If you’re craving something uniquely indulgent yet delicate, this Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine the flaky sweetness of traditional baklava transformed into soft, buttery cookie sandwiches filled with luscious cream cheese frosting, then drizzled with rich caramel and studded with crunchy pistachios and walnuts. Each bite hits the perfect harmony of spice, nutty texture, and silky creaminess that’s bound to make you swoon. Whether for a special occasion or an everyday treat, these cookies bring the spirit of baklava into a fun, handheld delight that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To craft these delightful Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies, you’ll only need a handful of familiar ingredients, each playing a vital role in bringing out authentic warmth and crunch. From fragrant spices to creamy fillings and nutty bursts, every item contributes to a balanced, irresistible flavor and texture.
- All-purpose flour: The structural base for tender, yet sturdy cookies that hold together perfectly.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness while contributing to the cookies’ slight crisp edges.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Provides rich flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture essential in these cookies.
- Honey: Infuses a subtle natural sweetness reminiscent of classic baklava syrup.
- Chopped pistachios: Brings vibrant green color and a fresh crunch that echoes baklava’s nutty charm.
- Chopped walnuts: Adds depth and an earthy, toasted note for complexity.
- Ground cinnamon: Imparts warm spice that warmly embraces all the flavors.
- Ground cardamom: A delicate spice that lifts the flavor profile with its floral, citrusy aroma.
- Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and enhancing every other ingredient’s flavor.
- Cream cheese, softened: Creates an irresistibly smooth and tangy filling for the sandwich cookies.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and lightens the frosting to a luscious finish.
- Caramel sauce: For a decadent drizzle that adds gooey sweetness and gorgeous shine.
- Additional chopped pistachios and walnuts: Used for garnish to provide visual appeal and extra crunch.
How to Make Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is key for even baking and easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Honey
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Adding honey next infuses a subtle sweetness that hints at traditional baklava’s syrupy goodness, creating a perfect foundation.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Nuts
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, cardamom, and salt to blend all those warm spices evenly. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet butter mixture until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped pistachios and walnuts to evenly distribute that irresistible nutty crunch.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls, about the size of a walnut, and flatten each slightly to ensure even baking. Place them spaced on your prepared baking sheet, promising beautifully shaped cookies with tender edges.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for the edges to develop a gorgeous golden brown. The aroma of toasted nuts and warm spices filling your kitchen will signal that they’re ready. Let them cool completely on a wire rack — this is important to keep your cookies crisp and perfect for sandwiching.
Step 6: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until you get a smooth, fluffy frosting. This luscious cream is tangy and sweet, perfectly complementing the spices and nuts in the cookie.
Step 7: Assemble the Cookies
Spread a generous dollop of cream cheese mixture on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another. Drizzle each sandwich generously with caramel sauce, then sprinkle extra chopped pistachios and walnuts on top for a stunning, crunchy finish.
How to Serve Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like extra chopped pistachios or walnuts not only enhances the cookie’s crunch but also adds that inviting, rustic look that draws people in. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a final caramel drizzle can elevate them for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair perfectly with a warm cup of spiced tea, such as chai or cinnamon black tea, enhancing the spices inside the cookie itself. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also makes for a dreamy dessert plate when you want to impress.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging these cookie sandwiches on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra nuts and caramel sauce for dipping on the side. You could also package them in decorative boxes layered with parchment paper as heartfelt gifts that shout love and comfort in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baklava cream sandwich cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, ensuring they stay fresh and moist without losing their crunch. They’re perfect for prepping in advance for gatherings or a sweet weeknight treat.
Freezing
To freeze, place the assembled cookie sandwiches in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They keep well for up to two months.
Reheating
Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. Avoid reheating in the microwave to keep the texture intact; these cookies are best enjoyed cool or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I substitute the nuts in this Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While pistachios and walnuts are traditional and provide the best flavor, you can swap in almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts depending on your preference or what you have on hand. Just be sure to chop them finely for even baking.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
You can try replacing the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. However, keep in mind that texture might be slightly different. Adding a binding agent like xanthan gum could help achieve a similar bite and structure.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies remain fresh and delicious for about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. The cream filling keeps the cookies moist and flavorful within this timeframe.
Can I make the cream cheese filling in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese filling a day ahead and store it refrigerated in an airtight container. Bring it to room temperature and give it a quick stir before assembling your cookie sandwiches for the best texture.
What makes these cookies different from traditional baklava?
While traditional baklava is a flaky layered pastry soaked in syrup, this Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe reinterprets those flavors into a soft, sweet cookie with creamy filling and caramel drizzle. It’s a fun handheld way to enjoy baklava-inspired flavors without the complexity of filo layering.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully comforting about the melding of warm spices, crunchy nuts, and creamy filling wrapped into these delightful Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe treats. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring one with your afternoon tea, these cookies bring joy in every bite. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of baklava magic reinvented for everyday indulgence—you won’t regret it!
Print
Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cookie sandwiches
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
Delight in these Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies, featuring a buttery spiced cookie loaded with chopped pistachios and walnuts, sandwiched with a smooth cream cheese filling, and elegantly drizzled with caramel sauce. These cookies offer the rich flavors of traditional baklava in an easy-to-make sandwich cookie form.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling & Garnish
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce for drizzling
- Additional chopped pistachios and walnuts for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add honey and mix well to combine.
- Mix dry ingredients and combine: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Gently fold in the chopped pistachios and walnuts to distribute evenly.
- Shape cookies: Roll the dough into small balls and then flatten each slightly before placing them spaced apart on the lined baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack and cool completely.
- Prepare the filling: Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Spread a generous amount on the flat side of one cookie and top it with another cookie to assemble a sandwich.
- Decorate and serve: Drizzle caramel sauce over each cookie sandwich and garnish with additional chopped pistachios and walnuts for an extra touch of crunch and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature to achieve smooth mixing and creamy texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies; mix just until ingredients are combined.
- The cookies should be fully cooled before sandwiching with cream cheese to prevent melting and sogginess.
- Store assembled cookie sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
