Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I sifted through my pantry, the sight of the golden phyllo dough sparked a delicious idea. What if I could marry the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the flaky, nutty goodness of baklava? The result is my divine Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies with Honey Drizzle, a delightful dessert that transforms two beloved treats into a bite-sized miracle. This recipe not only tantalizes your taste buds with its unique Middle Eastern-inspired flavors but also comes together in a snap, making it a perfect choice for both special occasions and cozy nights in. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply rewarding yourself after a long day, these cookies will be the star of the show. Curious to know how to create this enticing fusion? Let’s dive in! Why are these cookies irresistible? Delicious Fusion: The combination of rich cheesecake and flaky phyllo creates a unique dessert that delights the senses. Quick to Make: With minimal prep time, these cookies come together effortlessly, perfect for any occasion. Versatile Options: Swap walnuts for pistachios or add a twist to the honey drizzle—let your creativity shine! Crowd-Pleaser: These indulgent treats are sure to impress guests and family alike, making any gathering memorable. Elegant Presentation: Their beautiful golden color and honey drizzle elevate your dessert game to new heights. Serve alongside coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a touch of decadence, and enjoy the sweet success of your baking adventure! Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies Ingredients For the Cookie Base • Phyllo Dough – Provides a flaky, crispy texture; ensure it’s fully thawed and covered to prevent drying out. • Butter – Adds richness and helps the layers crisp up beautifully; use unsalted for better control of sweetness. For the Cheesecake Filling • Cream Cheese – Adds richness and creaminess to the filling; use full-fat for best results. • Greek Yogurt – Contributes tanginess and creaminess, balancing the sweetness of the honey. • Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake filling; adjust amount for less sweetness if desired. • Cinnamon – Provides spiced warmth, integral to the overall flavor profile. For the Baklava Element • Chopped Walnuts – Adds crunch and nutty flavor, essential for the baklava element; substitute with pistachios or almonds if preferred. • Honey – Key for sweetness and moistness in the drizzle; try flavoring with lemon or vanilla for variety. For the Drizzle • Honey – A star ingredient that can be enhanced with flavorings (like lemon zest or vanilla extract) to elevate your Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies with Honey Drizzle! With these ingredients, you’re on your way to creating a delightful fusion that will impress everyone at your table. Happy baking! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies with Honey Drizzle Step 1: Prepare Phyllo Dough Begin by fully thawing the phyllo dough, allowing it to rest covered with a damp kitchen towel to maintain moisture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the other components, ensuring everything is set for the perfect baking environment. Step 2: Make Filling In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Blend these ingredients smoothly until well incorporated, taking care not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies. Set this luscious filling aside. Step 3: Layer Phyllo Take several sheets of the phyllo dough and brush each layer generously with melted butter. Stack them evenly—about 4 to 5 sheets—to ensure a crisp texture. Cut the layered phyllo into squares or rectangles, which will serve as the base for your delightful cookies, ready to be filled. Step 4: Assemble Cookies Spoon a dollop of the cheesecake filling onto the center of each phyllo square. Fold the edges over the filling, creating a pocket or shape that resembles a cookie, gently pressing to seal. Repeat this process until all your filling and phyllo dough are used, ensuring each Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookie is beautifully formed. Step 5: Bake Place your assembled cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden and crisp, exuding a wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen with anticipation of these treats. Step 6: Add Honey Drizzle Once baked to a perfect golden hue, remove the cookies from the oven. Immediately drizzle warm honey generously over the hot cookies, allowing it to soak into the crispy phyllo, enhancing the overall flavor of your Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies with Honey Drizzle. Step 7: Cool & Serve Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Once slightly cooled, transfer them to a serving platter. These elegant treats are best served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature—either way, they are sure to impress! Make Ahead Options These Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies with Honey Drizzle are a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to save precious time during busy weeks! You can prepare the filling (cream cheese, Greek yogurt, sugar, and cinnamon) up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Additionally, you can layer the phyllo dough and store it covered with a damp towel in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain its moisture. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the cookies and pop them in the oven until golden. They’ll taste just as delicious as if made fresh, providing you with sweet satisfaction with minimal effort! Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies Variations Get ready to explore delightful twists that can make your Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies even more irresistible! Nut Variations: Swap walnuts with pistachios or hazelnuts for a unique nutty flavor. This small change adds a vibrant taste and extra crunch to each cookie! Flavorful Honey Drizzle: Experiment with flavored honeys, such as lemon-infused or vanilla-honey. This simple switch brings a delightful complexity that creates a flavor sensation with every bite. Less Sweet Option: Reduce the amount of honey in your drizzle for a less sweet version. Alternatively, try using a sugar-free honey substitute if you’re looking to cut down on sugar! Citrus Zest Twist: Add some lemon or orange zest to your cheesecake filling for a refreshing zing. This twist brightens up the flavors beautifully and balances the richness of the cream cheese! Dairy-Free Delight: Use vegan cream cheese and coconut yogurt for a vegan-friendly treat that maintains the decadent character of the original. Your guests will love this dairy-free indulgence! Spice It Up: Enhance the flavor with a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg along with the cinnamon. These spices elevate the warmth of your cookies and lend them a cozy, aromatic touch. Chocolate Surprise: Incorporate mini chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling for a sweet surprise. The combination of chocolate and baklava is a delicious twist sure to please the chocoholics! Texture Variation: Layer the phyllo dough with toasted coconut flakes between the sheets for an added crunch and tropical flair. This extra texture will have your taste buds dancing! Remember, the beauty of these Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies is in their versatility. Whatever variation you choose, they’ll remain a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion, like serving alongside a scoop of Fruity Pebbles Cheesecake or a lovely Honey Lavender Ice for an enchanting dessert experience. Happy baking! What to Serve with Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies with Honey Drizzle Indulging in Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies is a divine experience, and pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert moment into a full-fledged celebration. Turkish Coffee: A rich, strong brew that beautifully balances the sweetness, enhancing the warm spices in your cookies. Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing contrast that cuts through the richness, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy coldness of vanilla ice cream provides a luscious contrast to the warm, crispy cookies, crafting a delightful duo. Mint Tea: The herbal notes of mint tea offer a refreshing palate cleanse, making each cookie taste even more vibrant and delicious. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling a warm chocolate sauce complements the flavors harmoniously, introducing an extra layer of indulgence to your treats. Pistachio Crumble: Sprinkling finely chopped pistachios adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the baklava essence beautifully. Pairing these delightful elements with your Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies creates a memorable experience, perfect for sharing with loved ones! Storage Tips for Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies Room Temperature: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful crispiness. Freezer: You can make these cookies ahead of time and freeze them. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil; they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Reheating: To enjoy your Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies again, simply reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes, allowing them to regain their crispy texture. Serving Temperature: These cookies are best enjoyed slightly warm, but they are also delicious at room temperature—perfect for sharing with friends and family! Expert Tips for Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies Phyllo Preparation: Ensure phyllo dough is fully thawed before use to avoid tearing, making it easier to work with when crafting your Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies with Honey Drizzle. Layer Generously: Apply a generous amount of melted butter between each layer of phyllo for optimal crispness—don’t skimp on this step! Watch the Clock: Keep a close eye on the baking time; overbaking can turn your cookies hard, which we want to avoid for a delightful texture. Cover Unused Phyllo: Prevent unused phyllo sheets from drying out by covering them with a damp towel while you work. Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to substitute walnuts with pistachios or almonds for different flavors and textures, adding your personal touch to the sweet treat! Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies with Honey Drizzle Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right phyllo dough? Make sure to select high-quality phyllo dough that’s sold in the freezer section of your grocery store. Look for packages that aren’t damaged or crushed—damaged sheets can tear easily. Always thaw the phyllo dough completely in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 1-2 hours to make it easier to work with. What’s the best way to store leftover cookies? Store any leftover Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their crispy texture. If you want to keep them longer, you can store them in the freezer—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil to protect them from freezer burn for up to 2 months. Can I freeze these cookies? Absolutely! You can make these delightful Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies ahead of time. After baking and allowing them to cool, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes to restore their fantastic crispiness. What should I do if my phyllo dough is drying out? If you notice your phyllo dough starting to dry out as you work, keep it covered with a damp kitchen towel, or use a spray bottle to lightly mist the sheets with water. This will help to keep them pliable and prevent tearing, which is key for crafting your delicious Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies with Honey Drizzle. Can I change the nuts in the recipe? Very! Feel free to substitute chopped walnuts with pistachios or almonds if you’d like a different flavor or texture. Each nut will bring a unique taste to the cookies. Just ensure that any nut you use is finely chopped to mix seamlessly into the filling. And don’t forget to check for any nut allergies if you’re sharing these treats! Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians? Yes, these Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies are vegetarian-friendly as they are made without meat or fish ingredients—just ensure that the honey you use is in line with your dietary preferences (as some consider honey not vegetarian). Enjoy this indulgent treat worry-free! Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies with Honey Drizzle Bliss This Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies with Honey Drizzle combines creamy cheesecake with flaky phyllo for a delightful dessert. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 50 minutes mins Servings: 12 cookiesCourse: DessertsCuisine: Middle EasternCalories: 200 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Base1 package Phyllo Dough Ensure it’s fully thawed and covered to prevent drying out.1/2 cup Butter Use unsalted for better control of sweetness.For the Cheesecake Filling8 oz Cream Cheese Use full-fat for best results.1/2 cup Greek Yogurt1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Adjust amount for less sweetness if desired.1 tsp Cinnamon Integral to the overall flavor profile.For the Baklava Element1 cup Chopped Walnuts Substitute with pistachios or almonds if preferred.1/3 cup Honey Try flavoring with lemon or vanilla for variety.For the Drizzle1/4 cup Honey Can be enhanced with flavorings like lemon zest. Equipment Mixing BowlBaking SheetOven Method Step-by-Step InstructionsFully thaw phyllo dough, cover with a damp towel. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).Combine cream cheese, Greek yogurt, granulated sugar, cinnamon. Blend until smooth and set aside.Brush layers of phyllo dough with melted butter and stack 4 to 5 sheets. Cut into squares.Spoon cheesecake filling onto each phyllo square, fold edges over and seal. Repeat until filling is used.Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crisp.Remove cookies from oven and drizzle warm honey over them.Cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a serving platter. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesBest served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
