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A delightful Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookie recipe that transforms traditional Middle Eastern flavors into an elegant cookie creation. Each sandwich combines spiced, nutty cookies with rich cream cheese filling and caramel drizzle, creating the perfect balance of crispy and creamy textures.
The inspiration for these cookies came from reimagining traditional baklava in a more approachable form, while maintaining all the beloved flavors of the classic dessert.
Essential Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: For structure
- Unsalted Butter: Room temperature
- Fresh Pistachios: Chopped
- Chopped Walnuts: For texture
- Ground Cinnamon: For warmth
- Ground Cardamom: For depth
- Cream Cheese: Room temperature
- Pure Honey: For sweetness
- Caramel Sauce: For drizzling
- Powdered Sugar: For filling
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Initial Setup:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment. Have butter and cream cheese at room temperature. Chop nuts finely for even distribution.
- Cookie Base:
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Mix in honey. Combine dry ingredients separately, then gradually add to wet mixture. Fold in chopped nuts.
- Shaping Process:
- Roll dough into small balls, flatten slightly. Place on prepared sheets. If dough is sticky, chill 15-20 minutes first for easier handling.
- Baking Method:
- Bake 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown while centers remain slightly soft. Cool completely on wire rack.
- Assembly:
- Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Spread filling on flat side of cookie, top with second cookie. Drizzle with caramel and sprinkle with extra nuts.
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The secret lies in proper cookie texture. As my pastry mentor would say, "The perfect cookie needs both crispness and tenderness."
Storage and Make-Ahead Success
Store assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, store unfilled cookies at room temperature and fill just before serving to maintain crispness. Cookies can be made ahead and frozen unfilled for up to 3 months - wrap well and store in a freezer-safe container.
Temperature and Serving Variations
Serve cookies slightly chilled or at room temperature. For entertaining, arrange on a tiered platter with extra nuts and caramel drizzle. Create a dessert spread by pairing with Turkish coffee or mint tea. During holidays, package in decorative boxes for gifting.
Creative Adaptations
Transform this recipe by trying different nut combinations - almonds or pecans work beautifully. Experiment with spice blends like adding allspice or nutmeg. For special occasions, dip half the sandwich in melted chocolate before drizzling with caramel. While variations are welcome, the classic combination of pistachios, walnuts, and warming spices creates that perfect baklava-inspired flavor that makes these cookies special.
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Final Thoughts
These Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies represent the perfect marriage of Middle Eastern tradition and modern cookie creativity. They're proof that sometimes the most delightful desserts come from reimagining classics in new ways. While they might seem fancy, they're actually quite approachable to make and are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
The key to their success lies in quality ingredients and careful attention to detail. Don't rush the process - let the dough chill if needed, cool the cookies completely before filling, and take time with the assembly. Your patience will be rewarded with beautiful, delicious cookies that capture all the beloved flavors of traditional baklava in a unique, handheld form.
Remember, baking is both a science and an art. Feel free to experiment with different nut combinations or spice blends once you've mastered the basic recipe. Whatever variations you try, you'll find these cookies make any occasion more special.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different nuts?
- Yes, any traditional baklava nuts like almonds or pecans work well.
- → Can I make these ahead?
- Yes, make cookies ahead but assemble with filling just before serving.
- → Why use cardamom?
- It adds authentic Middle Eastern flavor like in traditional baklava.
- → Can I skip the caramel?
- Yes, cookies are delicious even without the caramel drizzle.
- → How should I store these?
- Store assembled cookies in refrigerator up to 3 days.