Christmas is a time for warmth, giving, and unforgettable flavors—and nothing says “celebration” quite like a tray of golden, nutty, honey-soaked baklava. This globally loved dessert, with its crisp phyllo layers and aromatic spiced nuts, is perfect for sharing with family and friends during the most wonderful time of the year.
With origins tracing back centuries through the Mediterranean and Middle East, baklava has long been associated with festivity, generosity, and indulgence. Its rich blend of textures and flavors makes it a natural fit for Christmas gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Plus, it keeps beautifully—if it lasts that long.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make-ahead friendly – Stays fresh for days and can even be frozen.
- Great for gifting – Wrap it up beautifully for friends and neighbors.
- Crowd-pleasing – A sweet, nutty flavor that appeals to just about everyone.
- Customizable – Mix up the nuts or spices for your own twist.
- Show-stopping presentation – Golden, crispy layers with a diamond-cut finish that looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 pack phyllo dough (1 pound), thawed
- 2 cups chopped walnuts
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1½ cups butter, melted
- 2 cups honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Nut Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine chopped walnuts, pecans, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 2: Prep the Baking Dish
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Butter a large baking dish generously using melted butter.
Step 3: Layer the Phyllo and Nuts
- Place two sheets of phyllo dough into the dish and brush with butter.
- Sprinkle with about 2 tablespoons of the nut mixture.
- Repeat this layering process—2 sheets of phyllo, butter, nuts—until all ingredients are used, finishing with a phyllo layer.
- Brush the top with extra melted butter for that perfect crisp finish.
Step 4: Slice and Bake
- Using a sharp knife, cut the assembled baklava into diamond shapes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45–47 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
Step 5: Make the Syrup
- While the baklava bakes, heat honey, vanilla, and lemon zest in a small saucepan over medium heat until just warmed and fragrant. Do not boil.
Step 6: Soak and Serve
- Once baklava is out of the oven, slowly pour the warm syrup evenly over the hot pastry.
- Let it cool for at least 10 minutes to allow the syrup to absorb.
- Garnish with additional chopped nuts if desired.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Baklava is more than just a dessert—it’s a joyful expression of holiday spirit, wrapped in flaky pastry and sweetened with tradition. The combination of warm spices, buttery layers, and fragrant syrup creates a luxurious treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Whether you’re gifting it to neighbors, serving it after Christmas dinner, or sneaking a square with your morning coffee, this baklava is sure to become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
Share Your Creations
Did this Christmas Baklava become part of your holiday tradition? Share your festive trays and holiday table shots using #HolidayBaklava or #ChristmasBaklavaMagic on Instagram and Pinterest!
Christmas Baklava
Ingredients
- 1 pack phyllo dough 1 pound, thawed
- 2 cups chopped walnuts
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1½ cups butter melted
- 2 cups honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Nut Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine chopped walnuts, pecans, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 2: Prep the Baking Dish
- Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Butter a large baking dish generously using melted butter.
Step 3: Layer the Phyllo and Nuts
- Place two sheets of phyllo dough into the dish and brush with butter.
- Sprinkle with about 2 tablespoons of the nut mixture.
- Repeat this layering process—2 sheets of phyllo, butter, nuts—until all ingredients are used, finishing with a phyllo layer.
- Brush the top with extra melted butter for that perfect crisp finish.
Step 4: Slice and Bake
- Using a sharp knife, cut the assembled baklava into diamond shapes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45–47 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
Step 5: Make the Syrup
- While the baklava bakes, heat honey, vanilla, and lemon zest in a small saucepan over medium heat until just warmed and fragrant. Do not boil.
Step 6: Soak and Serve
- Once baklava is out of the oven, slowly pour the warm syrup evenly over the hot pastry.
- Let it cool for at least 10 minutes to allow the syrup to absorb.
- Garnish with additional chopped nuts if desired.
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