Rugelach Recipe

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked Rugelach Recipe wafting through the kitchen. Growing up, my grandmother would often whip up a batch of these delightful pastries, filling the house with a warm, sweet, buttery scent that instantly made everyone feel at home. I remember the excitement of gathering around the table, eagerly waiting for the first batch to cool, and the joy that came with each flaky bite. These little rolled cookies, filled with a rich mix of flavors, have a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to share my version with you.

Each Rugelach Recipe is a wonderful blend of a tender pastry dough and delightful fillings. The tradition of making rugelach hails from Eastern European Jewish communities, but its charm has transcended cultures and generations. Whether enjoyed at a festive gathering, as a snack with a cup of tea, or simply because you deserve a treat, these cookies are a celebration of flavor and warmth. I find that sharing these cookies often leads to meaningful conversations and cherished memories, making them perfect for any occasion.

Now, let’s dive deeper into the heart of this Rugelach Recipe and discover what makes it so special. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture and taste, and together they tell a story of tradition, love, and deliciousness.

What’s In This Rugelach Recipe

For this Rugelach Recipe, we’re using a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of taste and texture. The all-purpose flour forms the base of our dough, while butter brings richness. Sour cream adds moisture and tenderness, and the fillings provide that sweet, nutty flavor that makes these cookies unforgettable.

• 1¾ cup all-purpose flour: This is the foundation of your dough, providing structure.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• ¾ cup butter (unsalted, cold): Gives the dough its rich flavor and flaky texture.
• ½ cup sour cream: Adds moisture and a tangy flavor to the dough.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Offers a warm, aromatic essence that complements the other ingredients.
• ⅓ cup cherry jam: The sweet and fruity filling that adds a burst of flavor.
• ¾ cup pecans (ground): Adds a nutty crunch and rich flavor to the filling.
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar: For dusting the finished cookies, adding a touch of sweetness.

How to Make Rugelach Recipe

Making Rugelach Recipe is a labor of love, but the steps are simple and straightforward. Let’s jump into the process of creating these delicious cookies that will surely impress everyone!

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and butter. Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. This technique ensures that the butter is evenly distributed, resulting in a flaky texture.

2. Next, gently stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking it, as that can lead to tough cookies. You want a nice, soft dough that holds together well.

3. Once your dough is ready, turn it out onto a floured surface. Give it a quick knead, just enough to bring it all together. Then, divide the dough into three equal parts and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about 20 minutes to allow it to chill and firm up.

4. While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silpat for easy cleanup. This will help your cookies bake evenly without sticking.

5. After the dough has chilled, take one disc out of the refrigerator. On a floured surface, roll it out into a circle about 10 inches in diameter. Make sure to sprinkle some flour on your rolling pin to prevent sticking.

6. Spread approximately 2 tablespoons of cherry jam evenly over the rolled-out dough. Be careful not to overdo it with the jam, as too much will seep out during baking.

7. Next, sprinkle about a quarter of the ground pecans evenly over the jam. This adds that delightful nutty flavor that pairs so well with the sweet jam.

8. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough into 12 wedges, like a pizza. Starting from the long, curved edge, roll each wedge up, crescent-style, and place them point side down on the prepared baking sheet. This helps them hold their shape during baking.

9. Repeat this process with the remaining dough discs until all are shaped and on the baking sheets. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie so they can expand while baking.

10. Finally, place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

11. Once completely cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for that final touch. Enjoy your homemade Rugelach Recipe with a cup of tea or coffee!

Variations to Try

There are endless ways to customize your Rugelach Recipe. Here’s a selection of ideas to get your creative juices flowing!

• Chocolate filling: Instead of cherry jam, use melted dark or milk chocolate for a rich twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
• Fruit preserves: Experiment with different kinds of fruit preserves, such as apricot or raspberry, to create unique flavors.
• Nut options: Try using almonds, walnuts, or pistachios instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor profile.
• Cinnamon sugar: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar between the layers for an extra layer of flavor and sweetness.
• Gluten-free option: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
• Mini Rugelach: Make smaller versions for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties or gatherings.
• Freezing dough: Make the dough ahead of time and freeze it for up to three months. This makes for quick and easy baking whenever the craving strikes.

Serving Options for Rugelach Recipe

Serving Rugelach Recipe is as delightful as making them! Here are some ideas to enhance your experience:

• Tea time delight: Serve these pastries with a pot of hot tea. The combination of flavors pairs beautifully, creating a cozy atmosphere.
• Celebratory gatherings: Bring them to potlucks or holiday parties as a sweet surprise. They’ll be a hit among guests!
• With coffee: Enjoy with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack. The sweetness of the cookies complements the bitterness of coffee perfectly.
• Gift ideas: Package them in a beautiful box and gift them to friends or family. Homemade treats always make cherished gifts.
• Seasonal pairings: In winter, serve with warm beverages, while in spring, pair them with fruit salads for a fresh twist.
• Storage tips: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
• Layering for presentation: Arrange your Rugelach Recipe on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for an appealing presentation.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Rugelach Recipe is a timeless treat that combines a rich pastry with sweet fillings, creating a delightful experience for your taste buds. These pastries are not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize them to your liking. I encourage you to try making them at home—they’re fun to prepare and even better to share. Enjoy the process and the smiles that come from each flaky, sweet bite!

Rugelach Recipe

The ultimate comfort food, Rugelach Recipe offers a delightful blend of buttery pastry and sweet fillings. These flaky, tender cookies are perfect for any occasion and are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Try this easy recipe tonight for a delicious treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 36 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1¾ cup All-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• ¾ cup Butter (unsalted, cold)
• ½ cup Sour cream
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup Cherry jam
• ¾ cup Pecans (ground)
• 3 tablespoon Powdered sugar

Equipment

• Pastry Cutter
• Aluminum Baking Sheet (2 pack)
• Parchment Paper
• Pizza Cutter
• Classic Wooden Rolling Pin
• Black Cooling Rack

Method

 

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and butter. Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. This technique ensures that the butter is evenly distributed, resulting in a flaky texture.
2. Next, gently stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking it, as that can lead to tough cookies. You want a nice, soft dough that holds together well.
3. Once your dough is ready, turn it out onto a floured surface. Give it a quick knead, just enough to bring it all together. Then, divide the dough into three equal parts and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about 20 minutes to allow it to chill and firm up.
4. While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 375°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silpat for easy cleanup. This will help your cookies bake evenly without sticking.
5. After the dough has chilled, take one disc out of the refrigerator. On a floured surface, roll it out into a circle about 10 inches in diameter. Make sure to sprinkle some flour on your rolling pin to prevent sticking.
6. Spread approximately 2 tablespoons of cherry jam evenly over the rolled-out dough. Be careful not to overdo it with the jam, as too much will seep out during baking.
7. Next, sprinkle about a quarter of the ground pecans evenly over the jam. This adds that delightful nutty flavor that pairs so well with the sweet jam.
8. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough into 12 wedges, like a pizza. Starting from the long, curved edge, roll each wedge up, crescent-style, and place them point side down on the prepared baking sheet. This helps them hold their shape during baking.
9. Repeat this process with the remaining dough discs until all are shaped and on the baking sheets. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie so they can expand while baking.
10. Finally, place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
11. Once completely cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar for that final touch. Enjoy your homemade Rugelach Recipe with a cup of tea or coffee!

Notes

• Gluten-free option: For a gluten-free option, replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. Be aware that some baking ingredients can be a hidden source of gluten.
• Jam spreading: To make it easier to spread the jam, microwave for a few seconds until it softens.
• Nut variety: Pecans are my favorite type of nut, but feel free to use pistachios, almonds, walnuts, or macadamia nuts; the possibilities are endless!
• Halving the recipe: You can easily halve or double the recipe as you wish.
• Freezing dough: You can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Thaw it out in the refrigerator overnight.
• Freezing shaped cookies: Shaped unbaked cookies can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months. They can be baked straight from the freezer but may need an extra few minutes to bake.
• Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container for about a week.

Previous PostSpring Rolls with Peanut Sauce

Next Post Honey Rhubarb Brown Betty

Meet Hailey Anderson

My passion is creating food that nourishes your body without sacrificing flavor. I’m our main recipe developer for vibrant salads, smoothies, and feel-good breakfasts. When I’m not blending or chopping, I’m right alongside Brooke and Jenna, helping to cook and test our new dinner and dessert recipes. I’m a firm believer in balance!