crisp, buttery cookies sandwiched with a rich, nutty filling and drizzled with honey make for a decadent treat that’s perfect for special occasions or a sweet indulgence anytime.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Filling:
- 1 cup finely chopped pistachios
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Make the Cookies: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Gradually add the flour, walnuts, and cinnamon, mixing until a dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut out cookies using a round cookie cutter. Place on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, mix together the pistachios, honey, cinnamon, and heavy cream to form a thick, nutty filling.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Once the cookies are cooled, spread a generous amount of the filling on the bottom of one cookie and sandwich with another cookie. Drizzle with extra honey on top.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can add a touch of rose water to the filling.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent them from softening.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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