Rugelach
Rugelach Recipe: A Delicious Jewish Pastry
Rugelach is a traditional Jewish pastry that is perfect for any occasion. This sweet treat is made with a flaky dough and filled with a variety of delicious ingredients. In this recipe, we will show you how to make rugelach from scratch, with detailed composition of ingredients by serving, cooking tips, and a mouth-watering description of the dish.
Ingredients (makes 24 pieces):
For the dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup apricot jam
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the butter and cream cheese, and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add the sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until the dough comes together in a ball. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one piece of dough into a circle about 1/8 inch thick. Spread 2 tablespoons of apricot jam over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border around the edge.
5. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped walnuts, 2 tablespoons of raisins, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon over the jam.
6. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 6 wedges. Roll up each wedge from the wide end to the point, and place the rugelach on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
8. Bake the rugelach for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Appearance and Taste:
Rugelach is a beautiful pastry that looks like a mini croissant. The golden brown color of the flaky dough is complemented by the sweet filling of apricot jam, walnuts, raisins, sugar, and cinnamon. The texture is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it a perfect treat for any time of day. The taste is sweet and nutty, with a hint of cinnamon that adds a warm and cozy flavor.
Cooking Tips:
- Make sure the butter and cream cheese are chilled before mixing them into the dough. This will help create a flaky texture.
- Don't overfill the rugelach, or the filling may spill out during baking.
- If the dough becomes too soft while rolling, refrigerate it for a few minutes before continuing.
Type of Dish: Sweet Pastry
Main Ingredients: Flour, Butter, Cream Cheese
In conclusion, Rugelach is a delicious pastry that is perfect for any occasion. With its flaky dough and sweet filling, it is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Follow this recipe and enjoy the taste of this traditional Jewish treat!