How to Make Rugelach in 5 Minutes

Rugelach is a delightful pastry that has become a favorite treat for many. These flaky, crescent-shaped cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy family get-together. Today, I’m excited to share with you an easy recipe to make these delicious cookies at home. Let’s dive into the world of Rugelach!

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before we start baking, gather all the necessary ingredients to make these scrumptious Rugelach cookies.

Easy Rugelach Cookie Recipe - Rugelach cookies ready for baking

### Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
  • 1 cup nuts (walnuts or pecans), finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup raisins or currants (optional)

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s prepare the dough for the Rugelach. This is a straightforward process that only takes a few minutes.

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
  2. Add the softened butter and cream cheese, mixing until the dough comes together.
  3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This will make it easier to roll out later.

Step 3: Make the Filling

While the dough chills, we can prepare the filling that will give our Rugelach its delicious flavor. Feel free to customize the filling according to your preference!

  1. In another bowl, mix together the sugar, chopped nuts, cinnamon, and raisins (if using).
  2. Once mixed, set it aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Rugelach

Let’s roll out the dough and get these cookies assembled. This is where the fun begins!

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. On a floured surface, roll out a portion of the chilled dough into a circle about 1/8 inch thick.
  3. Spread a layer of the filling over the dough.
  4. Cut the circle into wedges (like a pizza), and roll each wedge tightly from the wide end to the point.

Step 5: Bake and Enjoy!

After assembling your Rugelach, it’s time to bake them to perfection!

  1. Place the cookies on a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  2. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
  3. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Enjoy these delightful Rugelach cookies with a cup of tea or coffee. They also make wonderful gifts for friends and family! Happy baking!