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Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies transform the luxurious flavors of traditional Middle Eastern baklava into an irresistible handheld treat. These buttery cookies perfectly capture the essence of classic baklava with their rich combination of pistachios, walnuts, honey, and warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom. The crisp, nutty cookies sandwich a luscious cream cheese filling that adds a delightful tanginess, while a drizzle of caramel and sprinkle of chopped nuts provide the perfect finishing touch. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors that will transport you straight to a Mediterranean bakery without the fuss of working with delicate phyllo dough.
The first time I made these cookies was for a multicultural holiday exchange party. I wanted something that honored my grandmother's Middle Eastern heritage but with a modern twist. When I brought them out, they disappeared within minutes. Even friends who claimed they weren't fans of traditional baklava found themselves reaching for seconds and thirds of these cookies. The combination of familiar cookie format with exotic flavors proved irresistible to everyone.
Exceptional Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: Creates the perfect structure for our cookies while maintaining tenderness.
- Granulated sugar: Provides just the right amount of sweetness while helping to create delightfully crisp edges.
- Unsalted butter: Essential for creating that rich, buttery flavor reminiscent of traditional baklava.
- Honey: The signature sweetener in traditional baklava that adds distinctive floral notes.
- Chopped pistachios: Their vibrant green color and unique flavor are quintessential to authentic baklava.
- Chopped walnuts: Provide earthy richness and a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: This warming spice brings comforting familiarity and aromatic depth.
- Ground cardamom: The secret ingredient that gives these cookies their distinctive exotic flavor.
- Salt: Enhances all other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Cream cheese: Creates a tangy, velvety filling that contrasts beautifully with the spiced cookies.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling without adding grittiness.
- Caramel sauce: Mimics the honey syrup traditionally soaked into baklava for that authentic sticky sweetness.
Baking Process
- Prepare Your Workspace:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Butter Mixture:
- Beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Sweet Elements:
- Pour honey into the butter mixture and beat until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk together flour, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt.
- Create Cookie Dough:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Incorporate Nuts:
- Fold in chopped pistachios and walnuts.
- Form Cookie Shapes:
- Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and flatten slightly.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden brown.
- Cooling Period:
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack and cool completely before filling.
- Create Luxurious Filling:
- Beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Assemble Cookie Sandwiches:
- Spread filling on one cookie, top with another, and press gently.
- Add Finishing Touches:
- Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with chopped nuts.
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The first time I introduced pistachios to my children, they were skeptical of their greenish color. I decided to involve them in making these cookies as a way to overcome their hesitation. By the time the cookies emerged from the oven, they could hardly wait to taste them.
Perfect Pairings
These cookies pair beautifully with Turkish coffee or Moroccan mint tea. For an elegant dessert, serve with fresh figs and a glass of honey liqueur.
Flavor Adaptations
Add orange blossom water for a Mediterranean touch. Rose water and dried rose petals create a Persian-inspired variation. Dark chocolate chunks and ganache drizzle add indulgence.
Freshness Tips
Store assembled cookies in airtight containers with parchment layers. Refrigerate for up to five days or freeze before assembly for longer storage.
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These cookies are my tribute to the baklava traditions I fell in love with while traveling through Turkey and Greece. Their flavors transport me back to those winding market streets every time I bake them.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped in plastic. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly before shaping the cookies.
- → How do I store Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies?
- Store these cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese filling means they should be kept chilled. For the best flavor and texture, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
- → Can I freeze these sandwich cookies?
- While you can freeze the unfilled cookies for up to 1 month, the assembled sandwich cookies don't freeze well due to the cream cheese filling. If you want to prepare ahead, freeze the baked cookies, then thaw and add the filling when you're ready to serve.
- → What can I substitute for the caramel sauce?
- Traditional honey syrup makes a great alternative to caramel sauce. Simply heat 1/4 cup honey with 1 tablespoon water and a splash of lemon juice until thin enough to drizzle. For an authentic baklava flavor, you can add a drop of rose water or orange blossom water to this syrup.
- → Can I use other nuts in these Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies?
- Absolutely! While pistachios and walnuts are traditional in baklava, you can substitute with almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts based on your preference. Just make sure to chop them finely so they incorporate well into the cookie dough.
- → Why did my cookies spread too much during baking?
- If your cookies spread too much, your butter might have been too warm or the dough wasn't chilled enough. For thicker cookies, refrigerate the shaped dough for 15-20 minutes before baking. Also, make sure your baking sheet is cool before placing new batches of dough.