Jump to Recipe Print RecipeIn the bustling kitchen, the aroma of warm spices mingles with the sweet scent of honey, instantly transforming my space into a small slice of the Middle East. That’s when I decided it was time to create Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies with Honey Drizzle. These delightful treats beautifully intertwine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the crispy, flaky texture of phyllo dough, making them an unforgettable dessert experience. Plus, they’re a breeze to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply indulging yourself, these cookies will elevate your dessert game. With every bite, you’ll discover the delightful crunch of walnuts and a hint of cinnamon dancing on your taste buds. Are you ready to take your baking adventures to the next level with this sweet fusion? Let’s dive in! Why Are These Cookies a Must-Try? Decadent Fusion: These Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies combine the best of both worlds, uniting the creamy texture of cheesecake with flaky, crunchy phyllo dough for a unique treat. Easy to Prepare: Even novice bakers can master this recipe as it involves simple techniques — perfect for whipping up a dessert quickly. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Serve these at your next gathering, and watch them vanish from the plate. Everyone loves the savory hint of cinnamon paired with sweet honey! Versatile Substitutions: Feel free to mix and match ingredients—swap walnuts for pistachios or customize the honey drizzle with citrus or vanilla for extra flair. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive celebration, these cookies add an exotic twist that impresses every time. Try pairing them with coffee or tea for a delightful experience! Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies Ingredients For the Phyllo Base Phyllo Dough – This light, crispy base is crucial; make sure it’s completely thawed before you start for easy handling. For the Cheesecake Filling Cream Cheese – The star of the filling; it should be softened to achieve a creamy, smooth texture. Greek Yogurt – Adds a tangy creaminess; you can substitute it with sour cream if you like. Sugar – Sweetens the filling just right; adjust to taste or swap it with a sugar alternative if desired. Cinnamon – Just a dash adds warmth to the flavor; feel free to omit if you prefer a milder taste. Chopped Walnuts – Bring in nutty flavor and delightful crunch; pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts can be used instead. For the Drizzle Honey – Essential for authentic baklava sweetness; drizzle over the cookies for that signature touch, or use a sugar-free alternative for a lighter option. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies with Honey Drizzle Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden crispness. As the oven warms up, gather your baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Step 2: Prepare the Phyllo Dough Carefully unroll the thawed phyllo dough and place it on a clean surface. Take a pastry brush to generously coat each sheet with melted butter, layering about 5-6 sheets on top of each other. The butter will create those delightful flaky layers that define the Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies. Cover the unused dough with a damp towel to keep it from drying out. Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, sugar, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts. Using a hand mixer, blend the ingredients until smooth, ensuring not to overmix, as this can lead to a runny filling. The mixture should be creamy yet thick enough to hold together. Set this filling aside as you prepare the phyllo dough. Step 4: Assemble the Cookies Once your phyllo sheets are prepared, cut them into squares, about 4×4 inches. Spoon a generous amount of the cheesecake filling into the center of each square. Gently fold the corners to create a pocket, sealing the edges by brushing them with melted butter to help them stick. This step ensures the delightful filling stays inside while baking. Step 5: Bake the Cookies Place the assembled cookies on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy, and the cookies have puffed up slightly. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to achieve that perfect toasted look. Step 6: Drizzle with Honey After removing the cookies from the oven, immediately drizzle warm honey over the top of each Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookie. The heat will help the honey soak into the crispy layers, adding a sweet, glossy finish. Be generous with the honey drizzle for that authentic baklava experience! Step 7: Cool and Serve Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before serving. This brief cooling time helps them set while still being warm and inviting. Present these Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies with Honey Drizzle on a beautiful serving platter, and enjoy the delightful mix of textures and flavors with family and friends. Expert Tips for Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies • Keep Phyllo Covered: Always cover unused phyllo dough with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out and becoming difficult to work with. • Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened. This gives you a smooth filling and avoids lumps in your Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies. • Don’t Overmix: Mix your cheesecake filling just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a runny texture, which ruins the creamy consistency of the cookies. • Golden Brown Finish: Bake until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy. This step is crucial for achieving that delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy filling. • Warm Honey Drizzle: Use warm honey for the drizzle to ensure it seeps into the cookies beautifully. A generous drizzle enhances both flavor and presentation! Make Ahead Options These Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies with Honey Drizzle are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cheesecake filling up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its creamy texture. Additionally, you can layer the phyllo sheets and brush them with butter, then refrigerate them (well-covered with a damp towel) for up to 3 days before assembly. When you’re ready to enjoy these delectable cookies, simply fill the prepared phyllo with the cheesecake mixture and bake as directed. The cookies will be just as delicious, allowing you to enjoy the sweet delights without the last-minute rush! Storage Tips for Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful crispiness. Fridge: If you plan to keep them longer, store in the refrigerator for up to a week. Be sure to allow them to warm at room temperature before serving. Freezer: For even longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Enjoy within 2 months for the best flavor and texture. Reheating: To revive the crispy texture after refrigeration or freezing, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Your Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies with Honey Drizzle will be as delightful as fresh! What to Serve with Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies These warm, crispy delights deserve a deliciously curated spread to complement their rich, sweet flavors. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold ice cream provides a beautiful contrast and enhances the warm cookies’ flavors. A scoop on the side creates a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience. Mint Tea: Refreshing and aromatic, a glass of mint tea balances the sweetness of the cookies while adding a fragrant note to your dessert experience. Sip slowly to savor every moment! Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layering Greek yogurt with honey and berries adds a light, tangy flavor that beautifully complements the richness of the baklava cookies. It’s an excellent way to bring in some freshness! Spiced Coffee: A cup of coffee infused with spices like cinnamon or cardamom pairs beautifully with the sweet notes of the cookies, enhancing their exotic flavor profile. It’s the perfect cozy vibe for any gathering. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings vibrancy and a slight tartness, balancing the richness of the cookies. Look for juicy strawberries, tangy kiwis, and refreshing oranges to brighten up the plate. Cheese Plate: A selection of mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese can provide a creamy counterpoint to the cookies. Add some nuts or dried fruits for texture and flavor contrasts that delight the palate. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: For an extra touch of decadence, serve these alongside the cookies. The sweetness of the chocolate pairs wonderfully with the baklava’s nutty and honeyed notes, creating a slice of pure bliss. Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies Variations Feel free to get creative and make these Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies your own, embracing bold flavors and textures! Nut-Free: Swap out the walnuts for sunflower seeds or omit nuts entirely for a delightfully nut-free treat. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free phyllo dough to cater to those with dietary restrictions while keeping it just as delicious. Sugar-Free: Substitute sugar with a sugar alternative like erythritol or monk fruit to cut down on sweetness without losing flavor. Spice Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for an aromatic twist that will tantalize your taste buds. Fruit-Filled: Mix in dried figs or cranberries to add a fruity component that complements the creamy filling beautifully. Chocolate Lovers: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies for an indulgent chocolatey experience that pairs wonderfully with the honey. Feel like adding a refreshing twist? Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy them alongside a rich cup of coffee or tea. If you’d like to explore more delightful desserts, try my Lemon Raspberry Cookies or Tiramisu Cookies Melt for even sweeter inspiration! Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies with Honey Drizzle Recipe FAQs How do I select the right phyllo dough for this recipe? Absolutely! When choosing phyllo dough, look for brands that provide at least 16 sheets per package for this recipe. Ensure it’s fully thawed before use; you’ll know it’s ready when it feels pliable and slightly moist to the touch. If there are any tears in the sheets, that’s okay; just layer them for added strength! How should I store leftover Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies? Great question! Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them nice and crispy. If you find you have more leftovers, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but be sure to allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Can I freeze Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies? Yes, you can! To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for easier storage. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, don’t forget to reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to regain that crispy exterior. What if my cheesecake filling is too runny? If your filling ends up too runny, don’t worry! To troubleshoot, try adding an extra 1-2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese to thicken it up. Alternatively, chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before assembling to help it firm up. Just don’t overmix when combining your ingredients, as that can lead to this issue! Are these cookies safe for nut allergies? It’s important to be cautious! If you or your guests have nut allergies, I recommend substituting the chopped walnuts with seeds, like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, for a nut-free version. Additionally, always double-check labels on your other ingredients to ensure they are nut-free to avoid cross-contamination. Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling? Very much! Low-fat cream cheese can be used as a substitute for regular cream cheese in this recipe. However, keep in mind that it may affect the texture slightly, making it a bit less creamy. If you do use low-fat options, mixing gently is key to ensure a smooth consistency without overworking the filling. Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies with Honey Drizzle Delight These Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies with Honey Drizzle blend creamy cheesecake with flaky phyllo for an unforgettable dessert experience. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins Servings: 12 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: Middle EasternCalories: 180 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Phyllo Base1 package Phyllo Dough Thawed before useFor the Cheesecake Filling8 ounces Cream Cheese Softened1 cup Greek Yogurt Can substitute with sour cream1/2 cup Sugar Adjust to taste1 teaspoon Cinnamon Optional1/2 cup Chopped Walnuts Can substitute with pistachiosFor the Drizzle1/2 cup Honey Use warm for drizzling Equipment Baking sheetParchment PaperMixing bowlHand MixerPastry Brush Method Preparation StepsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.Unroll the thawed phyllo dough, coat each sheet with melted butter, and layer 5-6 sheets.In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, sugar, cinnamon, and chopped walnuts, mixing until smooth.Cut phyllo dough into 4x4 inch squares, spoon filling into the center, and fold corners to seal.Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.Drizzle warm honey over the cookies immediately after baking.Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesThese cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, or frozen for up to 2 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
