If you’re craving something sweet, nutty, and irresistibly crunchy, Honey Cinnamon Roll-Ups are the perfect treat. These delightful pastries are made with layers of buttery phyllo dough, a spiced walnut filling, and a drizzle of golden honey syrup. Think of them as a lighter, bite-sized version of baklava — simple enough for a weeknight dessert but elegant enough for special occasions.
This recipe combines the richness of walnuts, the warmth of cinnamon, and the natural sweetness of honey, creating a dessert that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the ingredients, step-by-step method, and tips to make your Honey Cinnamon Roll-Ups turn out beautifully every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Walnut Filling
- 2 cups ground walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Phyllo Dough Layers
- 12 sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
For the Honey Syrup
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Walnut Cinnamon Mixture
Start by toasting the walnuts to bring out their nutty aroma. Once cooled, grind them into small, even pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the walnuts with sugar and cinnamon. This mixture will serve as the filling for your roll-ups and give them that warm, spiced sweetness.
Working with Phyllo Dough
Phyllo dough is delicate, so it’s important to handle it with care. Lay one sheet on a clean surface or wax paper and brush it lightly with melted butter. Place another sheet on top to create a double layer. The butter not only helps the sheets stick together but also ensures they bake into crisp, golden layers.
Filling and Rolling the Dough
Sprinkle a portion of the walnut-cinnamon mixture evenly over the prepared phyllo sheets. Starting from one end, roll the sheets tightly into a log. Once rolled, slice the log into four smaller pieces. Repeat this process until all the dough and filling are used.
Baking the Roll-Ups
Place the prepared rolls in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each one. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 14–16 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy.
Making the Honey Syrup
While the roll-ups are baking, prepare the syrup. In a small saucepan, combine honey, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Finishing Touches
Once the roll-ups come out of the oven, immediately drizzle them with the warm syrup so they soak up all that sweet flavor. Sprinkle with extra walnuts for added texture. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple yet elegant – With just a few ingredients, you can create a dessert that looks bakery-quality.
- Perfect balance of flavors – The earthiness of walnuts, warmth of cinnamon, and sweetness of honey come together harmoniously.
- Crispy and chewy texture – The flaky phyllo contrasts beautifully with the sticky honey syrup.
- Make-ahead friendly – These roll-ups can be baked ahead and stored, then refreshed with syrup when ready to serve.
Variations to Try
- Nut substitutions – Try almonds, pistachios, or pecans instead of walnuts. Each nut gives a slightly different flavor profile.
- Spice it up – Add a pinch of ground cloves, cardamom, or nutmeg to enhance the warmth of the filling.
- Fruit twist – Mix in finely chopped dried apricots or dates with the walnut mixture for a fruity touch.
- Mini bites – Cut the roll-ups into smaller pieces for bite-sized treats at parties.
Tips for Success
- Keep phyllo dough covered – It dries out quickly, so keep unused sheets covered with a damp towel while working.
- Don’t oversaturate with butter – A light brushing is enough; too much butter can make the layers soggy.
- Cut rolls before baking – This helps them crisp evenly and makes syrup absorption easier.
- Use warm syrup on hot rolls – Pouring warm syrup over hot pastries ensures it soaks in properly.
- Cool before serving – Letting the rolls rest helps the syrup settle, giving the best flavor and texture.
Serving Ideas
Honey Cinnamon Roll-Ups can be enjoyed in many ways:
- As a sweet afternoon snack with tea or coffee.
- Served alongside vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- On a festive platter for holidays, paired with other finger desserts.
- As a homemade gift wrapped in decorative boxes.
Storage and Make-Ahead
- Room temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator – They will last up to a week but may lose some crispness.
- Freezer – Freeze unbaked roll-ups and bake them straight from the freezer when needed. Just adjust the baking time slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought phyllo dough for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought phyllo dough works perfectly. Just be sure to thaw it properly in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare and roll the pastries in advance, refrigerate them, and bake just before serving. You can also bake ahead and refresh with a light drizzle of warm syrup.
How do I prevent phyllo dough from tearing?
Phyllo dough is very thin, so small tears are normal and won’t affect the final result. Just overlap the sheets slightly or brush with butter to patch them.
Can I reduce the sugar in the syrup?
Yes. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar in the syrup to 1/4 cup. The honey will still provide plenty of sweetness.
What’s the best nut to use besides walnuts?
Pistachios are a popular alternative, especially if you want a more Middle Eastern flavor. Almonds and pecans also work beautifully.
Do these taste like baklava?
They share a similar flavor profile with baklava — nutty, spiced, and honey-sweetened — but are quicker and simpler to prepare.