first class rugelach (filled cream cheese cookies) vest

rugelach (filled cream cheese cookies)

yummy
Holidays

RUGELACH (FILLED CREAM CHEESE COOKIES)

"I cannot imagine holiday-time without rugelach around. They are the most addictive, filled cookie ever! I usually make 2-3 times the recipe (inviting a friend over for coffee, chat and helpful rolling), then freeze and bake as needed. You will have none left by the end of the holidays, trust me. The bake time is approximate - it could be slightly more or slightly less,

Ingredients

  • 1⁄2lb unsalted butter, softened
  • 8ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2cups all-purpose flour
  • 1tablespoon icing sugar
  • 1pinch salt
  • 1⁄2cup butter, melted
  • 1⁄4cup sugar (during the holidays, I use one of those coloured sugars)
  • 1⁄2cup sugar
  • 1teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 1⁄2cups finely chopped nuts (I like to use walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts)
  • 3tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1cup ground almonds
  • 1cup jam (I like to use apricot, peach, strawberry or raspberry)
  • 3tablespoons butter, at room temperature, combined with
  • 1cup chocolate chips
  • 3tablespoons butter, at room temperature combined with
  • 3⁄4finely chopped dates, and
  • 1⁄2teaspoon cinnamon

Direction

  1. In a mixing bowl or food processor, cream the butter and cream cheese together.
  2. Add the pinch of salt and sugar.
  3. Beat in the flour, a little at a time.
  4. Knead the dough lightly until all the flour is incorporated.
  5. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
  6. Prepare one of the fillings by combining the ingredients (except the 1/4 cup sugar for the topping) and set aside.
  7. Flour the surface you will be rolling out the pastry on very generously.
  8. This is a delicate dough and is apt to stick.
  9. Roll out one of the portions of dough into a 10 inch in diameter circle.
  10. With a knife or pastry wheel, cut the pastry into 10-12 pie-shaped wedges (depending on how large or small you want the rugelach to be- I go for smaller).
  11. If the dough is sticky, dust it with a little flour.
  12. Sprinkle or spread a little of the filling of your choice on each little wedge.
  13. Beginning at the wide edge, roll the dough up toward the point, as you would make a crescent roll or a croissant, turning the ends in slightly to achieve the crescent.
  14. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and brush with melted butter and sprinkle with a tiny bit of the topping sugar (this step can also be done just before baking and ensure that the sugar is not knocked off in the freezer).
  15. Repeat with the rest of the dough and filling.
  16. At this point, I pop the cookie sheet directly into my freezer and freeze the rugelach individually.
  17. When frozen, I pack them into ziploc bags to use at whim over the holidays (and not just) so they can be freshly-baked for any occasion.
  18. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden, brushing with melted butter after 15 minutes if desired.