Crispy Walnut Baklava Rolls with Puff Pastry Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the crispiest rolls, make sure the puff pastry is thoroughly thawed but still cold. If the pastry is too warm, it will be difficult to handle and may not puff as well.

Also, brush the rolls with butter generously—this not only adds flavor but also promotes even browning and crispness.

When slicing the logs, use a gentle sawing motion with a sharp knife to avoid squashing the layers.

If the rolls start to brown too quickly in the oven, cover them loosely with foil. Serve them warm for the best texture, as they soften slightly as they cool.

Variations

• Honey Glaze: After baking, brush the warm rolls with a mixture of 2 tablespoons honey and 1 tablespoon water. This adds a sticky sweetness reminiscent of traditional baklava.
• Pistachio Filling: Replace the walnuts with finely ground pistachios and add a pinch of cardamom. Omit the cinnamon for a more delicate flavor.
• Chocolate Walnut: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips to the filling. The chocolate melts during baking for a gooey surprise.
• Orange Zest: Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the filling for a citrusy note. This pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and walnuts.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature or reheat before serving.

Freezer

Freeze baked rolls in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes.

Reheat

Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-8 minutes until crisp and warm. Avoid microwaving, which makes them soggy.

Store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To refresh them, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes to restore crispness.

The unbaked rolls can be assembled, covered, and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Brush with butter just before baking. Baked rolls can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Serving ideas

Serve these walnut baklava rolls as a dessert with a cup of strong coffee or tea. They are also lovely on a brunch spread, alongside fresh fruit and yogurt.

For a more indulgent presentation, drizzle with a little honey or maple syrup before serving.

These rolls are perfect for parties and gatherings, as they are bite-sized and easy to eat.

Arrange them on a platter and dust with extra powdered sugar for a festive look. They can also be served as a sweet snack any time of day.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Walnut Baklava Rolls with Puff Pastry

Prep 20 minCook 20 minTotal 40 minServes 24

Ingredients

• 4 sheets thawed puff pastry
• 1 cup finely ground walnuts
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup melted butter, for brushing
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the finely ground walnuts, powdered sugar, melted butter, and ground cinnamon. Stir until the mixture forms a crumbly, fragrant filling. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each thawed puff pastry sheet into a thin, elongated rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick.
2. Spread the walnut-cinnamon mixture evenly over each pastry sheet, leaving a small border at the edges. Press the filling gently so it adheres to the pastry.
3. Starting from one long edge, roll each pastry sheet tightly into a compact cylinder. Press the seam gently to seal. Repeat with the remaining sheets.
4. Using a sharp knife, slice each log into two-finger-wide pieces, about 1 1/2 inches each. Arrange the rolls cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
5. Brush the tops and sides of the rolls generously with the remaining melted butter. This will help them turn golden and crisp during baking.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, until the rolls are puffed, deeply golden, and crisp. The filling will be fragrant and the pastry will sound hollow when tapped.
7. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Dust generously with powdered sugar while still warm, then serve. The rolls should snap open with an audible crunch.

Contains: gluten, milk, tree nuts

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

180

Protein

2 g

Carbohydrates

15 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

6 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.