If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls and adore the rich, nutty flavors of baklava, then this Baklava Cinnamon Rolls Recipe will instantly become one of your favorites! It’s a delightful fusion that combines the warmth of cinnamon-spiced dough with the crunchy, honey-soaked goodness reminiscent of classic baklava. Trust me, once you try these, your morning routine will never be the same.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Decadently unique: This recipe brilliantly blends two beloved treats, offering a fresh twist you’ll be talking about for days.
Ridiculously easy: Uses canned cinnamon rolls to save time, perfect for beginners or busy mornings.
Nutty crunch and gooey sweetness: The combination of walnuts, pistachios, and honey syrup gives you layers of texture and flavor.
Perfect for sharing: These rolls make an impressive yet effortless dessert or breakfast to wow friends and family.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The magic here comes from a handful of simple, accessible ingredients that come together for incredible flavor and texture. Each one plays a role: the sweetness and moisture from honey and cream, the warm spice of cinnamon, the buttery richness, and the satisfying crunch from chopped nuts.
- Brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel notes that balance the honey’s floral sweetness perfectly.
- Honey: Key to giving these rolls that luscious, syrupy finish reminiscent of traditional baklava.
- Heavy cream: Enriches the syrup, adding a silky smooth texture you won’t be able to resist.
- Unsalted butter: Provides essential richness and helps create a golden, tender crust.
- Walnuts and pistachios: These nuts bring complexity and crunch—feel free to swap pistachios for almonds if preferred.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that ties the whole flavor profile together with warm, aromatic notes.
- Canned cinnamon rolls: An easy shortcut that keeps this recipe approachable without sacrificing flavor.
How to Make Baklava Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Syrup
Start by combining the brown sugar, honey, heavy cream, and unsalted butter in a medium saucepan. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes. This process melds the ingredients into a luxurious syrup that’s rich and slightly thickened, setting the stage for sticky, sweet perfection.
Step 2: Mix the Nutty Filling
While the syrup cools a little, mix your chopped walnuts, pistachios, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This mixture brings the signature crunch and spice that transform ordinary cinnamon rolls into a baklava-inspired masterpiece.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Unroll your canned cinnamon rolls carefully and sprinkle or spoon the nut mixture evenly over the dough. Then, roll them back up as tight as you can to keep all those flavors packed inside. This step is where the magic really takes shape!
Step 4: Layer and Bake
Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish and pour half your syrup into the bottom. Arrange the prepared cinnamon rolls on top, then drizzle the remaining syrup across their tops. Sprinkle the leftover nut mix over everything, then pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 40 minutes until they’re golden, fluffy, and impossibly inviting.
How to Serve Baklava Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios or a light drizzle of honey on top just before serving adds a pretty and tasty finishing touch. For a little extra indulgence, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is divine.
Side Dishes
These rolls shine on their own but pair perfectly with a cup of strong coffee or a chai latte to enhance the warm spices. For brunch, add fresh fruit or yogurt to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve them in individual ramekins or mini baking dishes for a charming personal touch. Alternatively, layer them in a fancy glass trifle bowl to show off the glossy syrup and crunchy nuts—it’s a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Baklava Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature or warm them slightly before enjoying so the syrup is luscious again.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, wrap the rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 20–30 seconds. Either way, you’ll revive their gooey, sticky, nutty charm every time.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned ones?
Absolutely! Homemade cinnamon rolls work wonderfully if you prefer making dough from scratch. Just unroll the dough carefully before adding the nut mixture, and bake according to your usual method, adjusting the time as needed.
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What nuts can I substitute in this recipe?
Feel free to swap pistachios and walnuts with almonds, pecans, or even hazelnuts, depending on your preference or what you have on hand. The key is to have a nice mix of chopped nuts that will add crunch and flavor.
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Is this recipe very sweet?
It’s indulgently sweet, thanks to the honey and brown sugar syrup, but balanced by the warm cinnamon and nuts. If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the granulated sugar used with the nuts or drizzle less syrup on top.
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Can I make the syrup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the syrup a day in advance and keep it sealed in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature or warm it slightly before using it to assemble the rolls.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, this Baklava Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is a spectacular way to upgrade your snack or breakfast game with minimal effort but maximum reward. It’s cozy, sweet, nutty, and downright irresistible—perfect for treating yourself or impressing guests. So go ahead, give it a try and share the sweet love!
Print
Baklava Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 cinnamon rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern American Fusion
Description
These Baklava Cinnamon Rolls combine the sweet, nutty flavors of traditional baklava with the soft, fluffy texture of cinnamon rolls. Featuring a rich syrup made from brown sugar, honey, and cream, along with chopped walnuts and pistachios, this dessert offers a delightful fusion of Middle Eastern and classic American tastes, perfect for a special breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Syrup
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
Nut Mixture
- 3/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Main
- 2 cans canned cinnamon rolls
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the cinnamon rolls.
- Prepare the Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, heavy cream, and unsalted butter. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Mix Nuts and Spices: While the syrup simmers, in a small bowl combine the chopped walnuts, chopped pistachios, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to evenly distribute the spice and sugar with the nuts.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls: Unroll the canned cinnamon rolls carefully. Spoon the nut mixture evenly over each unrolled dough piece, then roll them back up tightly to enclose the filling.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish lightly. Pour half of the prepared syrup into the bottom of the dish. Place the prepared cinnamon rolls on top of the syrup. Drizzle the remaining syrup over the rolls, then sprinkle the remaining nut mixture evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake the assembled rolls in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fluffy.
- Rest and Serve: After baking, let the rolls stand for 5 minutes before serving warm to allow the syrup to set slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, reheating gently before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to simmer the syrup uncovered to thicken it properly without burning.
- Using a 9×9 baking dish ensures even baking and syrup distribution.
- You can adjust nut types to your preference, but walnuts and pistachios give the classic baklava flavor.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.