- Unsalted butter (8 ounces, cold and cut into small cubes)
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon)
- Almonds (1/2 cup, finely ground)
- Chocolate Chip Rugelach:
- All-purpose flour (3 cups)
- Granulated sugar (6 tablespoons)
- Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons)
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
- Unsalted butter (8 ounces, cold and cut into small cubes)
- Dark chocolate chips (1 cup)
- Pecan Praline Rugelach:
- All-purpose flour (3 cups)
- Granulated sugar (6 tablespoons)
- Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons)
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
- Unsalted butter (8 ounces, cold and cut into small cubes)
- Pecans (1 cup, roughly chopped)
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup)
- Raspberry Rugelach:
- All-purpose flour (3 cups)
- Granulated sugar (6 tablespoons)
- Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons)
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
- Unsalted butter (8 ounces, cold and cut into small cubes)
- Dried raspberries (1 cup)
- Cinnamon Sugar Rugelach:
- All-purpose flour (3 cups)
- Granulated sugar (6 tablespoons)
- Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons)
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
- Unsalted butter (8 ounces, cold and cut into small cubes)
- Cinnamon (1 tablespoon)
- Apple Caramel Rugelach:
- All-purpose flour (3 cups)
- Granulated sugar (6 tablespoons)
- Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons)
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
- Unsalted butter (8 ounces, cold and cut into small cubes)
- Sliced apples (2 cups)
- Caramel sauce (1 cup)
- Classic Cream Cheese Rugelach:
- All-purpose flour (3 cups)
- Granulated sugar (6 tablespoons)
- Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons)
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
- Unsalted butter (8 ounces, cold and cut into small cubes)
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened)
Incorporating these ingredients will help you create delicious rugelach for any celebration. Use relevant keywords to enhance searchability and ensure your baking process is detailed and easy to follow. Enjoy creating these country living baked goods!
Steps
### Celebrate Country Living with Rustic Rugelach
Rugelach are traditional Jewish pastries that make a wonderful addition to any celebration or get-together. With their flaky, buttery layers and sweet cream cheese filling, they're perfect for country living. Follow these detailed steps to create delicious rugelach at home.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1 egg yolk (optional for brushing)
- Filling:
- 250g cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ⅓ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
#### Equipment Needed:
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush (for optional glazing)
### Step-by-Step Guide:
#### Step 1: Prepare the Dough
1. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. **Add Butter & Sugar:** Cut in 6 tablespoons of softened butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Gradually add 2 tablespoons of sugar as you incorporate it into the dough.
3. **Add Liquid Ingredients:** Stir in 3 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream until a soft dough forms. Cover and chill for at least an hour.
#### Step 2: Prepare the Filling
1. **Cream Cheese & Sugar:** In another mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
2. **Add Flavorings:** Mix in vanilla extract and lemon zest until well combined. Set aside.
#### Step 3: Roll Out Dough
1. **Rolling Process:** On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about a ⅛-inch thickness. Cut into circles using a biscuit cutter or a small plate as a template.
2. **Filling & Assembly:** Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each circle, leaving some space around the edges.
#### Step 4: Shape Rugelach
1. **Rolling Rugelach:** Fold one side over and then roll up like a swiss roll to form crescent shapes.
2. **Arrange on Baking Sheet:** Place shaped rugelach onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each for expansion.
#### Step 5: Bake
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Bake:** Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. **Cooling:** Once done, remove from the oven and allow rugelach to cool on a wire rack.
#### Optional Step: Glazing
1. **Glaze Preparation:** In a small bowl, mix 1 egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of water (if using).
2. **Brush Rugelach:** Brush the top of each cooled rugelach with the glaze for an extra shiny finish and subtle sweetness.
### Conclusion
Enjoy these delicious and visually appealing rugelach at your next country living celebration! They’re a delightful treat that adds warmth to any gathering, whether it’s a family get-together or a cozy evening around the fireplace. Perfect as both a sweet snack and an elegant dessert, these rugelach are sure to delight everyone in attendance.
**Keywords:** Rugelach recipe, traditional Jewish pastry, cream cheese filling, baking guide, country living desserts, celebration treats