Christmas Baklava is a festive and delicious twist on the traditional Middle Eastern dessert, perfect for celebrating the holiday season. With layers of flaky phyllo dough, spiced nuts, and a honey-cinnamon syrup, this baklava is filled with flavors that evoke the warmth of Christmas. This recipe is great for making ahead and is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Baklava
- 1 package (16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed
- 2 cups mixed nuts (walnuts, pistachios, almonds), finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
Syrup
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter.
- Prepare the Nut Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped mixed nuts, ground cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and 1/2 cup sugar. Stir until well mixed.
- Layer the Phyllo Dough: Place 10 sheets of phyllo dough in the greased baking dish, brushing each sheet with melted butter before adding the next. Keep the unused phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
- Add the Nut Filling: Spread about 1/3 of the nut mixture evenly over the phyllo dough. Add 5 more sheets of phyllo, brushing each sheet with butter. Repeat this process twice more, finishing with 10 sheets of phyllo dough on top, each brushed with butter.
- Cut the Baklava: Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes. Make sure to cut all the way through to the bottom of the dish.
- Bake: Bake the baklava in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
- Make the Syrup: While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine the honey, sugar, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Reduce the heat and let the syrup simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the syrup cool slightly.
- Pour the Syrup: Once the baklava is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the warm syrup evenly over the top. Make sure to pour the syrup into all the cuts to ensure it gets evenly distributed.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baklava to cool completely, uncovered, for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the syrup to fully absorb and the baklava to set. Serve at room temperature and enjoy!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Phyllo Dough Tips: Phyllo dough can dry out quickly, so make sure to keep the unused sheets covered with a damp towel while assembling the baklava.
- Cutting Before Baking: Cutting the baklava before baking makes it easier to get clean pieces without cracking the delicate pastry.
- Chill the Syrup: Make sure the syrup is warm but not hot when pouring over the baked baklava. This helps ensure the baklava stays crispy.
Variations
- Chocolate Christmas Baklava: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the nut mixture for a sweet, chocolatey twist.
- Cranberry Nut Baklava: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries to the nut mixture for a festive holiday touch.
- Orange-Spiced Syrup: Replace the lemon juice with orange juice and add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the syrup for a citrusy variation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I store leftover baklava?
Store leftover baklava in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks. Just be sure to keep it covered to prevent it from drying out.
2. Can I freeze baklava?
Yes, baklava freezes well! Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
3. Do I need to use all the butter?
Brushing each layer of phyllo with butter is important for achieving a crispy texture. You may not use all the butter, but make sure each sheet is well-coated.
4. Can I use other nuts?
Absolutely! You can use any combination of nuts you prefer, such as pecans or hazelnuts. Just make sure they are finely chopped for even distribution.
Christmas Baklava is a rich, flavorful, and festive dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season. With its flaky layers, spiced nut filling, and sweet honey syrup, it’s a treat that will impress your family and friends. Whether you make it for a special occasion or as a holiday gift, this baklava is sure to bring warmth and joy to your celebration. Give this recipe a try and savor the delightful flavors of Christmas in every bite!