Baklava is one of those desserts that feels instantly special — flaky, buttery layers of phyllo, filled with spiced nuts, and drenched in syrup. But if you’ve ever been intimidated by the traditional version, these Baklava Rolls are for you! They take everything you love about classic baklava and turn it into a fun, easy-to-handle roll.
I first made these for a holiday gathering when I wanted something a little different but still familiar and festive. The result? A crunchy, golden pastry with sweet, nutty filling and sticky syrup — every bite is pure bliss.
Why You’ll Love These Baklava Rolls
- Simpler Than Traditional Baklava: Roll, bake, drizzle — that’s it.
- Crispy and Flaky: Golden, buttery phyllo with spiced nut filling.
- Perfect for Parties: Easy to serve, share, and store.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups mixed nuts (walnuts, pistachios, and almonds)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
For the Rolls:
- 1 package (16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 strip lemon peel or orange peel (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Nut Filling
In a food processor, pulse the nuts, sugar, cinnamon, and spices until finely chopped but not powdered. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Syrup
In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, honey, lemon juice, and lemon peel. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove the peel and set aside to cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lay out one sheet of phyllo dough, keeping the rest covered with a damp towel. Brush with melted butter.
Sprinkle a couple tablespoons of nut mixture along the short edge. Roll up gently but tightly. Place on a baking sheet, seam side down. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
Step 4: Bake
Brush the tops with remaining butter. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
Step 5: Add the Syrup
While the rolls are hot, pour the cooled syrup evenly over them. Let sit for at least 1 hour to soak in the flavor.
Step 6: Serve
Slice rolls into bite-sized pieces, and sprinkle with extra chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Perfect Pairings
- A cup of strong coffee or espresso
- Turkish tea or sweet mint tea
- Fresh berries and whipped cream for a plated dessert
Tips for Perfect Baklava Rolls
- Use fresh, high-quality nuts for the best flavor.
- Keep the phyllo covered while working — it dries quickly.
- Pour the syrup over hot rolls so they absorb the flavor and stay crisp.
Flavor Variations
- Rosewater Syrup: Add a teaspoon of rosewater to the syrup for floral notes.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over cooled rolls.
- Coconut Twist: Add shredded coconut to the nut mixture.
Make-Ahead & Storage
- Make-Ahead: Bake and soak up to 2 days in advance.
- Room Temp Storage: Keep covered for up to 5 days.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze before adding syrup. Reheat and add fresh syrup when serving.
Baklava Rolls
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Mediterranean
Description
Crispy, golden, and packed with sweet, nutty layers — these Baklava Rolls are an irresistible twist on a classic dessert you’ll love to share!
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups mixed nuts (walnuts, pistachios, and almonds)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
For the Rolls:
- 1 package (16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 strip lemon peel or orange peel (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Nut Filling
- In a food processor, pulse the nuts, sugar, cinnamon, and spices until finely chopped but not powdered. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Syrup
- In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, honey, lemon juice, and lemon peel. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove the peel and set aside to cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lay out one sheet of phyllo dough, keeping the rest covered with a damp towel. Brush with melted butter.
- Sprinkle a couple tablespoons of nut mixture along the short edge. Roll up gently but tightly. Place on a baking sheet, seam side down. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
Step 4: Bake
- Brush the tops with remaining butter. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
Step 5: Add the Syrup
- While the rolls are hot, pour the cooled syrup evenly over them. Let sit for at least 1 hour to soak in the flavor.
Step 6: Serve
- Slice rolls into bite-sized pieces, and sprinkle with extra chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality nuts for the best flavor.
- Keep the phyllo covered while working — it dries quickly.
- Pour the syrup over hot rolls so they absorb the flavor and stay crisp.
Keywords: baklava rolls, easy baklava, phyllo dessert, nutty pastry, syrup dessert, holiday sweets, party desserts, Middle Eastern sweets
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use only one type of nut?
Yes! Walnuts or pistachios work beautifully on their own.
2. Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely. Use vegan butter and swap honey for maple syrup or agave.
3. Is store-bought phyllo dough okay?
Definitely — it’s what makes these rolls so easy and accessible.
4. How long should the syrup sit on the baklava?
At least 1 hour to fully soak in — overnight is even better.
5. Can I serve them warm?
Yes, but they’re traditionally enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled.
