Pistachio Baklava Rolls (Print Version)

Golden phyllo rolls filled with fragrant pistachios, finished with orange blossom syrup and chopped pistachios.

# What You'll Need:

→ Filling

01 - 1 1/2 cups shelled unsalted pistachios
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 - 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt

→ Pastry

05 - 16 sheets phyllo dough, thawed (approximately 12 x 16 inches per sheet)
06 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)

→ Orange blossom syrup

07 - 1 cup granulated sugar
08 - 1/2 cup water
09 - 2 teaspoons orange blossom water
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

→ Garnish

11 - 2 tablespoons finely chopped pistachios

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
02 - Combine pistachios, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon and fine sea salt in a food processor; pulse until finely chopped but not pasty. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
03 - Unroll the phyllo sheets and cover with a slightly damp towel to prevent drying while you work.
04 - Place one phyllo sheet on a clean surface and brush lightly with melted butter. Top with a second sheet and brush again.
05 - Along the long edge of the layered sheets, arrange 2 to 3 tablespoons of the pistachio mixture in a line. Roll the phyllo tightly into a log, sealing the edge with a little butter.
06 - Cut each log into two equal pieces and place them seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat the layering, filling and rolling to make a total of 16 rolls.
07 - Brush the tops and sides of all rolls with the remaining melted butter to ensure even browning.
08 - Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, rotating the sheet once if necessary, until the rolls are deeply golden and crisp.
09 - While the rolls bake, combine granulated sugar, water and fresh lemon juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 8 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the orange blossom water; allow to cool slightly.
10 - When the rolls are hot from the oven, spoon the warm syrup evenly over them so the pastry absorbs the syrup.
11 - Allow the rolls to cool to room temperature so the syrup sets. Just before serving, sprinkle with finely chopped pistachios.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The syrup’s orange blossom aroma is like a secret shortcut to pure Middle Eastern delight.
  • These rolls never fail to impress, whether for holidays or a midweek sugar craving.
02 -
  • Once, I let the phyllo dry for just a minute too long and ended up with a wonky, shattered mess—never again.
  • Chilling the syrup just a bit before pouring it on warm rolls creates a better texture and shine.
03 -
  • Work with quick, decisive hands when layering phyllo to stay ahead of drying.
  • Syrup left just warm—not hot—brings out the most flavor and ensures crispness.
Go Back