Let’s get baking! Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

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

Step 2: Make Honey Syrup

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 tablespoons of water, 1/4 cup of the light brown sugar, the honey, and the lemon juice.

Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the syrup thickens slightly, 4 to 5 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon.

Remove from the heat and transfer to a liquid measuring cup (or a small bowl) to cool slightly while you assemble the baklava bites.

Step 3: Chop Nuts

To the bowl of a food processor, add the walnuts and pistachios.

Pulse the nuts in 15 to 20 (1-second) bursts until they are uniformly chopped. They should be smaller than grains of rice, but not completely pulverized into a powder. You want some texture.

Set aside 1 tablespoon of the chopped nuts for garnish.

Step 4: Make Nut Filling

In a large bowl, place the remaining chopped walnuts and pistachios.

Place the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave until melted, 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Stir in the remaining 1/3 cup of light brown sugar, the cinnamon, lemon zest, and salt into the melted butter.

Pour the butter mixture over the chopped nuts in the large bowl, stirring until well combined.

Step 5: Fill Phyllo Shells

Spoon a scant tablespoon of the nut mixture into each mini phyllo cup, pressing the mixture down gently to fill the cups.

Place the filled phyllo cups on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake

Bake until the filling is set and lightly golden, 12 to 14 minutes.

Step 7: Add Syrup

While the baklava bites are still warm, spoon 1/2 teaspoon of the honey syrup over each cup, allowing the syrup to soak into the filling. Reserve any remaining syrup.

Step 8: Cool and Garnish

Let the baklava bites cool slightly on the baking sheet.

To serve, brush the tops of the bites with the remaining syrup (reheat it slightly if it has become too thick) and sprinkle with the reserved chopped nuts.

Enjoy these delicious and easy Baklava Bites!