The Ultimate Rugelach Recipe: Classic Jewish Cookies

Ingredients

• 1.25 cups softened unsalted butter, divided
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.75 cup brown sugar
• 0.75 cup chopped pecans
• 0.5 cup raisins
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons orange marmalade
• 1 egg white
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of butter and the cottage cheese until smooth. Gradually incorporate the flour. The dough will be somewhat sticky. Divide the dough into three equal portions, form into balls, wrap each ball tightly, and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to chill thoroughly.
2. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar, chopped pecans, raisins, the remaining ¼ cup of butter (melted), and cinnamon until well combined. Set this mixture aside for filling the rugelach.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough ball into a 9-inch circle. Keep the remaining dough refrigerated to maintain its firmness and prevent it from becoming too soft.
5. Spread 1 tablespoon of orange marmalade evenly over the dough circle. Gently press ⅓ of the brown sugar mixture into the marmalade-covered dough. Cut the circle into 16 wedges. Starting with the wide end of each wedge, roll them tightly towards the point. Place the rolled cookies, point-sides down, on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining dough, marmalade, and brown sugar mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white and water. Brush this egg wash lightly over each cookie to promote browning.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rugelach are beautifully golden brown. Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition

• Calories: 95 kcal
• Fat Content: 6 g
• Fiber Content: 0 g
• Sugar Content: 4 g
• Sodium Content: 56 mg
• Protein Content: 2 g
• Cholesterol Content: 13 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 9 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat Content: 0 g