Name: Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped; 1/2 cup pistachios, finely chopped; 1/4 cup honey; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 cup melted butter; 1 package store-bought sugar cookies; 1 cup mascarpone cheese; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Why You’ll Love Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies Recipe

These sandwich cookies bring all the iconic flavors of baklava—honey, cinnamon, toasted nuts—into an easy-to-make, no-fuss dessert. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or a sweet afternoon indulgence, they require minimal baking and deliver maximum flavor. The creamy mascarpone filling adds a luxurious touch that balances beautifully with the crunchy nut layer. Best of all, using store-bought sugar cookies saves time without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
1/2 cup pistachios, finely chopped
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 cup melted butter
1 package store-bought sugar cookies
1 cup mascarpone cheese
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, pistachios, honey, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Mix until well coated.
Brush the melted butter onto a baking sheet and evenly spread the nut mixture on top.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the nuts are golden and fragrant. Remove and let cool completely.
In a separate bowl, beat together the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Spread a generous spoonful of the mascarpone filling onto one sugar cookie.
Sprinkle some of the cooled nut mixture over the mascarpone layer.
Top with another sugar cookie to form a sandwich.
Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 12 sandwich cookies
Calories: 180 kcal per sandwich cookie

Variations

Different Nuts: Try almonds or pecans in place of pistachios or walnuts.
Flavored Cream: Add a pinch of cardamom or orange zest to the mascarpone mixture for extra flavor.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the top of each sandwich for a more decadent presentation.
Homemade Cookies: Substitute the store-bought sugar cookies with homemade ones for a fully from-scratch experience.
Vegan Option: Use a plant-based cream cheese and vegan sugar cookies to make this recipe dairy-free.

Storage/Reheating

Store the assembled sandwich cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to prepare in advance, store the nut mixture and mascarpone filling separately and assemble just before serving. These cookies are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the filling.

FAQs

What kind of sugar cookies work best for this recipe?

Store-bought sugar cookies that are firm but not overly hard are ideal. They should be sturdy enough to hold the filling without crumbling.

Can I use cream cheese instead of mascarpone?

Yes, cream cheese can be substituted, but it will give the filling a tangier flavor. Soften it before mixing for best results.

Do I have to toast the nuts?

Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch, so it’s highly recommended for the best texture and taste.

Can these cookies be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them a few hours in advance and refrigerate. However, for the freshest texture, it’s best to assemble them close to serving time.

Can I freeze the cookies?

It’s best not to freeze the assembled cookies, as the mascarpone filling may separate. You can freeze the nut mixture and cookies separately and assemble after thawing.

How do I make these cookies less sweet?

Reduce the amount of honey in the nut mixture or powdered sugar in the mascarpone filling to adjust sweetness to your taste.

What’s a good substitute for honey?

Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used instead of honey for a slightly different flavor profile.

Can I use phyllo dough instead of cookies?

This recipe is specifically designed for sandwich cookies. If you’re craving traditional baklava texture, consider making classic baklava with phyllo dough.

Are these cookies kid-friendly?

Yes, the sweet and creamy flavor is appealing to kids, but be cautious with nut allergies.

Can I add a topping to the cookies?

Yes, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey just before serving adds a beautiful and tasty finishing touch.

Conclusion

Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies are a delicious and creative twist on a classic dessert. With warm spices, sweet honeyed nuts, and a rich mascarpone filling, these cookies offer a bite-sized version of baklava that’s quick to make and sure to impress. Whether for a special occasion or a spontaneous treat, they’re bound to become a new favorite.

Baklava Cream Sandwich Cookies