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Easy Spiced Baklava Cookie Bars with Honey Drizzle

Baklava is a beloved Middle Eastern delicacy, celebrated for its flaky pastry, rich nuts, and fragrant spices. However, traditional baklava can be a labor-intensive affair, requiring precise layering and plenty of time. Fortunately, we have a delightful alternative: Easy Spiced Baklava Cookie Bars with Honey Drizzle. This recipe captures the essence of baklava but simplifies the process dramatically, making it perfect for any home baker craving a sweet and nutty treat.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Base:

• 225g unsalted butter, softened
• 150g granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 300g plain flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• A pinch of salt

For the Filling:

• 200g mixed nuts (such as walnuts, almonds, or pistachios), finely chopped
• 100g brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 50g unsalted butter, melted

For the Honey Drizzle:

• 100g honey
• 1 tablespoon water
• Optional: a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios for garnish

Method

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (160°C for fan ovens) or 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking tray or line it with baking parchment for easy removal.

2. Prepare the Cookie Base: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

3. Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the plain flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky.

4. Spread the Base: Press half of the cookie dough into the prepared baking tray to form an even layer. This will be the base for your baklava cookie bars.

5. Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix the finely chopped nuts, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Pour in the melted butter and mix well until the nuts are fully coated.

6. Layer the Filling: Sprinkle the nut mixture evenly over the cookie base in the tray. Take the remaining cookie dough and drop spoonfuls over the nut filling, spreading it gently to cover as much as possible. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; some of the nut layer can peek through!

7. Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centre is set. Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the tray for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Prepare the Honey Drizzle: While the bars are cooling, combine the honey and water in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir gently until the honey is warm and slightly thinned. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

9. Drizzle and Garnish: Once the cookie bars have cooled completely, cut them into squares or rectangles. Drizzle the honey mixture generously over the top. For an extra touch of flavour and colour, sprinkle with chopped pistachios.

10. Serve and Enjoy: These easy spiced baklava cookie bars are perfect for afternoon tea, dessert, or as a sweet treat to share with friends. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee and are sure to impress your guests.

Conclusion

With their sweet, spiced aroma and chewy texture, these Easy Spiced Baklava Cookie Bars with Honey Drizzle offer a delightful twist on a classic favourite without the fuss of traditional baklava. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and satisfying, allowing you to enjoy the flavours of baklava with minimal effort. So why not bring a taste of the Middle East to your kitchen today? Happy baking!