Ragalach
Rogalach are delightful crescent-shaped pastries filled with walnuts and cinnamon, offering a rich, nutty flavor perfect for a sweet snack or dessert treat. Ideal for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix margarine, cream cheese, and salt until creamy the day before.
- Mix in sifted flour and shape into 14 balls.
- Chill the dough overnight.
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- On a lightly floured cloth-covered board, roll each ball to a 6-inch circle.
- Cut each circle into quarters.
- Mix chopped walnuts, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
- Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of the nut mixture onto each quarter.
- Pinch together the edges of the dough to form crescents.
- Place the crescents on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 12 minutes or until light brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using a combination of butter and margarine. You can also substitute pecans for walnuts if preferred. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly to ensure it rolls out smoothly. If you want to add a fruity element, consider spreading a thin layer of fruit preserves before adding the nut mixture. These rugalach are a delightful treat that pair beautifully with coffee or tea.
Serving Suggestions
Serve rugalach as a delightful dessert or snack with a cup of tea or coffee. They can also be enjoyed as part of a dessert platter alongside other treats like Mollie'S Fried Okra or Arroz Con Leche Carmen. For a festive touch, dust them with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover rugalach in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, place them in a warm oven for about 5 minutes to restore their flaky texture, avoiding the microwave which can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ragalach contains roughly 377 calories, with 6g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 673mg per serving (29% 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 make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to develop and makes it easier to roll out. Just ensure it's well wrapped to prevent it from drying out.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute vegan cream cheese or a thick cashew cream. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly, but it should still work well in this recipe.
How do I know when the rugalach are done baking?
Rugalach are ready when they are lightly browned on the edges, typically after about 12 minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid over-browning.
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).