Craving a decadent dessert but intimidated by complicated recipes? Then look no further! This easy baklava rolls recipe delivers all the rich, nutty, and syrupy goodness of traditional baklava in a fraction of the time and with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressive gatherings, these delightful rolls are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your homemade cooking repertoire. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this surprisingly simple, yet incredibly delicious, treat!
Ingredients:
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For the Filling:
- 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup pistachios, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
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For the Rolls:
- 1 package (14.1 ounces) phyllo dough, thawed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
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For the Syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Instructions:
Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, pistachios, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Mix well and set aside.
Assemble the Rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Lay out one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean work surface. Brush it evenly with melted butter. Repeat with 5 more sheets, layering and buttering each one.
- Sprinkle about 1/4 of the nut mixture evenly over the buttered phyllo.
- Carefully and gently roll the phyllo dough into a tight log, starting from the long side.
- Cut the log into 1-inch thick slices.
- Place the rolls, cut-side up, in the prepared baking pan.
- Repeat steps 2-6 with the remaining phyllo dough and nut mixture.
Bake and Glaze:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the baklava rolls are golden brown and crispy.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, honey, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
- Once the baklava rolls are baked, immediately pour the warm syrup over them, ensuring all the rolls are evenly coated.
- Let the baklava rolls cool completely in the pan before serving. This allows the syrup to absorb into the pastry, creating a wonderful texture.
Tips for the Best Baklava Rolls:
- Work quickly: Phyllo dough dries out easily, so work efficiently when layering and assembling the rolls. Keep unused sheets covered with a damp cloth.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can lead to dry rolls. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
- Let it cool: Allowing the baklava rolls to cool completely before serving is crucial for the best flavor and texture. The syrup will soak in properly, creating that perfect balance of crispy and moist.
Variations:
- Add other nuts: Feel free to experiment with other nuts like almonds or pecans, or use a combination of your favorites.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
- Chocolate twist: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled baklava rolls for an extra decadent touch.
Nutritional Information (per roll, approximate):
- Calories: 200-250
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Protein: 2-3g
These easy baklava rolls are the perfect combination of sweet, crunchy, and nutty. This quick dinner dessert is a great way to end any meal and is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Enjoy!