Description
Delicate cinnamon-spiced cookies sandwiched with a luscious honey cream cheese filling, topped with crushed pistachios and a drizzle of honey for a baklava-inspired treat.
Ingredients
- For the cookies: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the filling: 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- For garnish: 1/4 cup finely chopped pistachios
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- While cookies cool, prepare filling: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, honey, and cinnamon; beat until creamy and well combined.
- Once cookies are completely cool, spread about 1 tablespoon of filling onto the bottom of half the cookies. Top with remaining cookies to create sandwiches.
- For garnish, roll the edges of the sandwiches in chopped pistachios or sprinkle on top. Drizzle with additional honey if desired.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste. For a stronger baklava flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom to the cookie dough. The filling can be made ahead and refrigerated; bring to room temperature before using.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Method: Dessert
- Cuisine: American