Baklava Cinnamon Rolls in Puff Pastry

A quick, simple, and easy dessert loaded with baklava flavor!

If you need a quick and simple dessert, try my baklava cinnamon rolls in puff pastry. It may seem like a warm fall dessert, but with ice cream, it’s perfect for summer. Puff pastry is already flaky and buttery, so stuffing it with a buttery cinnamon, clove, and pecan filling creates a decadent winner everyone loves. Drizzle it with a luscious citrus honey syrup for another layer of flavor and sweet stickiness. I can’t wait for you to try it!

And, oh my gosh, does the house smell amazing while these are baking! Buttery puff pastry and cinnamon, with the pecans toasting, are a comforting match made in heaven. Cinnamon rolls are pretty easy to make at home with puff pastry, and the traditional filling is just as simple as the filling for baklava. It was just a matter of time before I made Greek-style cinnamon rolls. You’re going to love them!

Why are these so heavenly?

Soft, flaky, buttery puff pastry

Caramelized, warm-spiced

Cinnamon, clove pecans

Chewy, juicy raisins

Sticky, gooey, sweet, citrusy honey syrup

What do I need for homemade cinnamon rolls?

Puff pastry sheet -I use large puff pastries from restaurant supply stores, but you can use any size you can find. Try pinching two store-bought sheets together, or you can make two. You’ll still cut them into cinnamon rolls.

What do I need for the baklava filling?

Unsalted butter -melted but cooled so it’s easily brushed across the puff pastry without running off the edges.

Light brown sugar -melts into a caramel saucy flavor instead of just sweetening with granulated sugar.

Ground cinnamon -adds the predominant warm, spiced baklava flavor to the nut mixture.

Ground cloves -you can add more than my recipe calls for if you’d like, but too much can be bitter. So, no more than a ½ teaspoon.

Pecans -or substitute ground walnuts, pistachios, almonds or your favorite combination.

Raisins -you can leave them out, but I think they add a fantastic chewy bite. Try using your favorite dried fruit, like cranberries or dates, or you could even use chocolate chips.

What do I need for the syrup?

Honey -you know I feel strongly about Greek honey tasting the best!

Fresh lemon juice -or orange juice to thin out the honey and flavor what becomes a luscious syrup.

How do I make baklava filling?

Combine the sugar, pecans, cinnamon, and cloves in a bowl and mix together. Add the raisins and toss together.

How do I fill the puff pastry with filling?

Lay the puff pastry flat onto the counter and brush with butter. Spread the baklava mixture on top and press it down gently. Roll the pastry up fairly tightly like a jelly roll.

Do I need to chill it before baking?

Place the roll on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and chill in the freezer while the oven preheats to 350 °f, 180 °C.

How do I turn the pastry into cinnamon rolls?

Slice the roll into 12 equal portions and place them on the baking tray or into a muffin tin. Bake on the center rack for 25-30 minutes.

How do I make the syrup?

Whisk the honey and lemon juice together until smooth and runny. When the cinnamon rolls come out of the oven, drizzle the honey syrup over them.

How do I serve baklava cinnamon rolls?

I love to serve these warm after cooling slightly, with a big scoop of ice cream on top, so the ice cream melts a little and creates a sauce on the bottom of the plate. I sprinkle a little cinnamon over the whole thing, and I have a hot cup of Greek coffee right beside me. Kali Orexi!

How do I reheat leftover cinnamon rolls?

Leftover cinnamon rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat them in a 350 °F oven until warmed through.

Can I freeze cinnamon rolls?

Assemble the full roll and chill in the freezer until firm. Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, slice, and bake when ready to eat.

Do you have more baklava smashups?

I have too many to list. Ha!! I love Greek Baklava, so spinning the flavors into other desserts may be a hobby at this point. Search for baklava on my blog and look through all of them, but here are a few of my favorites:

• BAKLAVA ICE CREAM CUPS
• NUTELLA BAKLAVA ROLLS
• Baklava Spirals
• Almond Baklava Roses
• Pistachio Baklava Rolls: Saragli
• Tiganites: Greek-Style Pancakes with Greek Honey & Baklava Nuts

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