Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies

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I’ve always had a soft spot for the comforting crunch and sticky sweetness of baklava. The flaky layers of phyllo dough, the spiced nut filling, and the fragrant syrup—it’s one of those desserts that instantly transports me to a cozy family gathering or a festive holiday table. But I also love a good cookie, something handheld, creamy, and just indulgent enough to brighten any day. So I thought, why not blend the best of both worlds?

These Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies are a delightful twist on the traditional treat. Imagine layers of buttery phyllo baked into golden rounds, a smooth and creamy custard filling nestled between, and a glossy honey glaze on top crowned with chopped pistachios and almonds. They’re elegant enough for entertaining but simple enough to enjoy with a cup of coffee on a quiet afternoon.

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Why You’ll Love These Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies

These cookies strike a beautiful balance between texture and flavor. You get the flaky, slightly crisp exterior of baked phyllo, the rich silkiness of vanilla cream, and the nutty crunch of baklava topping. They’re unique, visually stunning, and absolutely melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Whether you’re looking for a showstopper for your next gathering or just want to impress your taste buds, this recipe delivers.

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What Kind of Phyllo Dough Should I Use?

I recommend using thin, traditional phyllo dough—nothing too thick or pre-buttered. You’ll want to layer and brush it yourself to create those golden, crisp rings. Be sure to keep it covered with a damp towel as you work to prevent it from drying out. Frozen phyllo from the store works perfectly; just allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge.

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Options for Substitutions

• Cream Filling: Swap vanilla custard with mascarpone or even a tangy Greek yogurt mixture for a lighter option.
• Nuts: Pistachios are classic, but walnuts, pecans, or a blend of mixed nuts work just as well.
• Honey Syrup: Maple syrup or a light agave glaze can substitute if you’re looking for a vegan alternative.
• Phyllo Dough: If phyllo feels intimidating, puff pastry can be used—but keep in mind, the texture will be more buttery and less crisp.

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Ingredients for These Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies

• Phyllo Dough: Provides the signature crisp and flaky texture, acting as the cookie shell.
• Unsalted Butter: Brushed between the phyllo layers for rich flavor and golden finish.
• Granulated Sugar: Used in both the syrup and cream for balanced sweetness.
• Whole Milk: Forms the base of the creamy custard filling.
• Egg Yolks: Essential for thickening the custard and adding richness.
• Cornstarch: Helps to stabilize the custard for a smooth, creamy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the custard.
• Honey: Used in the syrup glaze for traditional baklava sweetness.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the syrup and balances the honey’s sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the phyllo base.
• Chopped Pistachios and Almonds: The nutty crunch on top—classic baklava flair.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance and enhance all the sweet flavors.

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Step 1: Prepare the Custard Filling

In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let cool completely. Refrigerate until ready to use.

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Step 2: Cut and Layer the Phyllo Dough

Unroll the phyllo dough and cut out rounds using a cookie cutter. Stack 4–5 layers for each cookie base, brushing melted butter and a light sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar between each layer. Press gently so the layers stick together.

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Step 3: Bake the Cookie Rounds

Place the stacked rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes or until golden and crisp. Let them cool completely before assembling.

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Step 4: Make the Honey Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine honey, sugar, lemon juice, and a splash of water. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Let it cool until it’s just warm.

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Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies

Take one phyllo round and pipe or spoon a generous layer of chilled custard on top. Sandwich with another phyllo round. Drizzle the top with honey syrup.

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Step 6: Garnish and Finish

Sprinkle chopped pistachios and almonds over the syrup while it’s still sticky. Let the cookies set for 10–15 minutes before serving so everything holds together nicely.

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How Long to Prepare the Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies

Prep Time: The total preparation time takes around 45 minutes. Most of that is layering and baking the phyllo dough, and making the custard filling. The custard should ideally be made first to give it time to chill.

Cook & Assembly Time: Baking the phyllo rounds takes about 12–15 minutes. Allowing everything to cool and then assembling the cookies adds another 15–20 minutes. Overall, you can expect to finish these in just over an hour, especially if you multitask by preparing the syrup while the phyllo bakes.

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Tips for Perfect Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies

• Keep your phyllo dough covered with a damp towel while working to prevent it from drying out.
• Use a piping bag for the custard for clean, uniform filling.
• Bake phyllo rounds until fully golden—undercooked dough will be chewy instead of crisp.
• Chill the custard thoroughly before assembling to prevent it from sliding.
• Let the honey syrup cool slightly before drizzling so it thickens but is still pourable.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the custard chill time: Warm custard will ruin the cookie structure.
• Using too much butter: This can make the phyllo soggy rather than crisp.
• Overbaking phyllo: It can turn bitter and lose that perfect flakiness.
• Too little filling: These are meant to be indulgent, so don’t skimp.
• Not layering enough phyllo sheets: You need at least 4–5 layers to hold the cookie structure.

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What to Serve With Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies?

1. Turkish Coffee

The bold, aromatic flavors of Turkish coffee perfectly complement the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Chai Tea Latte

Spiced chai balances the creamy and nutty notes with its warming spice blend.

3. Greek Yogurt with Honey

Serve a spoonful on the side for a light contrast in textures.

4. Fresh Berries

A handful of raspberries or blueberries adds a fresh tartness.

5. Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop on the side takes this dessert to the next indulgent level.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: If serving within a few hours, you can keep the assembled cookies at room temperature on a covered tray.

Refrigerator: Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The phyllo will soften over time but still taste great.

Freezer: Not recommended for assembled cookies. However, you can freeze the baked phyllo rounds and custard separately, then thaw and assemble fresh.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Calories: ~240 per cookie
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Sugar: 15g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Cholesterol: 50mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have a cookie cutter?

You can use a glass or jar lid to cut phyllo rounds.

Can I make the custard ahead of time?

Yes, make it up to 2 days ahead and keep it refrigerated.

Can these be made fully ahead?

They’re best fresh, but you can assemble them a few hours in advance and keep chilled.

Is there a gluten-free version?

You can use gluten-free puff pastry, though the texture will differ from phyllo.

How do I keep the phyllo from breaking?

Handle it gently, and always keep unused sheets covered with a damp towel.

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Conclusion

Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies are a fun and luxurious way to enjoy the essence of baklava in a creative, hand-held treat. With their flaky layers, creamy centers, and nutty topping, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious. Perfect for special occasions, holidays, or just because—you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.

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