Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies

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Imagine the flaky layers of baklava, loaded with pistachios and sweetened with honey, reimagined as a handheld delight with a creamy twist. That’s exactly what you get with these Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies. This recipe merges Middle Eastern flair with comforting cookie charm, wrapping all that crunchy, nutty flavor into a soft sandwich cookie filled with luscious cream.

These are not your average cookies. They’re a celebration of textures and contrasts: crispy meets creamy, sweet meets spiced. A honey-kissed pistachio crumble gets baked between delicate cookies, which are then filled with a dreamy spiced cream cheese filling. Whether you’re serving these at a holiday gathering or as an indulgent tea-time snack, they’re guaranteed to stand out.

Why You’ll Love This Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe

You get the classic flavors of baklava without needing to wrestle with sheets of phyllo. These sandwich cookies are easy to assemble, bake beautifully, and keep their shape without crumbling apart. Plus, the filling is light, not overly sweet, and balances out the nutty crisp.

They also make a stunning addition to cookie boxes or dessert platters. The combination of warm cinnamon, crunchy nuts, and velvety cream layers beautifully with a touch of orange blossom or cardamom if you’re feeling adventurous.

The best cookie base for this recipe is one that can hold its structure yet still be tender enough to bite through easily. A buttery shortbread or sugar cookie dough works wonders. You want something neutral yet rich that lets the baklava-inspired filling and cream take center stage. Bonus if the cookie has a hint of orange zest or spice to complement the nutty center.

Ingredients for the Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies

These cookies require a few simple components that come together in a wonderfully layered bite. Each ingredient is essential to building that perfect blend of texture and flavor.

Butter

You’ll need unsalted butter to create the rich, tender cookie dough. It adds flavor and helps create structure.

Powdered Sugar

This sweetens the cookie dough and creates a softer crumb compared to granulated sugar.

All-Purpose Flour

Flour forms the base of the cookie dough, giving it the right texture and stability for sandwiching.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch lightens the dough and makes the cookies more delicate.

Salt

Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors.

Pistachios

Finely chopped pistachios add that signature baklava crunch and a nutty flavor that shines through.

Honey

Drizzle honey over the nut layer for that authentic baklava sweetness.

Cinnamon

A touch of ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the nut layer.

Cream Cheese

Softened cream cheese is the base for the creamy filling, giving it a tangy richness.

Powdered Sugar (for the filling)

Sweetens the cream filling without making it grainy.

Vanilla Extract

Enhances the flavor of the cream filling.

Optional: Orange Blossom Water or Cardamom

Adds a floral or exotic spice note that pairs beautifully with the honey and pistachios.

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How To Make the Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies

Cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the flour, cornstarch, and salt until a soft dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Roll and Cut

Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thick and use a round or scalloped cookie cutter. Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3: Add Baklava Layer

On half the cookies, sprinkle a mix of finely chopped pistachios, cinnamon, and honey. Press gently so it adheres to the dough.

Step 4: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until the edges are just golden. Let them cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Cream Filling

Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar and vanilla (plus optional flavorings). Beat until fluffy and spreadable.

Step 6: Assemble

Spread or pipe the cream filling onto the flat side of a plain cookie. Top with a nut-coated cookie to form a sandwich.

How to Serve and Store Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies

These cookies are perfect served slightly chilled or at room temperature. The chill helps the cream firm up, but they soften beautifully once bitten into. They make an elegant addition to dessert trays, afternoon tea spreads, or as edible gifts.

This recipe makes about 18 sandwich cookies, serving approximately 9 people. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If making ahead, keep the cookies and filling separate until just before serving.

What to Serve With Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies?

Turkish Coffee

A tiny cup of strong Turkish coffee pairs beautifully with the rich, sweet flavors.

Chai Tea

Warm spices from chai bring out the cinnamon and nutty notes in the cookies.

Fresh Mint Tea

Refreshing mint balances the richness of the cookie sandwiches.

Greek Yogurt Parfait

Add a tart layer to your dessert table to offset the creamy sweetness.

Roasted Figs or Dates

Their natural sweetness complements the honey and pistachios.

Orange Sorbet

The citrusy brightness cuts through the dense textures with a refreshing zing.

Almond Milk Latte

A dairy-free option that works well with the nutty profile of these cookies.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try cardamom or go with orange blossom? Maybe added a drizzle of chocolate?

I love hearing how others put their own spin on these! Questions are welcome too—let’s make dessert better together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies bring a magical blend of tradition and innovation to your kitchen. They capture everything we love about baklava, wrapped into an easy-to-make and easier-to-eat cookie form. With the combination of buttery cookies, pistachio crunch, and a smooth cream filling, these are sure to be a new favorite whether you’re baking for the holidays or just because.

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Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies


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  • Author: Janet Reynolds
  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 18 sandwich cookies

Description

Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies are the ultimate dessert fusion, combining buttery shortbread cookies with a pistachio-honey baklava filling and a tangy cream cheese center. These sandwich cookies are easy to make, elegant to serve, and packed with warm spice and sweet nuttiness. Perfect for holidays, gifting, or treating yourself to a creative twist on a classic cookie.


Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)

3/4 cup powdered sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios

2 tablespoons honey

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

4 oz cream cheese (softened)

1/2 cup powdered sugar (for filling)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon orange blossom water (optional)

1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)


Instructions

1. Cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

2. Add in the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.

3. Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut using round or scalloped cookie cutters.

4. Place half the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

5. For the other half, sprinkle a mixture of pistachios, cinnamon, and honey. Press lightly.

6. Bake all cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden. Cool completely.

7. For the cream filling: beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and optional flavorings. Beat until fluffy.

8. Pipe or spread filling onto the flat side of a plain cookie. Top with a nut-coated cookie to sandwich.

9. Chill slightly before serving or store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Notes

These cookies are best when slightly chilled.

You can substitute walnuts for pistachios if desired.

Add a pinch of nutmeg for a deeper spice profile.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Fusion / Mediterranean Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich cookie
  • Calories: 195
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 55mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 21g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 28mg

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