Almond Honey Rugelach

Prep: 150 min

Almond Honey Rugelach offers a flaky, tender pastry filled with chopped almonds and dried cherries or cranberries, sweetened with honey and flavored with cinnamon and lemon juice, perfect for holidays or special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
  • 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup honey, divided
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup almonds, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup dried cherries or dried cranberries

Instructions

  1. Cream butter and cream cheese until fluffy.
  2. Add 3 tablespoons of honey and mix well.
  3. Mix in flour until dough holds together.
  4. Form into a ball, wrap, and refrigerate for 2 hours or longer.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flakier dough, ensure the butter and cream cheese are very well softened but not melted. You can substitute half the honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile. If you don't have almonds, walnuts or pecans work well too. Adding a pinch of salt can enhance the sweetness. For an extra twist, consider incorporating spices like cardamom alongside the cinnamon.

Serving Suggestions

These almond honey rugelach are delightful on their own but can be served alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee. Consider pairing them with a dollop of Green Chive Dip for a savory contrast. They also make great additions to a dessert platter featuring other treats like Black Forest Cake or Cinnamon Frosted Raisin Bars.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover rugelach in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, until warmed through and slightly crisp.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Almond Honey Rugelach contains roughly 495 calories, with 8g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (123% of the Daily Value), calcium (50% of the Daily Value), and iron (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 34g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

495 kcal 25% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.4g 17% DV
Total Fat 9.3g 12% DV
Carbs 112.7g 41% DV
Fiber 34.3g 100% DV
Sugar 36.1g 72% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 122.7mg 5% DV
Potassium 544.5mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 22.9mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 73.2mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 2.8mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 644mg 50% DV
Iron 7.6mg 42% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld and makes rolling easier when you're ready to bake.

What can I use instead of dried cherries?

If you don't have dried cherries, dried cranberries or even raisins can be a great substitute. Each will provide a unique flavor and texture, adding a fun twist to your rugelach.

How do I prevent the filling from spilling out?

To minimize filling spillage, ensure that the dough is rolled tightly but not overly so. Make sure the edges are well sealed, and you can also chill the rolled rugelach before baking to help them hold their shape.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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