Rugelach are the perfect little treat to have any day of the year, but they are a must-have at Hanukkah! Cookies made by rolling dough around a slightly-sweet filling like jam, chocolate, or even poppy seeds, rugelach are a favorite Jewish tradition.
And what’s even better is that these cookies are easy and fun to make! Even if you don’t celebrate Hanukkah, you can participate in this tradition by making rugelach for your friends and family.
Our rugelach dough is made with butter and cream cheese, which makes it a creamy and just a little tangy. It’s easy to roll out! Just make sure you put plenty of flour down on your counter and sprinkled on the top of the dough to keep the rolling pin from sticking. If you have trouble rolling a circle, do the best you can, then use a cake pan, plate, or other round item to trace a perfect circle on your dough.
Our favorite version is filled with jam, chopped nuts, and a little cinnamon sugar, but you can spread the dough with chopped chocolate, apple butter, and even peanut butter and jelly! Sprinkle just cinnamon sugar or some tahini, za'atar, and sesame seeds for a savory version. Just don’t add too much, since when you roll the cookies, too much filling can leak out the sides.
The dough isn’t sweetened, which means these cookies aren't super sweet. That makes them the perfect dessert to finish a big holiday meal, especially alongside a mug of warm apple cider.
FAQs
However, If you want them to last longer, putting them in a plastic bag in the fridge will keep them fresh for from 8 to 10 days. Or, place them in the freezer in a sealed container and they will freeze really well for up to 8 months.
What is the difference between American and Israeli rugelach? ›
Rugelach are a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish treat made from a sweet yeast dough folded over a filling of your choice. Although the American version uses Cream Cheese for the dough, these Israeli-style Rugelach are made from a yeasted enriched dough that is quite similar to a Babka.
Do you eat rugelach on Hanukkah? ›
Rugelach are the perfect little treat to have any day of the year, but they are a must-have at Hanukkah! Cookies made by rolling dough around a slightly-sweet filling like jam, chocolate, or even poppy seeds, rugelach are a favorite Jewish tradition.
Why do Jews eat rugelach? ›
Rugelach are often served on Jewish holidays like Hanukkah and Shavuot, though of course they can (and should!) be made throughout the year. Our family typically serves them during Rosh Hashanah, when sweet foods are made to signify a sweet new year.
How long will rugelach stay fresh? ›
Storage: Rugelach will keep at room temperature for 3 days (wrapped tightly) or 1 to 2 weeks longer in the refrigerator. Freezer: Freeze the discs of dough for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before proceeding with the recipe. Or freeze the shaped Rugelach cookies for up to 3 months.
Can you freeze rugelach in the fridge? ›
Can I freeze the dough? After wrapping the rugelach dough discs, instead of chilling them in the fridge, you can freeze them instead for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
What is a rugelach in Yiddish? ›
What does “Rugelach” mean? The word “Rugelach” in Yiddish means “little twists.” The cookies originated in Ashkenazi Polish Jewish communities, but are popular with people of all backgrounds and cultures nowadays.
When should I eat rugelach? ›
Traditionally, Rugelach is eaten on the Jewish Sabbath, but it can also be enjoyed all year round, and makes a lovely gift to give to celebrate Hannukah or any other holiday.
Is babka the same as rugelach? ›
Babka is a yeast bread that is rolled with chocolate filling. Babaka usually made in a loaf pan as one cake. Cooks roll rugelach like croissants, creating a more individual dessert. The main differences between the two of them are their shape and the type of dough they use.
What foods are forbidden during Hanukkah? ›
"Among other rules, eating certain animals, primarily pigs and shellfish, is forbidden; meat must be ritually and humanely slaughtered; and dairy and meat aren't to be eaten at the same meal." Fish and plant foods are "neutral" (parve) and can be eaten with either meat or dairy.
Latkes, one of the best known of all Hanukkah foods, can be made in many different ways. The basic recipe for this delicious side dish includes just grated potatoes, eggs, and salt. The ingredients are mixed together, formed into circular patties, and fried in oil.
What is a fun fact about rugelach? ›
It is popular in Israel and among Jews around the world. Rugelach is made by rolling a triangle of dough around a sweet filling, such as nuts, chocolate, jam, or poppy seeds. The name rugelach means “l*ttle twists” or “l*ttle corners” in Yiddish, because of the shape of the pastry.
Is rugelach Ashkenazi? ›
Etymology. The name is Yiddish, the historical language of Ashkenazi Jews. The -ach ending (־ך) indicates plural, while the el (־ל) can be a diminutive, as, for example, shtetlekh (שטעטלעך, villages) is the plural of shtetl (שטעטל, village), the diminutive of shtot (שטאָט, town).
Why do Jews eat dairy on Hanukkah? ›
"By the 14th century, there's quite a strong tradition that people eat cheese on Hanukkah and it's associated with Judith giving cheese to the enemy to make him drunk," Weingarten says.
What is the best way to keep pastries fresh? ›
Sweet pastries are best stored overnight at room temperature in the box or bag you received them in. If additional storage time is needed, pastries may be stored in an airtight container for two days. Moist air inside a refrigerator will affect the texture of the pastry.
How do you keep pastry crisp in the fridge? ›
To avoid that, simply keep the pastry such as a croissant or madeleine in a paper bag to keep it crisp if you plan on consuming it within 12 hours. Otherwise, wrap it up with aluminium foil or cling wrap to prevent them from drying up.
How do you keep puff pastry dessert fresh? ›
How to Store Baked Puff Pastry. Once baked, plain puff pastry can be stashed in an airtight container for up to a week. Filled pastries like these puff pastry danishes are best eaten right away. If you can't finish a batch in one go, store in a sealed container and enjoy the next day.
Can you reheat rugelach? ›
Storage: Store in an airtight container, at room temperature, for up to 3 days. To refresh, place the rugelach on a sheet pan and reheat at 300 degrees until warm.
