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Traditional Rugelach Recipe for Hanukkah

A stack of freshly baked, golden brown Rugelach pastries showing their flaky layers and dark filling.
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Make authentic, buttery rugelach with a sweet filling for your Hanukkah celebration using this straightforward recipe.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cold and cubed
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus more for rolling
  • 1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
  • 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Combine the cold butter and cream cheese in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Add the flour and salt. Pulse until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
  3. Divide the dough into two equal discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 2 hours.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the 1/2 cup sugar, chopped nuts, and vanilla extract to create the filling mixture.
  5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a large circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
  6. Spread half of the raspberry jam evenly over the dough surface. Sprinkle half of the nut mixture over the jam.
  7. Cut the circle into 16 equal wedges, like a pizza.
  8. Starting from the wide outer edge, roll each wedge tightly toward the center point. Place the rolled pastries seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  9. Repeat with the second disc of dough.
  10. Brush the tops of the rugelach lightly with the beaten egg wash. Sprinkle with extra granulated sugar.
  11. Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  12. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For easier handling, you can chill the dough overnight.
  • You can substitute apricot or chocolate spread for the raspberry jam.
  • If you do not have a food processor, cut the butter and cream cheese into the flour using a pastry blender or your fingers.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyfelix.com/traditional-rugelach-recipe-hanukkah/