Christmas Baklava – Don’t LOSE this Recipe

Absolutely, Christmas Baklava is a festive twist on the traditional treat, perfect for the holidays! It’s a rich, sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough, butter, chopped nuts, and sweet syrup, but with a hint of warm holiday spices like cinnamon and cloves.

Here’s a Christmas Baklava recipe that combines the classic flavors with the warmth of the holiday season. Trust me—you won’t want to lose this one!

Christmas Baklava Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Baklava:

• 1 package filo dough (about 16 oz), thawed (you can find this in the frozen section of most grocery stores)
• 2 cups mixed nuts (walnuts, pistachios, and almonds are great choices)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional for a warm holiday flavor)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Syrup:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon orange blossom water (optional, for a floral touch)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Nuts:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roughly chop the mixed nuts (walnuts, pistachios, and almonds) and place them in a food processor. Pulse a few times to get a fine chop—don’t turn them into a powder, you want texture!
3. In a bowl, combine the chopped nuts, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and brown sugar. Set aside.

2. Layer the Baklava:

1. Brush the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter.
2. Carefully unroll the filo dough. Place the first sheet of filo into the dish and brush it generously with melted butter. Continue layering 8-10 sheets of filo dough, brushing each one with butter. This creates the flaky, golden layers.
3. Once you’ve laid down 8-10 layers of filo, sprinkle a thin layer of the nut mixture evenly over the dough.
4. Continue layering the filo dough (8-10 more sheets), buttering each layer, and then adding another layer of the nut mixture. Repeat the process until all the nuts are used up. Finish with a final 8-10 layers of filo dough on top, brushing each with butter.
5. Once assembled, use a sharp knife to cut the baklava into squares or diamonds. This is important because it will make it easier to cut once it’s baked and the syrup is absorbed.

3. Bake the Baklava:

1. Bake the baklava in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and crispy. The layers should look perfectly flaky and the butter should be fully absorbed into the filo.

4. Prepare the Syrup:

1. While the baklava is baking, make the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, honey, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. The syrup should thicken slightly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and orange blossom water (if using). Let the syrup cool slightly, but don’t let it fully cool.

5. Add the Syrup to the Baklava:

1. Once the baklava is done baking, remove it from the oven. Immediately pour the warm syrup evenly over the hot baklava. Be sure to get the syrup into all the cracks and layers.
2. Let the baklava sit at room temperature for a few hours to allow the syrup to fully soak in and the baklava to cool.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

1. After the baklava has cooled, slice it along the pre-cut lines. The result should be sweet, nutty, crispy, and absolutely irresistible!
2. Garnish with finely chopped pistachios or a sprinkle of cinnamon if you want to add some extra flair.

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Tips for Perfect Christmas Baklava:

• Don’t rush the layering process! Each layer of filo dough should be brushed generously with butter. This is what gives baklava its signature flaky texture.
• Use fresh filo dough. It makes a huge difference in texture and crispiness.
• Don’t over-bake—you want the baklava golden brown, not dark brown. Keep an eye on it towards the end.
• Allow it to cool before serving—the syrup needs time to soak into the pastry and set up, so be patient!

Variation Ideas:

• Add a holiday twist: You can sprinkle a bit of ground ginger or allspice into the nut mixture for an extra festive flavor.
• Use different nuts: You can experiment with hazelnuts, pecans, or macadamias for a different flavor profile.
• Decorate with edible gold leaf or crushed candy canes for a truly festive look!

This Christmas Baklava is perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holidays. The flaky layers, sweet nut filling, and warm syrup will make it a memorable treat that everyone will love.