There’s something truly magical about Christmas baking — the aromas of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus filling the kitchen while something golden and sweet bakes in the oven. This Christmas Baklava captures that feeling perfectly.
Inspired by the classic Middle Eastern dessert, this festive version layers buttery phyllo dough with spiced nuts, warm cinnamon, and a honey-orange syrup that sparkles with holiday flavor. Each bite is crisp, sticky, and wonderfully fragrant — a dessert that feels as special as the season itself.
Whether you’re serving it after a cozy Christmas dinner, packaging it as an edible gift, or enjoying it with a steaming cup of tea by the fire, this baklava is guaranteed to bring smiles and warmth to your table.
🎁 Why You’ll Love This Christmas Baklava
- ⭐ Festive flavors: Cinnamon, cloves, orange zest, and honey make this dessert taste like Christmas in every bite.
- 💫 Beautiful presentation: Diamond-cut layers of golden pastry that shimmer with syrup — it’s a showstopper for any dessert table.
- 🕯️ Make-ahead magic: Baklava gets even better as it sits and soaks up the syrup — perfect for preparing in advance.
- 🌰 Customizable: Use your favorite mix of nuts or spices to make it your own.
🥣 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Nut Filling
- 2 cups mixed nuts (walnuts, pistachios, and almonds), finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons sugar
For the Layers
- 1 package phyllo dough (16 oz), thawed
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Christmas Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2–3 whole cloves
- 1 strip of orange peel
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Syrup
Start with the syrup so it has time to cool completely before pouring over the baklava.
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, cinnamon stick, cloves, and orange peel.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in honey and lemon juice, and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.
💡 Tip: Cold syrup poured over hot baklava ensures the layers stay perfectly crisp!
Step 2: Make the Nut Filling
- In a medium bowl, mix chopped nuts, cinnamon, cloves, orange zest, and sugar.
- Stir until well combined and fragrant.
- Set aside while you prepare the phyllo layers.
Step 3: Assemble the Baklava
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish generously with melted butter.
- Layer 8 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each with melted butter before adding the next.
- Sprinkle ¼ of the nut mixture evenly over the top.
- Add 4 more phyllo sheets (buttering each), followed by another layer of nuts.
- Repeat the layering process until all nuts are used.
- Finish with 8 final layers of phyllo, brushing each with butter.
🧈 Tip: Keep the unused phyllo covered with a slightly damp towel to prevent drying out.
Step 4: Cut and Bake
- Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamonds or squares before baking.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
Step 5: Add the Syrup
- As soon as the baklava comes out of the oven, slowly pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot pastry.
- You’ll hear a beautiful sizzle — that’s the magic happening!
- Allow the baklava to soak for at least 4–6 hours, or overnight, to absorb the syrup fully.
🎄 Serving & Garnish Ideas
- Sprinkle with crushed pistachios for color and texture.
- Add a touch of edible gold leaf for an elegant, festive finish.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with coffee, tea, or mulled wine.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheat: If desired, warm gently in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5 minutes to refresh the crispness.
🍯 Tips for Perfect Christmas Baklava
⭐ Use high-quality honey — it enhances the depth of flavor.
⭐ Don’t rush the syrup soaking — the longer it rests, the better it tastes.
⭐ Cut before baking — once baked, the layers are too crisp to slice neatly.
⭐ Keep phyllo covered and cool — it dries out fast, so work quickly.
⭐ For a deeper holiday twist, add a splash of orange blossom water or a drizzle of brandy to the syrup.
💫 Why This Recipe Works
This Christmas Baklava balances traditional richness with festive flair. The buttery, flaky pastry layers complement the warm, spiced nuts and aromatic honey syrup, while the orange zest adds a subtle brightness that ties it all together.
It’s a dessert that’s elegant yet approachable — one that feels timeless, indulgent, and worthy of any holiday celebration.
🎁 Final Thoughts
This Christmas Baklava is more than just a dessert — it’s an experience. The crunch of the phyllo, the warmth of the spices, and the sweetness of the syrup come together to create something truly special.
Bring it to your next holiday gathering, gift it to friends wrapped in parchment and ribbon, or savor it by the fire with a mug of tea. However you serve it, this baklava will become a cherished Christmas tradition year after year.
