Cozy Comfort Food in Minutes Recipe
Delight in these Irresistible Baklava Cheesecake Phyllo Cookies featuring flaky phyllo dough filled with a creamy cheesecake mixture, crunchy walnuts, and a warm honey drizzle. This unique fusion dessert combines the rich textures of classic baklava with the smooth tanginess of cheesecake, perfect for celebrations or a special treat.
- Author: Ella
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Phyllo Dough & Butter
- 1 package of phyllo dough, thawed
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Cheesecake Filling
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Nuts & Honey Drizzle
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the phyllo cookies at the perfect temperature ensuring crispiness and even baking.
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy, but avoid overmixing to maintain a thick texture.
- Prepare the phyllo dough layers: Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and brush generously with melted butter. Layer another sheet on top and brush again with butter. Repeat until you have 4-5 sheets stacked, ensuring crispy, golden layers.
- Cut the phyllo strips: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the layered phyllo dough into 2-inch wide strips for easy portioning of the filling.
- Assemble the cookies: Place a small spoonful of the cheesecake mixture in the center of each phyllo strip. Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top, then fold the dough over to form triangles or rectangular shapes, sealing the filling inside.
- Bake the cookies: Arrange the formed cookies on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crisp to the touch.
- Prepare the honey drizzle: While cookies bake, gently warm the honey and ground cloves (if using) in a small saucepan until heated through, allowing the spices to infuse.
- Drizzle and serve: Once cookies are out of the oven, immediately drizzle the warm honey mixture over them to soak into the crispy layers, then serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Ensure phyllo dough is fully thawed and covered with a damp towel to prevent drying while working.
- Brush phyllo sheets generously with melted butter to achieve a golden, crispy texture.
- For a variation, substitute walnuts with pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts to suit your taste.
- Flavor the honey drizzle with lemon juice or vanilla extract for extra depth.
- Reduce honey or use a sugar-free alternative to lower sweetness for diabetic-friendly versions.
- Avoid overmixing the cheesecake filling to prevent it from becoming too runny.
- Serve with coffee, tea, or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx.)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: baklava cheesecake phyllo cookies, honey drizzle dessert, Middle Eastern desserts, phyllo dough recipes, walnut cheesecake cookies