Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Step 2

Toss together cinnamon and nuts. Unroll phyllo and cut whole stack in half to fit the dish. Cover phyllo with a damp cloth while assembling the baklava, to keep it from drying out.

Step 3

Place two sheets of phyllo in the bottom of the prepared dish. Brush generously with butter. Sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons of the nut mixture on top. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with about 6 sheets of phyllo. Using a sharp knife, cut baklava (all the way through to the bottom of the dish) into four long rows, then (nine times) diagonally to make 36 diamond shapes.

Step 4

Bake in preheated oven until golden brown and crisp, about 50 minutes.

Step 5

While baklava is baking, combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Stir in honey, vanilla and lemon or orange zest; reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes.

Step 6

Remove the baklava from the oven and immediately spoon the syrup over it. Let cool completely before serving. Store uncovered.