Baklava Cookie Bars: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dessert Recipe

Baklava Cookie Bars are a delightful twist on the traditional Middle Eastern dessert that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many around the world. Originating from the Ottoman Empire, baklava is known for its rich layers of flaky pastry, nuts, and honey syrup. In my kitchen, I’ve taken this beloved classic and transformed it into a convenient, easy-to-make cookie bar that retains all the flavors we adore.

What I love most about Baklava Cookie Bars is their perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. The combination of buttery layers, crunchy nuts, and a drizzle of honey creates a texture that is both satisfying and indulgent. Plus, these bars are incredibly convenient to prepare, allowing you to enjoy the essence of baklava without the fuss of individual pastry layers. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet, Baklava Cookie Bars are sure to impress and delight everyone who takes a bite!

Ingredients:

• For the Cookie Base:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the Nut Filling:
• 2 cups mixed nuts (walnuts, pistachios, and almonds), finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• For the Honey Syrup:
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Preparing the Cookie Base

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want a tender cookie base.

Preparing the Nut Filling

1. In another bowl, combine the finely chopped mixed nuts, ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar. Mix well to ensure the nuts are evenly coated with the sugar and cinnamon.
2. Set the nut mixture aside while you prepare the cookie base for baking.

Assembling the Baklava Cookie Bars

1. Take about two-thirds of the cookie dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Make sure to spread it out to cover the entire base.
2. Evenly sprinkle the nut filling over the cookie base, ensuring that it covers the entire surface.
3. Take the remaining cookie dough and crumble it over the nut filling. You can use your fingers to break it into small pieces, creating a crumbly topping. It doesn’t have to be perfect; some gaps are fine as they will allow the filling to peek through.
4. Once assembled, place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Preparing the Honey Syrup

1. While the cookie bars are baking, prepare the honey syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, water, vanilla extract, and lemon juice.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. The syrup should thicken slightly.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool slightly while the cookie bars finish baking.

Finishing Touches

1. Once the cookie bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and immediately pour the warm honey syrup evenly over the top. Make sure to cover the entire surface so that every bite is infused with that sweet, sticky goodness.
2. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. This will help the syrup soak in and the bars to set properly.
3. After cooling, transfer the pan to the refrigerator for an additional hour to firm up the bars. This step is crucial for easy cutting.
4. Once chilled, use a sharp knife to cut the baklava cookie bars into squares or rectangles, depending on

Conclusion:

In summary, these Baklava Cookie Bars are an absolute must-try for anyone who loves the rich, nutty flavors and sweet syrupy goodness of traditional baklava, but wants a simpler, more accessible version. The combination of buttery cookie layers, crunchy nuts, and a drizzle of honey syrup creates a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a cozy night in. For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the sweetness. You can also experiment with different nuts, such as pistachios or pecans, to give your Baklava Cookie Bars a unique twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a hint of orange or rose water to the syrup for an extra layer of flavor. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s spread the joy of these Baklava Cookie Bars together! Happy baking!

Print