Easy Rugelach Cookies

Easy Rugelach Cookies

---

Rugelach cookies are a delightful baked treat that have their roots in Eastern European Jewish cuisine. These crescent-shaped pastries have become a favorite in many households, thanks to their flaky texture and delicious fillings. The word "rugelach" translates to "little twists," and that is exactly what these cookies bring to the table. Making rugelach at home may seem daunting, but with our easy recipe, you’ll find it’s a fun and rewarding process. Whether you serve them at a family gathering or enjoy them with your morning coffee, these cookies are sure to impress everyone around you.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make Easy Rugelach Cookies. First and foremost, they are incredibly tasty. The combination of buttery dough, rich cream cheese, and delightful fillings creates a fabulous flavor profile that is hard to resist.

Additionally, rugelach cookies are versatile. You can change the filling based on personal preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you like chocolate, fruit preserves, or nuts, you can craft the perfect combination for your taste buds.

Making rugelach can also be a wonderful way to bond with family or friends. Involve your kids or invite a friend over for a baking session. It’s not only a great way to spend time together but also a fantastic opportunity to create delicious memories.

Lastly, rugelach cookies are easy to store and can last several days in an airtight container. They make a great gift or snack to have on hand throughout the week, proving once again that they are worth the time and effort.

How to Make Easy Rugelach Cookies

To make delicious Easy Rugelach Cookies, you will need to gather your ingredients and follow the directions carefully. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to create these delightful pastries.

Ingredients

To make your Easy Rugelach Cookies, here are the ingredients you will need:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips or fruit preserves
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 egg (for egg wash)

With these ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to making great rugelach cookies.

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it reaches the right temperature while you prepare your dough and filling.

2. Cream the butter and cream cheese: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar. Use a mixer or a spatula to blend them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

3. Mix in flour and salt: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the cream mixture. Keep mixing until a soft dough starts to come together. Make sure not to overwork the dough to maintain its flaky texture.

4. Chill the dough: After forming the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This step is crucial as it helps the butter solidify, making the dough easier to roll out.

5. Prepare the filling: While the dough is chilling, prepare your filling. In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped nuts, chocolate chips or fruit preserves, and cinnamon. This combination will add a delicious layer of flavor to the rugelach.

6. Roll out the dough: Once the dough is chilled, take it out of the refrigerator. On a floured surface, roll out the dough into circles, about 1/8 inch thick. It’s helpful to keep the thickness even across the circle to ensure it bakes uniformly.

7. Add the filling: Spread the filling evenly over the dough circles, leaving a little space around the edges. Make sure every bite has a bit of that yummy filling!

8. Cut and roll: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough circle into wedges, similar to slicing a pizza. Starting from the wider end of each wedge, roll them up towards the pointed end in a crescent shape.

9. Prepare for baking: Place the rolled rugelach on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking and makes for easy cleanup. To give them a beautiful shine, brush the tops with an egg wash—simply beat the egg and apply it gently with a brush.

10. Bake: Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary depending on your oven.

11. Cool before serving: Once baked, take the rugelach out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Allowing them to cool fully enhances their crispy texture and makes them easier to handle.

How to Serve Easy Rugelach Cookies

Once your rugelach cookies have cooled, it’s time to serve them! They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. To make serving even more delightful, consider the following ideas:

• With Tea or Coffee: Rugelach pairs beautifully with a nice cup of tea or coffee. Their rich, buttery flavor complements beverages perfectly.

• As a Dessert: Present them as a sweet treat after meals. You can even arrange them on a platter for guests to enjoy during gatherings or parties.

• With Fresh Fruit: Serve rugelach alongside fresh fruit for a delightful contrast. The sweetness of the cookies coupled with the freshness of fruit is a winning combination.

• Drizzled with Chocolate: For an extra touch, melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies. This not only looks appealing but also adds another layer of flavor.

How to Store Easy Rugelach Cookies

To keep your rugelach cookies fresh and tasty, proper storage is key. Follow these simple tips:

• Airtight Container: Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from becoming stale.

• Room Temperature: Store them at room temperature for up to a week. Ensure the container is in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

• Refrigeration for Longer Life: If you want to keep your rugelach for a longer period, you can store them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to wrap them well to maintain moisture and prevent them from absorbing any odors.

• Freezing for Future Enjoyment: Rugelach cookies also freeze quite well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature or pop them in the oven for a few minutes to warm up.

Tips to Make Easy Rugelach Cookies

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your rugelach cookies come out perfectly every time:

• Butter and Cream Cheese: Make sure both your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This will help them blend smoothly for that rich, creamy dough.

• Don’t Rush the Chilling: Allow the dough to chill for at least an hour. If you’re in a warm environment, you might even want to chill it longer. A well-chilled dough is easier to roll out and will yield flakier pastries.

• Adjust the Filling to Taste: Feel free to get creative with your fillings! Experiment with different types of nuts, fruits, or even spices. This can help you find the perfect flavor combination that suits your palate.

• Roll Evenly: When rolling out the dough, try to keep it even in thickness. This helps all the cookies bake at the same rate.

• Keep an Eye on Bake Time: Cookies can go from perfectly baked to burnt quickly. Check them a couple of minutes earlier than the suggested time to ensure they don’t overbake.

Variation

Rugelach cookies are incredibly versatile, allowing you to experiment with various fillings. Some popular variations include:

• Fruit Filling: Instead of nuts and chocolate, you can use fruit preserves such as raspberry, apricot, or strawberry as a filling. They provide a lovely fruity burst of flavor.

• Nutella and Hazelnuts: For a decadent twist, spread Nutella over the dough and sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts. This version will delight chocolate lovers.

• Cinnamon Sugar: Create a cinnamon sugar filling by mixing sugar and cinnamon together. Roll this mixture in with your rugelach for an added sweet and spicy depth.

• Poppy Seed Filling: A traditional filling in some rugelach recipes is a poppy seed mixture. You can create this by grinding poppy seeds and mixing them with sugar.

FAQs

Can I make rugelach dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days or freeze it for up to three months. Just be sure to allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before rolling it out.

Can I use store-bought dough to make rugelach?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pie dough or puff pastry as a shortcut. Just make sure that the dough is well-chilled before rolling it out and adding your fillings.

How do I know when the rugelach is done baking?

The cookies are done when they are golden brown on the top and slightly firm to the touch. If you see a nice golden color and they smell fragrant, that’s a good sign they’re ready!

What can I use if I don’t have nuts for the filling?

If you don’t have or don’t want to use nuts, consider alternative fillings. You can use crushed cookies, granola, or simply increase the amount of chocolate or fruit preserves for a nut-free option.

Can rugelach be served at room temperature?

Yes, rugelach cookies can be served at room temperature. In fact, many people enjoy them best that way, as it brings out their flavors and texture.

With this easy guide to making rugelach cookies, you can create these delightful treats at home and share them with family and friends. They are perfect for any occasion or simply as a delicious snack. Happy baking!

Print