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Traditional Rugelach Recipe for Hanukkah

A small pile of freshly baked, golden brown Rugelach pastries dusted with cinnamon sugar on a white plate.
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Make authentic, buttery rugelach with a sweet filling perfect for sharing during the Festival of Lights.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cold
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup raspberry jam
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar (for topping)

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. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a rough circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
  6. Spread half of the raspberry jam evenly over the dough surface. Sprinkle with half of the chopped nuts and raisins.
  7. Sprinkle lightly with some of the granulated sugar.
  8. Cut the circle into 16 equal wedges, like a pizza.
  9. Starting at the wide end of each wedge, roll up tightly toward the point. Place the rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheets.
  10. Brush the tops of the rugelach with the beaten egg and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
  11. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
  12. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with the second disc of dough.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use high-quality European-style butter.
  • If you do not have a food processor, you can cut the butter and cream cheese together using a pastry blender.
  • You can substitute the filling with apricot preserves or a chocolate-hazelnut spread.

Nutrition

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