Welcome, fellow baking enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive into the wonderful world of Rugelach? These delightful, crescent-shaped pastries are a true joy to make and even more so to eat. With their tender, flaky cream cheese dough and a variety of sweet fillings, Rugelach are perfect for any occasion, from a cozy afternoon tea to a festive holiday gathering. If you’ve ever thought baking was complicated, this recipe is here to prove you wrong. We’re going to walk through every step together, making it simple, fun, and incredibly rewarding.
History / Background
Rugelach, pronounced ‘RUG-uh-lakh’, has a rich and fascinating history rooted in Eastern European Jewish communities. The name itself is Yiddish, often translated to ‘little twists’ or ‘royal twists’, referring to their unique crescent shape. While often associated with Jewish holidays like Hanukkah and Purim, these pastries have transcended cultural boundaries to become a beloved treat worldwide. Traditionally, they were made with a yeast-leavened dough, but over time, the cream cheese dough version gained immense popularity for its incredible flakiness and ease of preparation. It’s a pastry that carries stories of tradition, family, and celebration in every single bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beginner-Friendly This recipe is designed with new bakers in mind, making complex flavors accessible.
- Irresistibly Flaky The cream cheese dough creates a wonderfully tender and buttery texture that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile Fillings Customize with your favorite jams, nuts, or chocolate for endless variations.
- Perfect for Sharing These cookies are ideal for gifting, potlucks, or simply enjoying with loved ones.
- Comforting & Classic A timeless treat that brings warmth and nostalgia with every bite.
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk about the stars of our show – the ingredients! Quality ingredients make all the difference here.
- Cream Cheese Opt for full-fat cream cheese, softened at room temperature. This is key for a tender, pliable dough.
- Unsalted Butter Again, softened. It contributes to the richness and flakiness. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt slightly.
- All-Purpose Flour The backbone of our dough. Don’t overmix once added.
- Granulated Sugar For sweetness in both the dough and the filling.
- Salt Just a pinch to balance the flavors.
- Filling Ingredients For a classic sweet filling, you’ll want ingredients like raspberry jam, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, and a touch more sugar. Feel free to get creative here!
Equipment Needed
You don’t need a professional kitchen, just a few basics:
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer While you can do it by hand, a mixer makes creaming the butter and cream cheese much easier.
- Large Mixing Bowls For preparing the dough and filling.
- Rolling Pin Essential for rolling out that beautiful dough.
- Pastry Brush For an egg wash or butter glaze.
- Baking Sheets Lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter For cutting the dough into triangles.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons Accuracy is important in baking.
Full Recipe Card
Yields 32 cookies Prep Time 30 minutes Cook Time 20-25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 8 ounces (226g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup (115g) finely chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup (120ml) raspberry jam or apricot preserves
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. The dough will be soft.
- Divide the dough into four equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 2 days.
- Prepare the Filling In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Assemble the Rugelach Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough into a 10-inch circle.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of jam evenly over the dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge.
- Sprinkle about 1/4 of the cinnamon-sugar mixture and 1/4 of the chopped nuts over the jam.
- Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the circle into 8 equal wedges, like a pizza.
- Starting from the wide outer edge of each wedge, roll it up tightly towards the center point. Place the rolled cookies seam-side down on the prepared baking sheets.
- Repeat with the remaining three dough disks and filling.
- Bake the Rugelach Brush the tops of the assembled rugelach with the beaten egg wash.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for the best dough consistency. Don’t overwork the dough; a gentle touch is key for flakiness.
Tips & Variations
- Chocolate Lover’s Delight Add mini chocolate chips or finely chopped dark chocolate to your nut mixture.
- Citrus Zest Grate some orange or lemon zest into the dough for a bright, aromatic twist.
- Nut-Free Option If allergies are a concern, simply omit the nuts and use extra cinnamon sugar or a different filling like poppy seed paste.
- Savory Rugelach For a unique appetizer, try a savory filling with pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
Pro Chef Tips
- Chill Your Dough Properly This is non-negotiable! Chilled dough is easier to handle and ensures a flakier texture.
- Don’t Overflour Your Surface Use just enough flour to prevent sticking. Too much flour can make the dough tough.
- Roll Evenly Aim for a consistent thickness when rolling out the dough circles. This ensures even baking.
- Tight Rolls Roll the rugelach tightly from the wide end to the point to prevent them from unraveling during baking.
- Experiment with Fillings Don’t be afraid to try different jams, nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate spreads.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Dough This develops too much gluten, resulting in tough cookies instead of tender ones. Mix until just combined.
- Not Chilling the Dough Enough Warm dough is sticky and hard to work with, leading to flat, unappealing rugelach.
- Overfilling the Dough Too much filling can cause the rugelach to burst open during baking or make them difficult to roll.
- Baking at Too Low a Temperature This can result in pale, soft cookies. Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature for that beautiful golden crust.
Storage & Meal Prep
Baked rugelach can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, see the make-ahead and freezer notes below. The dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making meal prep a breeze for a future baking session.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Notes
Rugelach are fantastic for making ahead! You have a few options:
- Dough The prepared dough disks can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling.
- Unbaked Rugelach Assemble the rugelach, but do not egg wash. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time, and apply egg wash just before baking.
- Baked Rugelach Once completely cooled, baked rugelach can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in a low oven.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful cookies are incredibly versatile! Enjoy them warm from the oven with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat. They’re also wonderful as a dessert after dinner, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a brunch spread, arrange them beautifully on a platter with fresh berries. They make thoughtful homemade gifts during the holidays or for a special occasion. However you serve them, they’re sure to bring smiles.
