Baklava Rolls

Baklava rolls take the classic layered baklava and reimagine it as individual cigar-shaped pastries. Two doubled phyllo sheets get brushed with butter, filled with a walnut, cinnamon, and clove mixture, then rolled around a clean pencil to create the signature crinkled tube shape.

The pencil rolling trick is the genius move that makes these so much fun to make. Wrapping the buttered phyllo loosely around a pencil, then pushing both ends toward the center before sliding the pencil out, creates the characteristic ruffled, accordion-like texture along each roll. It’s a technique called the “sigara böreği” approach in Turkish cooking.

Ground cloves (just ⅛ teaspoon) is the spice that distinguishes these rolls from regular baklava. The whole-cloves stuck in classic baklava deliver only ambient flavor; ground cloves baked into the filling itself give a more uniform, persistent warmth in every bite.

Dipping the hot rolls into cooled syrup (rather than pouring syrup over them) is the technique that creates the right texture. The dip lets only the surface absorb syrup while the interior stays crisp. Pouring overwhelms each roll and gives soggy results.

Pro Tips

• Phyllo is so thin it must be doubled for these rolls. Single sheets crack and tear during the rolling process; double sheets hold up beautifully.
• Cover unused phyllo with a barely damp towel, never a wet one. Wet towels stick to the phyllo and tear it; barely damp keeps it pliable.
• Use kitchen tongs to dip the hot rolls into the cooled syrup. Fingers work but tongs let you twist the rolls so syrup coats every crinkle.
• Don’t overfill. 1 to 1½ teaspoons of nut filling per roll is the right amount. Too much filling rips the phyllo during rolling.
• These rolls freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Variations

• Substitute pistachios or hazelnuts for half the walnuts for a different nut profile.
• Add 1 teaspoon orange zest to the filling for a brighter citrus note.
• Drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled rolls for a modern fusion finish.