When you think of delightful pastries, chocolate rugelach immediately comes to mind. These little crescent-shaped treats are filled with rich, gooey chocolate and a sprinkle of nuts, all wrapped up in a buttery, flaky dough that crumbles just right. sweet campfire treats Imagine biting into one and letting the warm, melty chocolate dance on your taste buds while the nutty crunch keeps you coming back for more.
I remember the first time I made chocolate rugelach; my kitchen smelled like a pastry shop, and my family couldn’t resist sneaking bites before they were even out of the oven! These delectable treats are perfect for cozy gatherings or simply indulging on a rainy afternoon. another chocolate pastry Trust me; once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why they’re an instant favorite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Chocolate rugelach is surprisingly easy to make, with a flavor combination that will impress everyone
- The visual appeal of these pastries makes them perfect for any occasion
- Their versatility allows you to customize the fillings based on your preferences or pantry staples
- Plus, they freeze beautifully if you want to save some for later!
I’ll never forget the look on my friend’s face when she took her first bite of the chocolate rugelach I made for our book club. delicious chocolate desserts It was like watching someone discover a hidden treasure!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture in your dough.
-
Unsalted Butter: Cold butter creates flakiness; don’t skip this essential ingredient. For more inspiration, check out this Decadent Peanut Butter Brownies recipe.
-
Cream Cheese: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough; make sure it’s softened.
-
Sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the flavors; granulated sugar works perfectly here.
-
Chocolate Chips: Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference.
-
Nuts (Walnuts or Pecans): Chopped nuts add texture and flavor; toast them lightly for enhanced taste.
-
Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon brings warmth and depth to your filling.
-
Egg Wash (Egg + Water): This gives your rugelach a beautiful golden finish when baked.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Dough: Start by mixing flour and sugar in a large bowl. Cut in cold butter and cream cheese until crumbly. Add water gradually until combined, forming a soft dough.
Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into four equal parts and wrap each in plastic wrap. Chill them in the refrigerator for at least one hour; this helps develop flavors and makes rolling easier.
Make the Filling: In a small bowl, combine chocolate chips, chopped nuts, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well until everything is evenly coated with sugar; this filling adds intense flavor.
Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, take one chilled dough portion and roll it out into a circle about 1/8-inch thick. Spread the filling evenly over the surface; be generous but avoid overloading it.
Cut and Shape Rugelach: Slice the dough into wedges like pizza slices. Starting from the wide end, roll each wedge tightly toward the point to form crescent shapes.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place rolled rugelach on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Brush with egg wash for that golden finish and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
With every step bringing you closer to pastry perfection, you’re bound to feel anticipation building as those delicious scents fill your kitchen!
You Must Know
- Chocolate Rugelach brings a delightful blend of flaky pastry and rich chocolate flavor
- It’s perfect for tea time or special occasions, and the aroma will have everyone flocking to your kitchen
- Don’t forget to share with friends, or you might end up eating them all!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by chilling your dough thoroughly, then roll it out evenly before spreading the filling. This ensures even baking and that lovely flaky texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chocolate for nuts or fruit preserves. Experimenting creates unique flavors tailored to your taste—get creative!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover rugelach in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for about five minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use cold butter for a flakier pastry, as it creates steam during baking
- Roll dough evenly to ensure uniform cooking and avoid burnt edges
- Always let the filled dough chill before cutting to maintain its shape while slicing
The first time I made Chocolate Rugelach, my family devoured them within minutes! Their smiles and satisfied sighs made all the effort worthwhile—a definite win in my kitchen! For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Avocado Chicken Salad recipe.
FAQ
What is Chocolate Rugelach?
Chocolate Rugelach is a delightful pastry filled with chocolate, often shaped like crescent rolls. festive chocolate fudge.
Can I freeze Chocolate Rugelach?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked rugelach; just thaw and bake when you’re ready!
How long do they last once baked?
Baked Chocolate Rugelach lasts about one week when stored properly in an airtight container.
Indulge in Chocolate Rugelach
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Experience the bliss of homemade chocolate rugelach, delightful crescent-shaped pastries filled with rich chocolate and crunchy nuts. With a buttery, flaky dough that melts in your mouth, these treats are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy gathering or an afternoon indulgence. The aroma will fill your kitchen, drawing everyone in as they eagerly await a taste. Simple to make and utterly scrumptious, chocolate rugelach will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 egg + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix flour and sugar. Cut in cold butter and cream cheese until crumbly. Gradually add water to form a soft dough.
- 2. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into four equal parts, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill for at least one hour.
- 3. Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine chocolate chips, nuts, sugar, and cinnamon until well mixed.
- 4. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll one portion of chilled dough into a circle (1/8 inch thick). Spread filling evenly over it.
- 5. Cut and Shape Rugelach: Slice the dough into wedges like pizza slices and roll each wedge tightly from the wide end to form crescents.
- 6. Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place rugelach on parchment-lined baking sheets, brush with egg wash, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jewish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pastry (30g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Use cold butter for flakier pastry; it creates steam during baking. Experiment with different fillings such as fruit preserves or nut butters. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.