Cream Cheese Rugalach
Cream Cheese Rugalach offers a rich, buttery pastry with a tangy cream cheese flavor, perfect for elegant desserts or teatime treats, appealing to pastry enthusiasts and novices alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the cream cheese, butter, and flour in a large bowl until well combined.
- Knead the mixture with your hands until it reaches an even consistency.
- Form the dough into a large loaf, similar in shape to Italian or French bread.
- Wrap the loaf in waxed paper and refrigerate overnight to chill before use.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using European-style butter. If you're short on time, you can chill the dough for a minimum of 2 hours instead of overnight, though overnight is best for flavor development. You can also experiment with fillings like jam, nuts, or chocolate, which can add a delightful twist to your rugalach.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cream cheese rugalach as a delightful dessert or a sweet companion to your afternoon tea. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or can be enjoyed alongside a light salad, such as Olivier Salad, for a balanced meal. Consider dusting them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover rugalach in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to reheat, place them in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore their flakiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Cheese Rugalach contains roughly 2141 calories, with 29g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 183g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (81% of the Daily Value), protein (58% of the Daily Value), and iron (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1049mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
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 freeze the rugalach dough?
Yes, you can freeze the rugalach dough before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking.
What fillings are best for rugalach?
Common fillings include fruit preserves, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or cinnamon sugar. You can customize the filling to your taste, making sure not to overfill to prevent leakage during baking.
How do I know when the rugalach are done baking?
The rugalach are done when they are golden brown on top and firm to the touch. Depending on your oven, this usually takes about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking to ensure they don't over-brown.
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).