Description
Rugelach Cookies are traditional Jewish pastries made with a rich, flaky cream cheese dough and rolled with sweet fillings like fruit preserves, cinnamon sugar, nuts, or chocolate. Baked until golden and crisp, they’re perfect for holidays or everyday treats.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 8 oz cream cheese, cold and cubed
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fruit preserves (such as raspberry or apricot)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips or raisins
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine flour and salt. Add cold butter and cream cheese and pulse until the mixture forms a crumbly dough.
- Divide dough into 2 equal discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc into a circle about 1/8 inch thick.
- Spread a thin layer of fruit preserves over the dough. Sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon, chopped nuts, and optional chocolate chips or raisins.
- Cut the circle into 12 wedges using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.
- Roll each wedge tightly from the wide end toward the point to form crescents.
- Place rugelach seam-side down on the baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving or storing.
- Repeat with second disc of dough.
Notes
Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.Roll dough tightly and place cookies seam-side down to prevent unrolling.For a nut-free version, substitute more dried fruit or chocolate chips.To refresh rugelach, warm briefly in a 300°F oven for a few minutes.Try different filling combinations like chocolate hazelnut, spiced apple, or jam swirl.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
