Oh, my friends, gather ‘round because I am about to share with you a decadent treat that merges my love for traditional baklava with the delightful crunch of sandwich cookies: Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies! This recipe holds a special place in my heart (and my dessert stomach) because it was inspired by a family gathering where I tasted the best baklava my aunt ever made. I thought, “Wouldn’t it be fun to blend those wonderful flavors into a cookie?” Well, I took the plunge, and the result was nothing short of divine!
These cookies are a delightful balance of buttery sweetness, creaminess, and a touch of nutty crunch that will make you swoon with every bite. I promise you, they will impress anyone you serve them to – or just indulge yourself (I won’t tell!). So, let’s dive into this delicious treat that’s sure to become a new favorite in your dessert arsenal!
What’s in Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies?
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of our cookie base. It provides the structure we need for a sturdy yet tender bite. Go for high-quality flour for the best results!
Unsalted Butter: This is what gives the cookies their melt-in-your-mouth quality. Make sure it’s softened, so it blends well with the sugars. Trust me, the buttery goodness is essential!
Granulated Sugar: We need this for sweetness! It helps our cookies to achieve that lovely caramelized crust.
Light Brown Sugar: The slight molasses in brown sugar adds depth and moisture to our cookie base. It’s like a flavor hug in each bite!
Baking Powder: This little leavening agent is key to achieving cookies that are soft and puffy rather than flat and hard.
Salt: A little sprinkle of salt enhances overall flavor. It’s like the fairy dust of baking!
Vanilla Extract: Because let’s be honest, everything is better with a dash of vanilla! It complements the flavors perfectly.
Ground Cinnamon: Inspired by baklava, this warm spice adds a cozy aroma and taste that will remind you of childhood kitchens.
Chopped Walnuts or Pistachios: These nuts provide texture and that classic baklava flavor. I like to use one or both depending on what I have in hand!
Mascarpone Cheese: This creamy delight is the star of our filling. It’s rich and luxurious, giving our cookies that decadent creaminess!
Powdered Sugar: Because we want our filling sweet, but also smooth and creamy. It’s key for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Heavy Cream: Optional, but it makes the filling even creamier. If you love a rich texture, definitely add this!
Honey: A drizzle of honey on top ties everything together with sweetness, just like in traditional baklava.
Chopped Pistachios or Walnuts (for garnishing): These add an extra crunch and are visually appealing, adding that final touch of elegance.
Is Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies Good for You?
You might be wondering, “Can a cookie really be good for me?” Well, here’s the scoop!
All-Purpose Flour: While not a health food by any means, using whole wheat flour is an easy swap if you want to boost fiber.
Walnuts and Pistachios: Both are rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and can even contribute to heart health when eaten in moderation. So, you can enjoy these delightful bites while also getting a bit of nutrition.
Mascarpone Cheese: This creamy ingredient does contribute to the richness of the cookies, but it’s best enjoyed in moderation – a little goes a long way!
Just remember, treats like these are best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, and moderation is key. Indulge your sweet tooth while also appreciating those wholesome moments!
Ingredients for Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts or pistachios (for cookie base)
– 1 cup mascarpone cheese or cream cheese (your choice!)
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (yes, again!)
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional for creaminess)
– Honey for drizzling
– Finely chopped pistachios or walnuts for garnishing
**Makes: About 12-16 sandwich cookies, depending on size.**
How to Make Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies?
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. **Make the Cookie Dough:** In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Cream these together until fluffy and light. Add in the vanilla and cinnamon, mixing well.
3. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate this into the butter mixture until it’s all well combined. Stir in the chopped walnuts or pistachios.
4. **Shape the Cookies:** Scoop about a tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, and place it on your baking sheet. Gently flatten each ball – we want them to look like nice little cookies, not mounds of dough! Space them about 2 inches apart.
5. **Bake:** Bake these beauties in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
6. **Prepare the Cream Filling:** In a mixing bowl, beat together the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
7. **Assemble the Sandwich Cookies:** Flip half of the cooled cookies upside down. Spread a generous layer of cream filling on each one and top it off with another cookie to create a delicious sandwich!
8. **Drizzle with Honey and Garnish:** Now comes the fun part! Drizzle honey over the top of your newly formed sandwich cookies and sprinkle with extra chopped nuts for that lovely presentation.
9. **Serve:** Enjoy them immediately, or be good and store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to impress your guests (or satisfy your own sweet tooth!).
Delicious Tips and Serving Suggestions
*These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.*
*If you want to switch things up, feel free to experiment with different nuts or introduce spices like cardamom for an interesting twist! These sandwiches are also wonderful with a cup of coffee or tea – perfect for those cozy afternoons.*
So my friends, now that you’ve learned how to whip up these divine Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies, I can’t wait for you to give them a try! Trust me, they will make your taste buds sing! Don’t forget to share your experience and let me know how yours turned out! Happy baking!
