**SEO-friendly formatting tip:** Use bold tags and include relevant keywords like "flaky crust," "cream cheese rugelach," and "country living" to optimize the content for search engines.
Steps
### Detailed Steps for Making Celebration Rugelach Country Living Cheese
Rugelach are delightful, crescent-shaped pastries that are perfect for any celebration! This country living cheese version is a fantastic way to enjoy this traditional treat with a twist of creamy goodness.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Filling: 2 cups cream cheese, softened (about 8 oz), plus extra for topping
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
#### Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter or rim of a glass
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Pastry brush (optional)
### Step-by-Step Guide:
1. **Prepare the Dough:**
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing well after each addition to form a dough.
- Stir in the lightly beaten eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until everything is well incorporated.
2. **Chill the Dough:**
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm enough to roll out easily. This step is crucial as it makes rolling much easier and ensures a flaky crust.
3. **Make the Filling:**
- In another bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix well to ensure the filling is smooth and creamy.
- Set aside for later use.
4. **Roll Out the Dough:**
- On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a large rectangle about 1/8-inch thick. Try to keep it as even as possible in thickness.
- If your dough is too stiff to roll, return it to the fridge for another 15-20 minutes.
5. **Cut and Fill:**
- Use a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut circles from the dough. You can stack and re-roll any remaining dough to make more rugelach.
- Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each circle, then bring the edges together to form a crescent shape. Pinch the seams closed to seal.
6. **Prepare the Rugelach:**
- Arrange the rugelach on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching. You may need to do this in batches.
- If desired, brush the tops of the rugelach with a little extra cream cheese or beaten egg for a golden finish.
7. **Bake:**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the rugelach for about 20-25 minutes until they are lightly golden and puffed.
8. **Cool and Serve:**
- Allow the rugelach to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
### Tips and Tricks:
- For an extra burst of flavor, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts or cocoa powder over your filling.
- To ensure even baking, rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking time.
- Store any leftover rugelach in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also freeze well!
### SEO-Friendly Keywords:
- Celebration Rugelach
- Country Living Cheese
- Crescent-Shaped Pastries
- Flaky Crust
- Cream Cheese Filling
Enjoy your delicious, homemade rugelach and the warm, festive atmosphere they create in any gathering!