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Desserts

Rugelach (Filled Pastry Rolls)

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90 min (incl. chilling)
Prep
20 min
Cook

Ingredients

  • 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 225 g (1 cup) cold butter, cubed
  • 225 g (1 cup) cream cheese, cold
  • 100 g (1/2 cup) sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 100 g (3.5 oz) chocolate chips or chopped walnuts
  • 1 egg, beaten, for glazing

Method

  1. Combine flour, cold butter and cream cheese, mixing just until a smooth dough forms; wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  2. Divide the dough into 4 portions and roll each into a thin circle.
  3. Mix sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle evenly over each circle, then scatter with chocolate chips or walnuts.
  4. Cut each circle into 12 wedges, then roll each wedge from the wide end to the point to form a crescent.
  5. Arrange on a baking tray, brush with beaten egg, and refrigerate for 15 minutes before baking.
  6. Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 18–20 minutes until golden.

Introduction: Small, crescent-shaped pastries rolled around a sweet filling of chocolate, cinnamon or jam, rugelach were brought by Ashkenazi Jewish communities and remain a beloved everyday bakery treat across Israel.

Cultural Background: Small, crescent-shaped pastries rolled around a sweet filling of chocolate, cinnamon or jam, rugelach were brought by Ashkenazi Jewish communities and remain a beloved everyday bakery treat across Israel.

Tips: Keeping the dough cold throughout is key to a flaky, tender pastry; refrigerate between steps if it becomes too soft to work with.

Variations: Apricot or raspberry jam are classic fillings in place of chocolate or nuts. Vegetarian as written; not authentically made vegan due to butter, cream cheese and egg glaze.

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheating: Not necessary; serve at room temperature, or warm briefly for a fresh-baked feel.

FAQs:

Q: Can the dough be made ahead?

A: Yes, it can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to a month before use.

Q: Why is my dough cracking when rolled?

A: It's likely too cold; let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling.

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