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pistachio baklava rolls stacked on a rustic ceramic plate

Pistachio Baklava Rolls

Crispy, buttery phyllo pastry filled with chopped pistachios and cinnamon, baked to golden perfection, and soaked in warm honey syrup. These pistachio baklava rolls are a Greek-inspired treat that’s crunchy, sticky, and totally irresistible.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: greek
Calories: 270

Ingredients
  

For the Baklava Rolls:
  • 1 pack phyllo dough 16–18 sheets, thawed
  • 1 ½ cups unsalted pistachios finely chopped
  • ½ cup walnuts optional, for extra flavor
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted
  • Zest of ½ lemon optional
For the Honey Syrup:
  • ¾ cup water
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ½ cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 small strip of lemon peel or a cinnamon stick optional

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Nut Filling
  1. Chop the pistachios and walnuts, then mix them with cinnamon and lemon zest. Set aside.
Step 2: Get the Phyllo Ready
  1. Lay one sheet of phyllo dough flat. Brush it lightly with melted butter, then place another sheet on top and brush again. Keep the rest covered with a damp towel so they don’t dry out.
Step 3: Add the Filling and Roll
  1. Sprinkle a few tablespoons of the nut mixture over the buttered phyllo. Gently roll it up into a tight log. Cut the log into 2–3 inch pieces and place them seam-side down on a buttered baking dish.
Step 4: Bake the Rolls
  1. Brush the tops with more melted butter. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, until they’re golden brown and crisp.
Step 5: Make the Syrup
  1. While the baklava bakes, combine water, sugar, and lemon peel in a saucepan. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Add honey and lemon juice, stir, and remove from heat.
Step 6: Pour the Syrup
  1. When the rolls come out of the oven, slowly pour the warm syrup over them while they’re still hot.
Step 7: Let Them Soak
  1. Allow the rolls to rest for at least 4–6 hours, or overnight, so they absorb the syrup fully.

Notes

  • Always pour warm syrup over hot baklava—that’s the secret to keeping the rolls crisp.
  • You can make these a day ahead; they actually taste even better the next day.
  • Don’t grind the nuts too fine; tiny pieces give the best texture.
  • These freeze beautifully before baking. Just thaw slightly before popping them into the oven.