Rugelach

By blum099

Rugelach is a Jewish pastry of Ashkenazic origin. It is very popular in Israel, commonly found in most cafes and bakeries. I've tried a wide variety of Rugelach recipes and this one is my favorite, because of its rich walnut notes and decant raspberry jam mixed with sweet spices, such as cinnamon. These are a treat any time of the year but also make a delicious addition to any Hanukkah table.

Ingredients

• 4 sticks unsalted butter, about 1-pound, softened
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 1/2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup raspberry jam
• 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 1 egg mixed with 1 tablespoon heavy cream, for egg wash

Preparation

Step 1

Combine butter, cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, vanilla, and salt in a bowl and beat on medium-high speed of a mixer until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add flour, and beat until just combined. Transfer to a work surface and form into a ball; half ball and then cut each half into quarters. Shape each piece into a small disk and wrap individually in plastic wrap; refrigerate for 1 hour.

Heat oven to 350°F. Stir together remaining sugar and cinnamon in a bowl; set aside. Working with 1 disk at a time, transfer to a floured work surface, and using a rolling pin, roll into an 8-inch circle; using an offset spatula, spread 2 tablespoons jam over circle, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons walnuts, and 1 tablespoon cinnamon-sugar. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut each circle into 12 wedges; starting from each wide end, roll up wedges to form crescent rolls. Transfer rolls to parchment paper-lined baking sheets, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with more cinnamon-sugar; bake until golden brown, about 25 minutes.