Christmas Baklava – A Festive, Sweet Holiday Dessert Everyone Loves
When the holiday season arrives, nothing feels more special than a homemade dessert that fills the kitchen with warm spices and sweet aromas. Christmas Baklava is the perfect festive treat—rich, flaky, nutty, and soaked in a spiced honey syrup that captures the true spirit of the holidays. This classic dessert gets a Christmas twist with warming flavors like cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest, making it ideal for holiday gatherings, gift-giving, and special celebrations.
Baklava has long been loved for its delicate layers of buttery phyllo dough and finely chopped nuts, but serving it at Christmas adds an extra layer of joy and tradition. It’s elegant enough for a holiday dessert table yet comforting enough to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee on a cozy winter evening.
Why You’ll Love Christmas Baklava
- Perfect holiday dessert:Rich, festive, and ideal for Christmas gatherings.
- Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better the next day.
- Beautiful presentation:Golden, flaky layers that impress every guest.
- Customizable flavors: Easy to adjust with your favorite nuts and spices.
- Great for gifting: Stays fresh and travels well.
Ingredients
- 1 package phyllo dough, thawed
- 2 cups finely chopped walnuts, pistachios, or almonds
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves or nutmeg
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Christmas Syrup:
- 1 cup honey
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¾ cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cinnamon stick
How to Make Christmas Baklava
- Prepare the Nuts: In a bowl, mix chopped nuts with cinnamon and cloves.
- Layer the Phyllo: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush a baking dish with butter. Lay one sheet of phyllo, brush with butter, and repeat for 8–10 layers.
- Add Filling: Sprinkle a thin layer of nut mixture over the phyllo. Add 3–4 more buttered phyllo sheets. Repeat layering until all nuts are used.
- Finish the Top: Add 8–10 final phyllo sheets, brushing each with butter.
- Cut Before Baking: Using a sharp knife, cut into diamond or square shapes.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Prepare Syrup: Simmer honey, sugar, water, orange zest, vanilla, and cinnamon stick for 10 minutes. Remove cinnamon stick.
- Soak: Pour hot syrup over hot baklava and let it absorb fully.
Tips for Perfect Holiday Baklava
- Keep phyllo covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.
- Always pour hot syrup over hot baklava for best absorption.
- Let baklava rest for at least 6 hours before serving.
- Use a mix of nuts for deeper, festive flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Christmas Baklava on a festive platter with powdered sugar dusting or crushed pistachios on top. Pair it with hot tea, spiced coffee, or mulled wine for a true holiday experience.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Baklava is a show-stopping dessert that brings warmth, tradition, and sweetness to your holiday table. With flaky layers, spiced nuts, and honeyed syrup, it’s a timeless treat that feels especially magical during Christmas. Whether shared with family or gifted to friends, this dessert is sure to spread holiday cheer.