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    Home » Recipes » Desserts

    Rugelach

    Updated: Dec 24, 2023 · Published: Dec 21, 2015 by Eileen Murphy Kelly

    Jump to Recipe
    Servings 40 cookies
    Prep 15 minutes mins
    Cook 30 minutes mins

    Rugelach is one of my favorite cookies! Perfect for any time of year! We especially love to make these cookies for the Holidays. A light and flaky pastry rolled cookie filled with any jam or preservatives of choice. A classic Jewish cookie that is delicious.

    rugelach

    Rugelach cookies are one of my favorite treats. I have been making this for about 24 years and is truly a Holiday treat that is just so delicious.

    rugelach

    This is a rich cookie with a wonderful sour cream pastry dough. Rugelach is usually made with either a sour cream or cream cheese base. I love these cookies because the dough is perfect.  The crust is flaky and light. The filling can be changed to any jams and nuts you choose.

    rugelach

    I believe in everything in moderation, so an occasional cookie will be okay because we all need a treat and a rugelach cookie does a lot to make me happy!  I make a light dough using low-fat sour cream!  For the filling, it is usually fig preserves and walnuts. For my son, I add chocolate chips, yummy either way.

    rugelach
    rugelach

    Any comments or questions, use the comment form below. If you love this recipe, it would be awesome if you gave it a 5-star rating!

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    rugelach

    Rugelach

    A wonderful pastry cookie made with a low-fat sour cream dough filled with treats ! Use jam or preserves of choice and walnuts to make a wonderful puff pastry like cookie. Perfect for the Holidays!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print (Email Required) Rate
    Course: Baking, Holiday
    Cuisine: Baking
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    refrigerate dough: 1 hour hour
    Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Servings: 40 cookies
    Calories: 83kcal

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

    Equipment Needed:

    Ingredients

    • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 12 Tablespoon cold, unsalted butter
    • ½ cup light sour cream
    • ½ cup raisins
    • ½ cup turbinado sugar
    • ½ cup finely chopped walnuts
    • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 3 Tablespoons fig or apricot jam *see notes
    • 1 teaspoon confectioners sugar

    For the sour cream dough

    Instructions

    • Combine the flour and salt, in a food processor, and pulse several times.
    • Cut the butter into 15 pieces and add to the bowl of the food processor. Pulse repeatedly, about 20 times. The mixture will become a fine powder. Check the consistency to avoid over-working the dough.
    • Add the sour cream, pulse an additional 5 or 6 times. The dough will form a ball. Remove from the food processor and press into a 6-inch square. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for about 1 hour.

    To Make the Rugelach Cookie

    • Divide the dough into thirds and shape into circles. roll each out to about 10-inch squares.
    • For the filling, place the raisins into a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over low heat. Drain and cool. In a separate bowl, combine the turbinado sugar, finely chopped walnuts, and cinnamon
    • Set a rack in the middle level of the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    • Remove one circle of dough at a time, Place on your work surface, Place 1 tablespoon of the jam onto the dough, then scatter one-third of the raisins and one-third of the filling mixture onto the dough. With a pastry wheel, cut the dough into 12 wedges and roll each one up from the edge to the point.
    • Arrange pastries on a parchment paper lined baking pan.
    • Bake the pastry for about 30 minutes. Check them often as the sugar can leak and cause the bottom of pastry to burn. Lower temperature about 25 degrees if the bottom of pastry begins to burn.
    • When pastries are done, cool briefly, then move the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.
    • Sprinkle the confectioner's sugar onto the pastries. Store the cookies in a covered container.

    NOTES

    • I love using Fig Preserves. Any flavor of jam or preservatives can be used
    • Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and portion size
    • Adapted from How to Bake by Nick Malgieri!
     

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 83kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 15mg | Potassium: 26mg | Sugar: 4g | Iron: 0.4mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @Everyday_Eileen or tag #everydayeileen!

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    Thank you for sharing!

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    1. Oma

      July 21, 2023 at 9:28 pm

      5 stars
      I love that this dough is made with sour cream rather than cream cheese. Can't wait to make these. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    2. Kim

      February 11, 2018 at 1:50 pm

      5 stars
      The best cookie we ever ate! I make these all the time now!

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        February 12, 2018 at 8:19 pm

        I am so happy you love the rugelach! It is seriously a tasty cookie!

        Reply
    3. recipe chilis baby

      January 29, 2016 at 12:56 pm

      I savour, result in I found just what I
      was having a look for. You've ended my 4 day lengthy hunt!
      God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye

      Reply
    4. Roxanne

      December 30, 2015 at 9:53 pm

      These look so yummy!! I bet my kids will like making these with me! Great pics!

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 30, 2015 at 11:16 pm

        Thank you and I hope they do make them

        Reply
    5. Tara

      December 28, 2015 at 9:38 am

      I LOVE chocolate Rugelach! especially with some raspberry jam to dunk it in.

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 28, 2015 at 8:35 pm

        It is delicious!

        Reply
    6. Susannah

      December 28, 2015 at 12:34 am

      These sound so tasty! I love trying new treats and, since I've never tried these before, they've made the cut for my splurges. 😉

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 28, 2015 at 8:33 pm

        I am so glad, I hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    7. Diedre

      December 27, 2015 at 11:06 pm

      I have never heard of this recipe before, but it sounds interesting! I wonder if you could substitute the fig or apricot for apple?

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 27, 2015 at 11:33 pm

        Absolutely Diedre - apple would work really well

        Reply
    8. CourtneyLynne

      December 27, 2015 at 11:02 pm

      Ong these look beyond delicious!!! I will definitely have to pin so I can give them a try! Yum

      Reply
    9. Shannon Gurnee

      December 27, 2015 at 1:04 am

      Those look and sound amazing! I've never made anything like those before! I'll definitely have to check them out!

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 27, 2015 at 1:30 am

        I hope you try these and enjoy - let me know if you do , we love them in our house

        Reply
    10. Rose Sahetapy

      December 26, 2015 at 11:01 am

      I'd never heard of rugelach before but...this recipe is so intruguing. I'd love to try it.

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 26, 2015 at 7:06 pm

        I hope you try the rugelach recipe!

        Reply
    11. Deb

      December 26, 2015 at 10:36 am

      Looks delicious and they seem easy to make. I bet you can fill them with just about anything.

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 26, 2015 at 7:06 pm

        Absolutelt, my most versatile cookie recipe!

        Reply
    12. Heather

      December 26, 2015 at 7:49 am

      I have never heard of this before! It looks delicious though! I love to find new cookie recipes, and will definitely be trying this one out! Happy birthday to your son!

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 26, 2015 at 7:05 pm

        Thank you so much Heather! I hope you make this recipe and let me know how it worked for you!

        Reply
    13. Kirsten

      December 24, 2015 at 11:50 pm

      It has been so long since I have had rugelach. I love that you make it with figs, that sounds so tasty. What a great recipe. Definitely want to try this one out!

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 26, 2015 at 7:07 pm

        The fig jam makes this so tasty!

        Reply
    14. Hannah

      December 24, 2015 at 11:41 pm

      Mmmmm. This is super yummy looking. Ill have to try it sometime

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 26, 2015 at 7:08 pm

        I hope you try it! Delicious!

        Reply
    15. Kelly B.

      December 24, 2015 at 7:27 pm

      I've said it on Instagram and I'll say it again, these are my absolute favorite! Your recipe seems like a fairly easy one, too, so I'll definitely be trying it out!

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 26, 2015 at 7:08 pm

        Aw, thank you so very much Kelly! it is an easy one to make ! Enjoy!

        Reply
    16. Di

      December 24, 2015 at 6:56 pm

      These look familiarly like something we had as a kid but damned if I can remember what mom called them!

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 26, 2015 at 7:02 pm

        I hope you try it, we love rugelach!

        Reply
    17. Heather lawrence

      December 24, 2015 at 11:21 am

      Pinned this for later! I have never tried rugelach but it looks amazing!

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 24, 2015 at 10:50 pm

        thank you - I hope you do !

        Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 24, 2015 at 10:58 pm

        I am so glad - enjoy the recipe, it is yummy!

        Reply
    18. Kaylene

      December 24, 2015 at 10:49 am

      I haven't tried these before, but they look absolutely delicious! I may have to make them in time for the holiday!

      Reply
    19. Natalia

      December 24, 2015 at 9:03 am

      Yum! Never tried these but I definitely want to now!

      Reply
    20. Jessica {Swanky Recipes}

      December 24, 2015 at 12:55 am

      Oh man, just saw these before bed and now all I'm going to be thinking about all night are these! Totally love the apricot jam addition as I think it would be delicious!

      Reply
    21. Beth@FrugalFroggie

      December 23, 2015 at 10:22 pm

      I have made something like that before. So delicious!!

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 24, 2015 at 2:26 am

        they sure are, hope you have a great Holiday!

        Reply
    22. angie

      December 23, 2015 at 9:14 pm

      that recipe souds so super yummy is it an old one

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 24, 2015 at 2:25 am

        Yup, I have been making forever! a family favorite

        Reply
    23. Blythe A.

      December 23, 2015 at 8:17 pm

      Rugelach is one of my all time favorite treats. I never tried making the dough with sour cream; I usually use the traditional cream cheese. I'm curious to try the sour cream instead.

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 23, 2015 at 8:45 pm

        I have done both and I found the light sour cream to be more puff pastry like without all the butter in puff pastry, so it is a favorite - hope you try it with the sour cream

        Reply
    24. Claire

      December 23, 2015 at 7:32 pm

      I've not heard of a Rugelach but it looks and sounds amazing 🙂 I've got to try this recipe!

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 23, 2015 at 8:49 pm

        Oh Claire, I hope you do, it is so good - on my 4th batch to give as Holiday treats!

        Reply
    25. Jenn Peters

      December 23, 2015 at 2:48 pm

      I've never had rugelach before. But I can tell it's something I'd most likely enjoy 😉

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 23, 2015 at 8:44 pm

        I hope you give this recipe a try, its light and everyone always wants more!

        Reply
    26. Ave

      December 23, 2015 at 2:06 pm

      I have to admit that I haven't tried Rugelach before, but they look really delicious! A perfect holiday treat!

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 23, 2015 at 8:49 pm

        I hope you try these, they are really good

        Reply
    27. Claudette

      December 23, 2015 at 12:01 pm

      I don't think I have ever heard of this before or ate it. If I did it was by another name. Now, I am not much of a baker so can I send you my addy for Fedex? 🙂

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 23, 2015 at 12:43 pm

        I love it, of course Claudette, what is another batch, I am already making a ton, it would be my pleasure! these are my so light and yummy!

        Reply
    28. Lexie Lane

      December 23, 2015 at 10:46 am

      Yummy!! This would be perfect for Christmas and I'm sure my kids and family would love it.

      Reply
    29. michelle

      December 23, 2015 at 10:22 am

      wow! 40 cookies is a lot. i have never heard of Rugelach but it looks interesting

      Reply
    30. Liz Mays

      December 23, 2015 at 8:52 am

      I see why this is such a favorite for you. Gosh that looks great! So many of my favorite flavors are in there.

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 23, 2015 at 11:01 am

        Thank you Liz, Mine too, a light dough filled with treats

        Reply
    31. Ana De- Jesus

      December 23, 2015 at 3:28 am

      I like the sound of rugelach what country does it originate from?

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 23, 2015 at 11:00 am

        Rugelach is Eastern European, Jewish pastry, I am Irish, I just happen to love this pastry cookie, especially at the Holidays!

        Reply
    32. Victoria

      December 23, 2015 at 2:43 am

      I never heard about this but it sounds delicious. I can't wait to try this

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 23, 2015 at 8:50 pm

        Its a real treat!

        Reply
    33. Krystal Miller (@hhtfamilyblog)

      December 23, 2015 at 12:24 am

      I've never heard of these before! They look delicious!

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 23, 2015 at 1:46 am

        Thank you - they are really tasty

        Reply
    34. Elizabeth O.

      December 23, 2015 at 12:22 am

      It's really so lovely to look at and definitely perfect for the season! It looks light too, so that's great. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 23, 2015 at 1:45 am

        You are very welcome! I hope you try the recipe!

        Reply
    35. Rachel Mouton

      December 22, 2015 at 6:37 pm

      This looks absolutely delicious! I'm definitely going to try it 🙂

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 22, 2015 at 11:48 pm

        I hope you enjoy the recipe

        Reply
    36. tara pittman

      December 22, 2015 at 12:29 pm

      These look so yummy. I have never had one of these.

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 22, 2015 at 11:47 pm

        Tara, these are amazing! I hope you make them- so much better than store bought as well!

        Reply
    37. Mardene Carr

      December 22, 2015 at 12:23 pm

      I have had more than one cookie unfortunately...LOL

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 22, 2015 at 11:47 pm

        A cookie every now and again is okay!

        Reply
    38. Carol Cassara

      December 22, 2015 at 11:04 am

      I haven't had it in soo long! Maybe I'll make some this month.

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 22, 2015 at 11:08 am

        I hope you try these, we just love them!

        Reply
    39. Faye

      December 22, 2015 at 9:47 am

      Oh wow, these look DELISH!! Can't wait to try!

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 22, 2015 at 9:55 am

        I hope you do, they are my favorite!

        Reply
    40. Robin Rue (@massholemommy)

      December 22, 2015 at 8:58 am

      These were a staple in my house growing up! They are so good.

      Reply
      • Eileen xo

        December 22, 2015 at 9:45 am

        I totally agree

        Reply

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