Name: Baklava Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: ¼ cup dried roses; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; ¾ cup shelled pistachios; ¼ cup light brown sugar (packed); 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature); ½ cup light brown sugar; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 3 large egg yolks (room temperature); 2 teaspoons vanilla paste or extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon kosher salt

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If you have a soft spot for treats that marry aromatic spices, nutty richness, and delicate floral notes, you are going to fall head over heels for this Baklava Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture the beloved flavors of traditional baklava in a tender, buttery bite that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious. With a gorgeous blend of pistachios, cinnamon, and dried rose petals, every cookie feels like a tiny celebration of Middle Eastern desserts, but in a form that’s perfectly portable and snackable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a small, round pastry cut in half and stacked, revealing two layers: a thick golden-brown dough outer layer and a middle filling layer of small green and brown chopped nuts, possibly pistachios, mixed with a crumbly texture. The top of the pastry is sprinkled lightly with fine sugar and tiny purple and white specks. The halves sit on a sheet of light brown parchment paper placed on a white plate with a smooth edge, all set against a white marbled surface. Some small pieces of nuts and red dried flower petals are scattered around the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Baklava Cookies Recipe is rooted in simple, thoughtful ingredients that each play a significant role in bringing layers of flavor and texture to the final cookies. From fragrant dried roses to crunchy pistachios and a touch of honey, these ingredients combine beautifully to create an authentic yet approachable treat.

Dried roses (¼ cup): Adds a subtle floral aroma and unique tasting note that elevates the cookie.
Granulated sugar (⅓ cup + ¼ cup): Balances sweetness and helps create the rose sugar dusting.
Pistachios, shelled (¾ cup): Provides crunch and nutty depth essential to classic baklava flavors.
Light brown sugar (¼ cup + ½ cup): Adds warmth and moisture to the dough and nut filling.
Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Brings a warm spice that complements the nuts and honey beautifully.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps bind the nut mixture and gives a smooth texture.
Honey (1 tablespoon): Imparts natural sweetness and stickiness reminiscent of traditional baklava syrup.
Unsalted butter, melted (2 tablespoons + ½ cup room temp): Essential for richness and tender crumb.
Egg yolks, large (3): Adds moisture and helps bind the dough beautifully.
Vanilla paste or extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the delicate flavors with a sweet, fragrant note.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base structure for tender cookies.
Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Gives a slight lift to keep the cookies light.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Balances acidity and promotes browning.
Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Elevates and balances all the sweet and nutty elements.

How to Make Baklava Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Rose Sugar Dust

Start by pulsing a tablespoon of sugar together with the dried rose petals in a food processor or spice grinder until they’re finely ground into a fragrant pink dust. This rose-sugar dust will give the cookies a signature floral sparkle both inside and out, so keep it aside for later.

Step 2: Making the Nut Filling

Next, pulse the pistachios until finely ground, then mix them with brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Stir honey into melted butter and combine it with the nut mixture for a sticky, spiced filling that’s perfectly balanced and ready to be encased in cookie dough.

Step 3: Crafting the Cookie Dough

Cream the softened butter with brown and granulated sugars for a fluffy base. Beat in the egg yolks and vanilla, letting everything come together smoothly. Then, add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, mixing just until combined. The dough might seem crumbly, but don’t worry—using a spatula and a bit of elbow grease will turn it into a smooth, pliable dough that’s ready to be shaped.

Step 4: Assembling the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line cookie sheets with parchment paper. Scoop 3 tablespoons of dough at a time, flatten each piece, and place a tablespoon of nut filling in the center. Fold the dough over the filling, roll into smooth balls, then roll each in the fragrant rose sugar dust. Place them spaced on the baking sheets and gently press to a thickness of about 1cm.

Step 5: Baking to Perfection

Bake one sheet at a time for 8-10 minutes, until the cookies are just set. While still warm, nudge their edges with a spatula to keep sharp shapes, then sprinkle more rose sugar on top to create a beautiful and aromatic finish. Let cool completely right on the pan for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve Baklava Cookies Recipe

The image shows six small, round dough balls placed apart on a light beige baking sheet with a subtle textured surface. Each dough ball has a light dusting of flour on top, giving them a slightly powdery look, and the surface of each dough ball has three shallow, parallel lines pressed into it, adding texture. The dough balls have a soft, slightly cracked exterior and smooth edges, indicating they are ready for baking. The background features a white marbled texture behind the baking sheet. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These cookies are practically gifts on their own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warmed honey can add extra luxury. You might even sprinkle crushed pistachios or edible rose petals on top to echo the cookies’ flavors when serving for guests.

Side Dishes

Serve these Baklava Cookies Recipe treats alongside a pot of steaming black tea, cardamom-spiced coffee, or even a glass of sweet dessert wine. The nutty, floral flavors pair wonderfully with warm, lightly spiced drinks, turning any tea time or dessert moment into a mini celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your baklava cookies on a tiered tray with small bowls of nuts, dried fruit, and honey for a stunning dessert spread. For parties, place a few in decorative paper cups and tie them with ribbon for beautiful edible favors that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Baklava cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Make sure they’re completely cooled before storing to maintain that tender but crisp texture.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for later, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw them gently at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To bring back just-baked warmth and aroma, pop thawed cookies in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This refreshes their crisp edges and keeps the nut filling perfectly soft and luscious.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts instead of pistachios?

Absolutely! While pistachios offer the classic flavor and vibrant green color, you can substitute walnuts or almonds for a delicious twist that still complements the spices beautifully.

Are dried rose petals necessary for this recipe?

They really add a unique floral note that sets these cookies apart, but if you can’t find dried roses, you can leave them out or substitute with a small amount of rose water in the filling for that signature aroma.

How do I keep the cookies from becoming too dry?

The key is to avoid overbaking—remove the cookies from the oven once they begin to set but before they brown heavily. Also, ensure your butter and egg yolks are at room temperature for the best moisture throughout.

Can these cookies be made vegan?

With some substitutions—like vegan butter and a flax egg instead of yolks—you can experiment to make a vegan version, though it may affect the texture slightly since eggs contribute richness and binding.

Is the dough sticky or easy to handle?

The dough might feel a bit crumbly at first, but with gentle pressure and mixing by hand, it comes together nicely. It’s designed to be soft enough to fold around the filling without being sticky or hard to manage.

Final Thoughts

This Baklava Cookies Recipe is a delightful way to bring traditional Middle Eastern flavors into your home kitchen with ease and charm. Whether you’re baking for friends, holidays, or just because, these cookies promise to enchant anyone lucky enough to take a bite. I can’t recommend trying this recipe enough—once you do, it might just become your new favorite sweet to bake and share.