Honey-Kissed Fig & Walnut Baklava Bites

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. 2

   In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, chopped dried figs, and cinnamon. Mix well to distribute the figs evenly.

   ~2 min
3. 3

   Carefully unroll the phyllo dough. Keep the sheets covered with a damp cloth while you work to prevent them from drying out.

   ~1 min
4. 4

   Take one sheet of phyllo dough and brush it generously with melted butter. Place another sheet of phyllo on top and brush again with butter. Repeat this process until you have a stack of 6-8 sheets.

   ~5 min
5. 5

   Spread about 2 tablespoons of the fig and walnut mixture evenly over the buttered phyllo stack, leaving a small border.

   ~2 min
6. 6

   Roll up the phyllo stack tightly, like a jelly roll. Trim the ends to create neat edges. Cut the roll into 1-inch bite-sized pieces.

   ~3 min
7. 7

   Place the cut baklava bites, cut-side down, onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat steps 4-7 with the remaining phyllo dough, filling, and butter until all ingredients are used.

   ~15 min
8. 8

   Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the baklava bites are golden brown and crispy.

   ~25 min
9. 9

   While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, water, and lemon juice (and orange zest, if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

   ~5 min
10. 10

    Once the baklava is out of the oven, immediately pour the warm syrup evenly over the hot bites. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet, allowing them to absorb the syrup.

    ~10 min