Description
Baklava Cheesecake Sandwich Cookies
Ingredients:
Cookies:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios (for topping)
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts (for topping)
Filling:
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
1/2 cup honey (for drizzling)
1/4 cup finely chopped pistachios (Optional)
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
Sprinkle the tops with the chopped pistachios and walnuts. Press them gently into the dough.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
To prepare the filling, mix together the softened cream cheese, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of the cream cheese filling on the bottom of one cookie and sandwich it with another.
Drizzle the tops of the sandwich cookies with honey and sprinkle with additional chopped pistachios and walnuts.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 12 sandwich cookies
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Step-by-Step Guide
1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is crucial for a light cookie texture.
2. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat on medium speed until fully combined and smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent.
4. Form the Dough: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix just until a cohesive dough forms and no dry flour remains. Avoid overmixing.
5. Shape and Top: Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place on the parchment-lined sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Flatten each slightly with a glass. Combine the 1/2 cup each of chopped pistachios and walnuts. Sprinkle generously over each cookie and press gently to adhere.
6. Bake and Cool: Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are just golden. The centers may look soft. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Make Filling & Assemble: While cookies cool, beat the cream cheese, honey, and vanilla until smooth. Once cookies are completely cool, spread filling on the flat side of one cookie and top with another. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with remaining nuts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these elegant cookies at room temperature for the best texture. They pair wonderfully with strong coffee, black tea, or a dessert wine like Muscat. For a special presentation, arrange them on a tiered stand and dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar. These are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, bridal showers, or as a sophisticated end to a Middle Eastern-inspired meal.
How-to Summary
Make a soft, nut-studded shortbread cookie by creaming butter and sugars, adding an egg and vanilla, then mixing in dry ingredients. Shape into balls, flatten, top with nuts, and bake. For the filling, blend softened cream cheese with honey and vanilla. Once cookies are cool, spread filling between two to make a sandwich, then drizzle with honey and more nuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before shaping and baking.
How should I store these sandwich cookies? Due to the cream cheese filling, they must be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
Can I use only one type of nut? Absolutely. Using only pistachios or walnuts will still yield delicious results. Adjust the amounts to keep the total volume the same.
My filling is too runny. How can I fix it? A runny filling is usually caused by cream cheese that is too warm or a very liquid honey. Ensure your cream cheese is softened but still cool. Chill the filling mixture for 20-30 minutes before assembling to help it firm up.
Can I freeze these cookies? You can freeze the baked, unfilled cookies for up to 3 months. Freeze the filling separately. Thaw both in the refrigerator overnight and assemble just before serving for best texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using melted or too-soft butter: This will cause the cookies to spread too much and lose their shape. Butter should be softened to room temperature but still hold a slight indent when pressed.
- Overmixing the dough after adding flour: This develops gluten, leading to tough cookies. Mix just until the flour is incorporated.
- Assembling with warm cookies: The cream cheese filling will melt and make a mess. Ensure cookies are completely cooled on a wire rack.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off. Scooping directly packs the flour, resulting in dry, dense cookies.
- Overbaking: The cookies continue to cook on the hot baking sheet. Remove them when the edges are lightly golden, even if the centers look slightly underdone.
Conclusion
The Baklava Cheesecake Sandwich Cookie is a triumphant fusion of two beloved desserts. It captures the honeyed, nutty essence of baklava in a portable, creamy sandwich form. While the process has several steps, each is straightforward, leading to an impressively elegant result. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a show-stopping treat that balances rich flavor with delightful texture. This recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite for any special occasion.