Cheese and Herb Rugelach Recipe | The Nosher (2024)

Appetizer

A savory rugelach that's perfect for lunch or pairing with wine at dinner.

BySamantha Ferraro|

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‘Tis the season for all things indulgent andrugelach is my absolute favorite thing to bake during this time of year. It reminds me of my grandma’s rugelach when I was little. She would keep a few in the cookie jar and I remember sneaking in and very carefully, or what I thought was very carefully, stealing just one more bite. Then I would hear a voice from the skies (or really, the second floor) yelling down at me, “No more cookies, Samantha!”

I swearshe had eyes in the back of her head.

Cheese and Herb Rugelach Recipe | The Nosher (1)

Not only is rugelach my favorite thing to make but even the LA Times said I did a snazzy job.I love playing with flavors and twisting ideas and cuisines around. And even though I love baking sweets during the winter holiday season,I am always craving some savory flavors. For this reasonI took inspiration from some of my favorite Italian flavor pairings: salty Parmesan with creamy ricotta and freshly chopped herbs makes for a beautiful anddecadent savory cookie. I recommend sprinkling some finesea salt for a glistening touch that will bring out the flavor even more.

So the next time you are thinking about making rugelach, ditch the sugar and add some cheese! I know you and your guests will “mangia”every last bite.

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Cheese and Herb Rugelach Recipe | The Nosher (2)
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Savory, Italian-inspired rugelach filled with cheese and herbs.

  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 4 dozen 1x

For the dough:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • ½ lb unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 Tbsp lemon zest
  • 2 cups flour, sifted

For the filling:

  • 12 oz ricotta cheese, drained
  • 2 heads of garlic, roasted
  • 1 sprig of each: rosemary, oregano and thyme (or your favorite fresh herbs), removed from stems and chopped finely
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 egg, whisked
  • sea salt

Instructions

  1. To caramelize garlic, cut each head of garlic in half and wrap halves in tin foil. Roast garlic in the oven at 400°Ffor about 30-40 minutes or until the garlic is tender and caramelized. When done, remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature.
  2. To make the dough, use a stand mixer and beat together the cream cheese and butter until creamy on medium speed. Then add Parmesan cheese and lemon zest and continue to mix until incorporated.
  3. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add in the sifted flour and mix just until combined. Use a spatula to scrape the bottom of the bowl to make sure everything is incorporated. Dump the dough onto a well-floured surface and roll into a ball. Cut the ball in quarters and wrap each quarter in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or in the freezer for 15 minutes.
  4. For the filling, mix together the ricotta cheese, chopped herbs and caramelized garlic. Make sure to remove the soft cloves by squeezing the bulb and adding the soft garlic cloves to the cheese mixture. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
  5. Take one dough ball out of fridge (leaving others chilled until ready to use) and on a well-floured surface, roll it out using a floured rolling pin. Roll it out to about 9 inches in diameter. Use a round object (a cheesecake pan works well) and outline a circle then use a knife to cut a perfect circle. Save scraps to roll out later.
  6. Spread 2 Tbsp of cheese mixture onto the dough in a thin layer, leaving a border. Then cut the circle into eighths.
  7. Roll the rugelach by starting at the outer end of the triangle and roll in making a little crescent shape. Place all rugelach end side down on a lined baking sheet and brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle each rugelach with sea salt.
  8. Bake at 350°Ffor about 15-18 minutes until lightly golden brown.
  9. When done, remove from oven and allow to cool to room temperature.
  • Author: Samantha Ferraro
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Ashkenazi

2 comments

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  • Donna LMarch 18, 2024

    Absolutely the best recipe yet. I’m new at Rugelaching and found this to be very good and easy recipe to follow. Can’y wait to try more.

    Reply

    • The NosherMarch 18, 2024

      We’re so pleased you like it!

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Cheese and Herb Rugelach Recipe | The Nosher (2024)

FAQs

What is a fun fact about rugelach? ›

These croissant-shaped treats are believed to have originated in the Jewish communities of Poland and are also popular in Israel as well as the Jewish diaspora. They make the perfect treat for Rosh Hashanah because we eat sweets in the hopes of a sweet new year.

What is chocolate rugelach made of? ›

Thin layers of enriched pastry, rolled up with a dark chocolate filling, baked till golden brown, and brushed in a light sugar syrup. It almost sounds like too much, but trust me, it's just right.

What is rugelach dough made of? ›

Satiny soft dough made with butter, cream cheese, and sour cream wrapped around a filling of sugar, nuts, and dried fruit: that's rugelach, which in Yiddish means "little twists." Beloved in many Jewish communities, these cookies flake like a Danish or croissant with its buttery flavor the perfect foil for the sweet ...

Does rugelach contain nuts? ›

The different fillings can include raisins, walnuts, cinnamon, chocolate, marzipan, poppy seed, or fruit preserves which are rolled up inside.

Why do Jews eat rugelach? ›

One of Israel's favourite pastries, the rugelach can be traced back to the Hungarian kifli, Austrian kipferin and Polish rogal. Some people believe that Austria was the birthplace of rugelach, where it was made to commemorate the expulsion of the Turks.

What does rugelach mean in Yiddish? ›

Yiddish for “little twists” or “rolled things,” rugelach have become a popular dessert in America, enjoyed by Jews and non-Jews alike. They descend from an Eastern European pastry known as kipfel, which is a croissant-like cookie made with flour, butter, sour cream, sugar, and yeast.

What is the difference between babka and rugelach? ›

Babka is a yeast bread that is rolled with chocolate filling. It's usually made in a loaf pan. Rugelach is rolled like croissants. The main differences between the two of them are their shape and the type of dough they use.

Should you refrigerate rugelach? ›

Serve warm or at room temperature. Store leftover rugelach in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. Freeze for longer storage.

How long does rugelach last in the fridge? ›

How long will my Rugelach last? Our Rugelach are very hearty, they stay fresh unrefrigerated for about three days. 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.

When should I eat rugelach? ›

Cream cheese fillings are also a popular choice and make these little bites of deliciousness even more decadent and melt-in-your-mouth. 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.

Does Trader Joe's have rugelach? ›

Trader Joe's Cinnamon Nut Rugelach IS SO DELICIOUS.

Is rugelach Ashkenazi? ›

Rugelach (or Ruglulach) is a Jewish pastry of Ashkenazi origin and is made with a cream cheese dough and different fillings that can include raisins, walnuts, cinnamon, chocolate, or apricot jam preserve.

How long will rugelach keep? ›

Cream cheese: You'll need half of a plain full-fat block of cream cheese. Walnut meal: In a food processor, place 1 ⅓ cups of whole walnuts. Yield: This Rugelach recipe makes 32 cookies. Storage: Rugelach will keep at room temperature for 3 days (wrapped tightly) or 1 to 2 weeks longer in the refrigerator.

Why do we eat rugelach on Hanukkah? ›

Because Judith saved the Jews from a death order, many Jews honor her by eating cheese and dairy dishes: rugelach, blintzes, cheesecake, cheese latkes, even sour cream on potato latkes.

What is an interesting fact about the dessert? ›

The word dessert comes from the French verb desservir, meaning 'to clear the table'. When dessert first appeared as part of our eating rituals, it was to allow the tables to be cleared for the after-dinner activities; sweetmeats and spiced wines were consumed standing up, away from the table.

What are some interesting facts about pastries? ›

- Ancient Egyptians were the first ones to come up with the idea of pastries. Called baklava and filo, they were made out of grain meal with honey, fruits and spices. - Pastries were brought to Europe during the Muslim invasion of the 7th century and picked up the imagination of Europeans.

Why is rugelach important? ›

Rugelach's history can be traced back to medieval times in Eastern Europe, specifically within Ashkenazi Jewish communities. Rugelach is a type of pastry that originated in the Jewish communities of Poland. It is popular in Israel and among Jews around the world.

What are some fun facts about flan? ›

The Roman Empire is the true origin of this dessert. The word flan is the French equivalent of the Latin word fladon, which comes from the Old High German word “flado,” meaning “flat cake.” Flan was once a savory dish, usually made from fish or meat. Today, the dessert has evolved into something sweet.

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