If you’re a fan of baklava, you’re going to love these easy vegan baklava cookies! They’re made with a rich, buttery cookie dough, then topped with a sweet, and sticky nut filling and baked until golden. You won’t be able to eat just one of these Mediterranean-inspired cookies!
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Sugar Cookie Dough
For the Baklava Topping
Equipment Needed
How to Make Vegan Baklava Cookies
Serving Suggestions
Storage Instructions
More Vegan Cookie Recipes You May Enjoy:
Vegan Baklava Cookies Recipe Recipe
As much as we love our classic vegan cookie recipes, we also love recreating our favorite desserts in handheld cookie form. After developing Cinnamon Roll Cookies, Cannoli Cookies, Apple Pie Cookies, and Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookie recipes, it was time to put a new spin on one of our favorite Middle Eastern desserts: baklava!
Our traditional Vegan Baklava recipe is such a crowd favorite that we knew it would make an equally delicious cookie. The cookie dough is adapted from our classic vegan sugar cookies, recreating the same buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture as the flaky layers of phyllo dough. Then, the center of each cookie is filled with our date-sweetened baklava filling for a thumbprint-style cookie to remember. Get ready to enjoy the flavors of baklava in a fraction of the time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Sugar Cookie Dough
Vegan butter: Just like in our traditional baklava, we swapped the dairy butter with vegan butter in this cookie recipe. We typically use vegan butter sticks from brands like Country Crock or Earth Balance, but any vegan butter of choice will work. If you are using salted butter, we recommend omitting the added salt.
Flax egg: In most of our vegan cookie recipes, we use a flax egg as the egg replacer. It’s one of the easiest homemade vegan eggs to make and binds cookie dough together beautifully.
Sugar: Our original vegan sugar cookies are made with granulated cane sugar to keep them light in color. To make these cookies more moist and rich in flavor, we opted for brown sugar. If preferred, feel free to opt for coconut sugar or white sugar in a pinch!
Orange zest: Fresh orange zest adds a boost of fresh, unique flavor that compliments the sweetness of the baklava filling. If you have it, you can also substitute orange blossom water or try lemon zest for a similar, citrus twist.
Flour: Instead of phyllo dough, this baklava dessert is made with all-purpose flour as the main ingredient. We have not tested a gluten-free version of these baklava cookies, and unfortunately can’t confirm a gluten-free flour blend will work well. If you decide to give it a try and have success, please leave a comment down below for others!
Baking soda: The leavening agent of choice in this cookie recipe. In addition to helping the cookies rise and spread properly, baking soda also helps to encourage browning, making the cookies perfectly golden.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and ground cardamom add warmth and sweet, citrusy, notes to the cookie dough that complement the cinnamon and sweet syrup in the filling.
For the Baklava Topping
Vegan honey: Real honey isn’t vegan, but vegan-friendly honey exists! Try this brand or make your own from scratch using this easy Vegan Honey Recipe. You can also swap the vegan honey syrup with date syrup or agave if needed or preferred!
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness without overpowering the flavor in the vegan honey and Medjool dates.
Cinnamon stick: Adding a cinnamon stick into the syrup as it simmers helps to infuse warm, aromatic cinnamon flavor into the dessert!
Nuts: We used a mix of almonds, walnuts, and pistachios, but any combination of chopped nuts will do.
Medjool dates: While not traditionally found in baklava, finely chopped, fresh Medjool dates add stickiness, and natural sweetness, and perfectly complement the rich, caramel-like notes in the cookies.
Equipment Needed
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment
Spatula
Plastic wrap or reusable wrap
1 1/2 tablespoon-sized cookie scoop
Small pot
Baking sheet(s)
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat(s)
Wire rack (for cooling)
How to Make Vegan Baklava Cookies
Soften the butter. Make sure to set the butter at room temperature 30 minutes before starting. This will help soften the butter to room temperature.
Prepare the flax egg. In a small bowl, combine the non-dairy milk and ground flaxseed meal and mix to combine. Set the mixture aside for 10-15 minutes to thicken.
Cream the butter and sugar. In a large bowl with an electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the vegan butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and orange zest until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add wet ingredients. Next, add in the flax egg and vanilla, and cream again to combine.
Sift in the dry ingredients. Using a fine mesh strainer, first sift in the baking soda, cinnamon, cardamom and salt and mix to combine. Lastly, sift in the flour. Switch to a spatula, and fold the flour into the cookie dough gently by hand, until well combined.
Chill the cookie dough. Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or reusable wrap and place the bowl in the refrigerator for 2 1/2 hours, or up to overnight.
Prepare the simple syrup. While the cookie dough chills, prepare the topping. In a small pot or small saucepan over medium heat, melt the vegan butter. Once melted, add the vegan honey, sugar, and a cinnamon stick. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer the syrup for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. After 3-4 minutes, remove the cinnamon stick and mix in the nuts and dates. Set aside.
Scoop the cookie dough into balls. After the dough has sufficiently chilled, scoop the dough using a 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized cookie scoop. Roll the dough between your hands until a smooth ball forms, and transfer each dough ball to the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart. Using your thumb or a tablespoon, make an indent in the middle of each cookie.
Add the filling. Once all of the dough is rolled, scoop a heaping teaspoon of the nut mixture into the indentation of each cookie.
Bake. Place the cookie sheet in the oven and bake the baklava cookies for 13-15 minutes, or until cracks begin to form around the edges and the bottoms are golden brown.
Enjoy room temperature. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Then serve immediately while fresh and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
These rich and decadent cookies are the perfect dessert and pair well with a warm cup of coffee or tea, or a scoop of your favorite non-dairy ice cream. We particularly love them during the holiday season, but these baklava cookies are delicious any time of year! Serve them for any special occasion or celebration and watch them disappear!
Storage Instructions
Leftover cookies will keep best in an airtight container at room temperature. Baked cookies may also freeze well, but we have not personally tested it and cannot confirm.
More Vegan Cookie Recipes You May Enjoy:
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Vegan Thumbprint Cookies (8-Ingredients)
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Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies
Make sure you tag us on Instagram @sweetsimplevegan and @consciouschris and hashtag #sweetsimplevegan if you make this recipe. We love to see your photos!
If you’re a fan of baklava, you’re going to love these easy vegan baklava cookies! They’re made with a rich, buttery cookie dough, then topped with a sweet, and sticky nut filling and baked until golden. You won’t be able to eat just one of these Mediterranean-inspired cookies!
Ingredients
Cookie dough
½ cup (1 stick) vegan butter, softened
1 flax egg (3 tablespoons water or non-dairy milk and 1 tablespoon (13g) flaxseed meal)
¼ cup (55g) brown sugar, firmly packed
¼ (50g) cup granulated sugar
Zest of ½ of an orange
1 teaspoon vanilla
1¾ (210g) cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
¼ teaspoon salt
Topping
1 tablespoon vegan butter
1 tablespoon vegan honey, agave, or date syrup
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 cinnamon stick
¼ cup chopped nuts (I used a mix of almonds, walnuts and pistachios)
¼ cup finely chopped pitted Medjool dates
Equipment
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment
Spatula
Plastic wrap or reusable wrap
1 1/2 tablespoon-sized cookie scoop
Small pot
Baking sheet(s)
Parchment paper or silicone baking mat(s)
Wire rack (for cooling)
Instructions
Soften the butter. Make sure to set the butter at room temperature 30 minutes before starting. This will help soften the butter to room temperature.
Prepare the flax egg. In a small bowl, combine the non-dairy milk and ground flaxseed meal and mix to combine. Set the mixture aside for 10-15 minutes to thicken.
Cream the butter and sugar. In a large bowl with an electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the vegan butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and orange zest until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add wet ingredients. Next, combine the flax egg, vanilla, and cream again.
Sift in the dry ingredients. Using a fine mesh strainer, first sift in the baking soda, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt and mix to combine. Lastly, sift in the flour. Switch to a spatula, and gently fold the flour into the cookie dough until well combined.
Chill the cookie dough. Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or reusable wrap and place the bowl in the refrigerator for 2 1/2 hours, or up to overnight.
Prepare the simple syrup. While the cookie dough chills, prepare the topping. Melt the vegan butter in a small pot or small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the vegan honey, sugar, and a cinnamon stick. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer the syrup for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. After 3-4 minutes, remove the cinnamon stick and mix in the nuts and dates. Set aside.
Scoop the cookie dough into balls and preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. After the dough has sufficiently chilled, scoop the dough using a 1 1/2 tablespoon-sized cookie scoop. Roll the dough between your hands until a smooth ball forms, and transfer each dough ball to the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart. Make an indent in the middle of each cookie using your thumb or a tablespoon.
Add the filling. Once all of the dough is rolled, scoop a heaping teaspoon of the nut mixture into the indentation of each cookie.
Bake. Place the cookie sheet in the oven and bake the baklava cookies for 13-15 minutes, or until cracks begin to form around the edges and the bottoms are golden brown.
Enjoy room temperature. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Then serve immediately while fresh and enjoy!
Notes
Storage: Leftover cookies will keep best in an airtight container at room temperature. Baked cookies may also freeze well, but we have not personally tested it and cannot confirm.
The post Vegan Baklava Cookies appeared first on Sweet Simple Vegan.
By: Chris Petrellese Title: Vegan Baklava Cookies Sourced From: sweetsimplevegan.com/vegan-baklava-cookies/ Published Date: Sun, 17 Dec 2023 21:52:45 +0000
Eating a plant-based diet is becoming more popular as people become increasingly health conscious. At Paleovsketo.com, we offer comprehensive nutritional guidance to help you live your best life. We have a wealth of information on various diets, such as paleo, keto, plant-based, mediteranian and intermittent fasting - all tailored toward optimizing your health and wellbeing.
Our platform helps bridge the disconnect between reliable research and implementation - making wellness accessible to all by providing education, inspiration and empowerment every step of the way. We believe that together, we can make a real difference in the lives of others; after all, healthy eating is not just about the food - it's an attitude of self-care that radiates throughout our daily walks of life. We encourage you to join us in our mission: connect with us through stories, passions and recipes; here at Paleovsketo.com, there will always be something new waiting for you!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a plant-based diet be harmful?
While many people have reported health benefits from switching to a plant-based lifestyle, there are risks involved in any type of diet. People transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle should carefully consider proper vitamin and mineral intake, such as B12, iron, zinc, and Omega 3 fatty acids. Negative health effects can be caused by eating a poor diet that does not include replacements for these nutrients. In addition, living a vegan/plant based lifestyle may mean that you are unable to consume the valuable protein found in eggs and dairy. This could affect your muscle maintenance. Plant-based diets should be adjusted to meet individual needs. If necessary, a nutritionist or doctor can be consulted.
Is it difficult to switch to a plant-based diet?
While it can seem intimidating to transition to a vegan diet, it doesn’t have to be. You can easily transition to a plant based diet by making small tweaks. Every person is different so it is important to adapt the transition to suit your lifestyle. You can make the transition easier by focusing on whole foods over processed foods. This ensures that you are getting enough of essential vitamins and minerals as well as macronutrients. Individuals should focus on creating delicious meals that are enjoyable to eat and meet their dietary requirements.
Building a support system full of friends, family members, or certified health professionals can help individuals stay on track with their goals for transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle. Finally, cooking new recipes can add variety and excitement along the way. You don't have to feel hungry or bored when you make this diet change. There are plenty of vegan options. It is important to slowly change while being mindful of your daily nutrient intake in order to make a plant-based transition.
Are plant-based diets more costly than other diets.
Plant-based diets don't necessarily have to be more expensive than others. It is possible to eat a balanced, plant-based diet and not spend a lot of money on it. This depends on what you eat. Grains, beans, eggs and nuts can all be very affordable and offer a great source of protein at a lower cost. You can also reduce food costs by planning your meals and buying bulk. Not only can you save money on individual ingredients but there are also many ready-to-eat, plant-based meals available that can help reduce grocery costs.
What are some good sources of protein for a plant-based diet.
On a plant-based diet, legumes like chickpeas and beans are excellent sources of protein. Many of these plant proteins also contain fiber. The addition of omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseeds or chia seeds to a plant-based diet can help to balance nutrient levels.
Can a plant-based diet reduce the risk of chronic diseases?
Plant-based diets are becoming increasingly popular due to their many environmental and health benefits. It is a diet that consists primarily of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. There are many benefits to a plant-based approach to eating, such as improved heart health and digestive health, energy levels, decreased stress hormones, potential environmental protection, and increased energy. You can still get sufficient protein from a plant-based food plan by eating other protein sources.
Is it necessary that you take supplements when eating a plant-based meal?
A balanced diet of plants can provide all the necessary nutrients to maintain good health. However certain micronutrients need to be supplemented to ensure they are not missing. Vitamin B12 is vital for brain and nervous system health. It is usually only available in animal products. Vegans and vegetarians may be able to benefit from supplemental vitamin B12. Insufficient iron and zinc can be found in many plant-based foods, which are crucial for healthy metabolism, red cells production, tissue repair, and tissue growth. The normal functions of the body, including controlling inflammation and maintaining proper brain function, are also affected by omega 3 fatty acids. Because of their biochemical nature, many plant-based foods don't contain enough omega-3s. Supplementation could help restore the delicate balance. Finally, calcium is important for strong bones. But it can also be found in small quantities through plants such as broccoli or kale. Consider taking separate supplements if you find it difficult to reach your daily calcium goal from food. Before you start taking any new supplements, it is a good idea to double-check with your doctor.
Statistics
In fact, according to research published in the going plant-based can cut grocery bills by $750 a year per person, Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition. (forksoverknives.com)
A study found that livestock provides just 18 percent of calories consumed globally but takes up 83 percent of farmland. (forksoverknives.com)
Plant-based meal prep makes it easy to prepare healthy and balanced vegan meals in advance. It takes planning and preparation but can help you save time and encourage healthier eating habits. It's easier to adhere to a healthy diet when meals are prepared in advance. Additionally, by removing the need to cook from scratch each day, there's more time available for activities such as exercise or relaxation.
It is important to prioritize variety and focus on whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables and nuts. This will make it easier to prepare plant-based meals. Different colors are better for nutrition. You might choose to use different ingredients each week, such as spinach for greens or purple carrots in orange/reds. Brown rice is good for complex carbohydrates. A balance of fiber, protein and some fats should be the aim with each meal, depending on the individual's needs.
Consider using a multi-cooker and slow cooker to maximize your meal prep efficiency.
With a few simple steps, meal prepping for a plant-based diet can be an easy and enjoyable experience. Make a grocery shopping list with the recipes that you are going to be making. Local farmers' markets and health food shops are great places to find fresh produce, as well as other quality ingredients. You should also make sure you have enough time to prepare the food. These options allow for minimal effort and maximize savings. Food stays fresher longer if it's stored properly.
The best thing about plant-based meal preparation is that it allows one to eat healthy no matter how busy their life becomes. By taking the guesswork out of healthy eating, individuals will likely achieve their nutritional goals sooner rather than later.
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Diet:
Prep Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Oven and Stovetop
