If you adore the luscious layers and rich flavors of baklava but want a handheld, fun twist, then this Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe is calling your name. Imagine buttery, nutty cookies infused with warm cinnamon and sweet honey, sandwiched with a dreamy spiced cream filling that perfectly mimics the favorite Middle Eastern dessert. These cookies capture all that delightful complexity in every bite, making them an irresistible treat for your next gathering or a special sweet indulgence to brighten your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though this recipe may seem intricate, the ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, each bringing its own magic to the table. From the earthy crunch of walnuts to the cozy warmth of cinnamon, every component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor in these cookies.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while helping create a golden, soft texture.
- Chopped walnuts: Adds a distinct crunch and authentic baklava flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses the cookies with a gentle warmth and aromatic spice.
- Baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to keep the cookies light and airy.
- Unsalted butter: Brings richness and moistness, enhancing overall flavor.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients together while adding moisture and a tender bite.
- Vanilla extract: Offers a sweet, fragrant depth that complements spices and nuts.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and gives the dough a hint of sticky authenticity.
- Powdered sugar: Used in the filling for a silky, smooth sweetness.
- Heavy cream: Contributes richness to the creamy filling, making it luxuriously smooth.
How to Make Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and release easily, setting a great foundation for perfect cookies every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, crucial for tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. Next, stir in the eggs and vanilla extract, which will add moisture and that irresistible fragrance.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and baking soda together. This ensures that the cinnamon and leavening agent are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet Mixture
Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the creamed butter and sugar blend, mixing gently until just combined. You want to avoid overmixing here, which could make the cookies tough instead of tender.
Step 5: Add Walnuts and Honey
Fold in the chopped walnuts and honey carefully, making sure that every spoonful of dough is packed with nutty flavor and sweet moisture. The walnuts will give a toasty crunch that’s signature to baklava, and the honey adds a subtle sticky richness.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow even baking. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges turn a lovely golden hue. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack, so they firm up without breaking.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Filling
While your cookies cool, beat together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and a splash of vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This rich filling will bring everything together, offering a luscious creamy texture that’s just perfect for sandwiching.
Step 8: Assemble the Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies
Once the cookies have fully cooled, spread a generous dollop of the cream filling on the flat side of one cookie. Top it with another cookie to create a sandwich bursting with flavor and texture in every bite.
How to Serve Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these cookies visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle a light dusting of finely chopped walnuts or a drizzle of honey on top. A tiny pinch of ground cinnamon or a few edible rose petals can also turn these sandwich cookies into a stunning centerpiece for your dessert table.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with warm beverages like strong black tea, coffee, or even a mildly spiced chai. For a more indulgent experience, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the sweet, nutty layers.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies on a decorative plate with layers of wax paper for a charming display or arrange them in a tiered cookie stand at parties for an inviting look. For special occasions, tie each sandwich cookie with a thin ribbon or place them in small clear boxes as delightful edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store these sandwich cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keeping them sealed will preserve the buttery texture of the cookies and keep the cream filling fresh and luscious.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze them (unfilled) for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw the cookies and prepare the cream filling fresh to sandwich them for best results.
Reheating
Since these are sandwich cookies with a cream filling, reheating is not recommended. Instead, let them come to room temperature if chilled, allowing the cream to soften slightly for the most enjoyable texture and flavor in every bite.
FAQs
Can I use pecans instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans bring a slightly sweeter, buttery flavor that complements the spices beautifully, making a great alternative if you prefer or don’t have walnuts on hand.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum, you can make this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing texture or taste.
How long do the sandwich cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies remain fresh for about 4 days at room temperature. After that, the cream filling may start to lose its ideal texture.
Can I omit the honey in the dough?
Honey adds moisture and a distinct flavor, but you can substitute it with an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar for a slightly different sweetness profile.
What’s the best way to chop walnuts for this recipe?
Chop walnuts to roughly the size of small pebbles—not too fine—to retain that satisfying crunch and nutty texture that bring the baklava-inspired cookies to life.
Final Thoughts
You’re going to fall in love with this Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe because it takes a classic Middle Eastern dessert and turns it into a handheld sensation that’s perfect for sharing or savoring all on your own. The symphony of buttery nuts, fragrant spices, and smooth cream filling will have you coming back for more, whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy afternoon treat. So grab your ingredients and get ready to delight your senses with each delicious sandwich cookie!
Print
Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 sandwich cookies
Description
Delight in these Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies that blend the rich flavors of walnuts, honey, and cinnamon into a soft, buttery cookie paired with a smooth, sweet cream filling inspired by traditional baklava.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup honey
Filling
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Dough Base: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla extract to fully incorporate.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and baking soda to evenly distribute the dry ingredients before gradually adding them into the butter mixture, mixing until fully combined.
- Add Walnuts and Honey: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and honey into the dough to retain texture and infuse sweetness, then scoop tablespoon-sized portions and place them on the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Filling: Beat together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until the filling is smooth and creamy, perfect for sandwiching the cookies.
- Assemble the Sandwich Cookies: Once cooled, spread a generous amount of the cream filling on the flat side of one cookie and top with another cookie to create a sandwich.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Do not overbake to keep cookies soft and tender.
- Use chopped walnuts to add a nice crunch and traditional baklava flavor.
- For a more authentic baklava flavor, you can drizzle additional honey on the assembled sandwich cookies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
