Best Easy Rugelach Recipe

Flaky, crescent-shaped rugelach filled with cinnamon, nuts, and jam are a treasured Jewish-American bakery treat. These bite-sized pastries are perfect for family celebrations and holiday cookie platters.

Cook 120 min Difficulty NORMAL 125 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • all-purpose flour 2 cups
  • unsalted butter 8 oz
  • cream cheese 8 oz
  • granulated sugar 0.25 cup
  • walnuts 0.75 cup
  • apricot jam 0.5 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • ground cinnamon 2 tsp
  • salt 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 16 g 51%
Protein 2 g 6%
Fat 6 g 43%
Serving size 35g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    In a medium bowl, cut the cold unsalted butter and chilled cream cheese into small pieces. Using a pastry blender or fingertips, blend into the all-purpose flour and salt until crumbly; add granulated sugar and mix just until dough comes together. Do not overwork.

  2. 2

    Divide the dough into two equal disks, wrap each in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour to ensure flakiness.

  3. 3

    On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough disk into a 10-inch circle about 1/8 inch thick. Spread a thin layer of apricot jam evenly to the edges, then sprinkle with a mixture of walnuts, cinnamon, and extra sugar if desired.

  4. 4

    Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut each circle into 10 wedges. Starting at the wide end, tightly roll up each wedge into a crescent shape; place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  5. 5

    Chill shaped rugelach in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before baking. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. Cool completely before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Best Easy Rugelach Recipe?
The key ingredients that shape rugelach’s iconic texture and taste are the combination of cream cheese and butter in the dough, balanced with finely chopped walnuts and apricot jam for filling. Cream cheese yields a tender, flaky pastry, while the walnuts and jam provide crunch and sweet-tart depth.
Q. What baking tip is crucial for perfect rugelach texture?
Chilling both the dough and the shaped crescents before baking is essential. This step ensures the butter remains cold, resulting in a flaky, not greasy, pastry. It also preserves the neat, crescent shape while baking.
Q. How can I prevent the rugelach from being dry or overcooked?
To avoid dry rugelach, do not overbake—remove them as soon as they turn golden brown, which usually takes 22–25 minutes. Also, don’t roll the dough too thin, and ensure the jam layer is even but not excessive, so the pastries stay tender.
Q. How many calories and carbs are in each serving?
Each 35g serving of rugelach contains about 125 kcal, with approximately 16g carbohydrates (51% of total calories). This makes it a moderately sweet treat suitable for most occasions.
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