Baklava Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

If you’re looking for a luscious twist on classic cinnamon rolls, you’ve got to try this Baklava Cinnamon Rolls Recipe. I absolutely love how these rolls bring together the soft, pillowy dough of cinnamon rolls with the crunchy, nutty, honeyed goodness of baklava. When I first made this, my family went crazy for that unique mix of spices and textures—I promise you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a magical new breakfast treat or dessert! Keep reading because I’m sharing all my tips and tricks to get these rolls just right.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Baklava Cinnamon Rolls Recipe uses ingredients that most people have at home or can easily find. The combination of almond milk, olive oil, and warm spices creates a fragrant dough while the nuts and honey bring that unmistakable baklava touch. Feel free to swap almond milk with any milk you like for your own twist.

• Almond milk: I love using almond milk for a subtle nutty flavor, but any milk works great.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and moisture—if you want, melted butter works wonderfully too.
• Raw sugar: Adds a lovely caramel note; you can also use regular white sugar.
• Dried active yeast: This is the magic that makes your dough pillowy soft and fluffy.
• All-purpose flour: Choose a good quality flour for the best texture.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Helps the dough rise perfectly.
• Salt: Needed to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
• Brown sugar: Used in the filling for that deep, molasses-like sweetness.
• Cinnamon powder: The star spice of cinnamon rolls—don’t skimp here!
• Nutmeg powder: Adds warm complexity to the filling.
• Nuts (almonds, pistachios, walnuts): Finely chopped for that baklava crunch.
• Honey: Gives sweetness and a floral aroma that ties the whole recipe together.
• Warm water: Activates the yeast for a fluffy dough.
• Rose water: The secret ingredient that brings a delicate, fragrant floral note.
• Dried rose petals and chopped nuts: Optional but a beautiful, fragrant garnish.

Variations

I’m all about making recipes your own, and this Baklava Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is no exception. You can easily tweak the nuts, spice levels, or even switch up the milk for dietary needs. Here’s how I’ve played around with it to keep it exciting.

• Nut-Free Version: I once made these without the nuts and used toasted coconut flakes—they were still so delicious and perfect for nut allergies.
• Vegan Option: Just use plant-based milk and vegan butter or olive oil; the dough rises beautifully either way.
• Spice It Up: Try adding cardamom or allspice for a different flavor profile that still works amazingly with the honey and rose water.
• Less Sweet: I prefer reducing the sugar a bit when making these for breakfast to balance the honey and spices.

How to Make Baklava Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Wake Up Your Yeast and Mix the Dough

Start by pouring the warm almond milk into a bowl and stirring in the yeast and a pinch of sugar. Give it about 5 to 10 minutes—you’ll know it’s ready when it gets foamy. This step is crucial because active yeast ensures your rolls turn out light and fluffy. While you wait, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and raw sugar. Then, mix the yeast mixture with olive oil and the dry ingredients to form a soft dough. Knead gently until smooth, then let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. If the dough’s a little sticky, don’t worry—that’s perfect for soft rolls!

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is rising, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, finely chopped nuts, and a little olive oil or melted butter. This filling is what will give your rolls that baklava-inspired crunch and spice. I always toast the nuts lightly beforehand to boost their flavor. The aromatic combo of cinnamon and nutmeg with those honey-soaked nuts? Absolute heaven.

Step 3: Roll, Fill, and Slice

Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently and roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Spread the filling evenly over it, then drizzle honey and sprinkle a few drops of rose water over the top—this floral touch makes these rolls extra special. Roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, like a jelly roll, then slice into 16 equal pieces. Pro tip: a sharp serrated knife works best here to avoid squishing the rolls.

Step 4: Let Them Rise and Bake

Place the rolls cut-side up in a greased pan, leaving a little space between each. Let them rise again for about 30 minutes so they get extra fluffy. Then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or until golden brown on top. The smell that fills your kitchen while baking? It’s one of the best rewards in baking, trust me.

Step 5: Honey Drizzle and Garnish

Once out of the oven, immediately drizzle warm honey over the rolls and sprinkle chopped nuts and dried rose petals if you like. This boosts the authentic baklava vibe and makes a stunning presentation. Be sure to let the rolls cool slightly so the honey sets just right but the rolls remain soft.

How to Serve Baklava Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love topping these Baklava Cinnamon Rolls with a drizzle of extra honey and a sprinkling of chopped pistachios and dried rose petals for that elegant look and extra flavor. The rose petals are optional but they really make these rolls feel special and festive.

Side Dishes

Serve them alongside a cup of Turkish coffee or strong black tea to complement the warm spices and floral notes. For an indulgent brunch, pair with fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt sweetened with a bit of honey.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these rolls in a circular pattern on a fancy platter, drizzled with honey, then topped with edible gold leaf and rose petals. It’s a real showstopper that makes guests ask for the recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These rolls keep really well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. I like to cover them loosely with foil so they retain moisture without getting soggy. They still taste amazing, just reheat before serving.

Freezing

If you want to make them ahead, you can freeze the unbaked rolls arranged in the pan, covered tightly. When you’re ready, thaw and let them rise before baking. Or freeze baked rolls wrapped well in foil and plastic wrap, then thaw and warm before eating. I’ve done both with great success.

Reheating

I gently warm leftover rolls in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or so, just enough to refresh the softness and melt the honey glaze without drying them out. A quick zap in the microwave works too if you’re in a hurry, just cover to keep moisture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making these Baklava Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is like bringing a little bit of Middle Eastern magic right into your kitchen. I’ve found that they’re the perfect balance of familiar and adventurous—comforting like your favorite cinnamon roll but with exciting new flavors. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself on a lazy weekend, these rolls will quickly become a favorite. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to keep this recipe close for all the cozy mornings and special celebrations ahead.

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