If you love soft, flaky pastries with sweet fillings, this Apple Butter Rugelach Recipe is perfect. It is buttery, filled with apple flavor and melts in your mouth.
Many people enjoy this Apple Butter Rugelach Recipe because it is simple to make yet impressive. In this guide, you will learn How to make Apple Butter Rugelach step by step.
We will also share the best Ingredients for Apple Butter Rugelach for perfect results.This recipe is inspired by classic Jewish pastries but adds a rich apple butter twist for flavor.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret is using cream cheese in the dough. It keeps the pastry soft and tender.
Another secret is the apple butter filling. It is sweet, slightly tangy and spreads easily without soaking the dough.
Rolling the dough thin and evenly ensures perfect bite-sized pastries. A light sugar sprinkle on top creates a golden, slightly crunchy finish.
Recipe Card
- Recipe Name: Apple Butter Rugelach
- Servings: 12–15 pastries
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins (+ chilling time)
- Course: Dessert / Snack
- Cuisine: Jewish / American
- Calories: 250 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Knife or pizza cutter
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients You Need for Apple Butter Rugelach
For the Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup apple butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, mix softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add vanilla and salt, then gradually mix in flour.
2. Chill the Dough
Divide dough into 2 discs. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
3. Prepare Filling
In a small bowl, mix apple butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nuts, and raisins. Set aside.
4. Roll the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll one dough disc into a 10-inch circle. Keep it thin but not too fragile.
5. Spread the Filling
Spread half of the apple butter mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Cut the Dough
Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut dough into 8–10 wedges like a pizza.
7. Roll the Rugelach
Starting from the wide edge, roll each wedge tightly toward the tip. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet with tip underneath.
8. Apply Egg Wash
Brush each pastry with beaten egg and sprinkle lightly with granulated sugar. This gives a golden finish.
9. Bake the Rugelach
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown. Rotate pan halfway for even baking.
10. Cool and Serve
Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Chill dough longer for easier rolling
- Use other fruit preserves like apricot or cherry
- Add chocolate chips or nuts for variation
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top for extra flavor
- Freeze unbaked rolled rugelach for later baking
- Use light cream cheese for a lower-fat version
- Serve with tea or coffee for a perfect snack
- Slice edges evenly to avoid uneven baking
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Carbs | 28 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these pastries warm with coffee, tea or hot chocolate.
- They are perfect for brunch, holiday gatherings or as a sweet snack any time.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store cooled rugelach in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a low oven for a few minutes to restore flakiness. Do not microwave as it softens the pastry too much.
Apple Butter Rugelach Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup apple butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts optional
- 1/4 cup raisins optional
For the Topping:
- 1 egg beaten, for egg wash
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a bowl, mix softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add vanilla and salt, then gradually mix in flour.
Chill the Dough
- Divide dough into 2 discs. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
Prepare Filling
- In a small bowl, mix apple butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nuts and raisins. Set aside.
Roll the Dough
- On a lightly floured surface, roll one dough disc into a 10-inch circle. Keep it thin but not too fragile.
Spread the Filling
- Spread half of the apple butter mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Cut the Dough
- Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut dough into 8–10 wedges like a pizza.
Roll the Rugelach
- Starting from the wide edge, roll each wedge tightly toward the tip. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet with tip underneath.
Apply Egg Wash
- Brush each pastry with beaten egg and sprinkle lightly with granulated sugar. This gives a golden finish.
Bake the Rugelach
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown. Rotate pan halfway for even baking.
Cool and Serve
- Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Chill dough longer for easier rolling
- Use other fruit preserves like apricot or cherry
- Add chocolate chips or nuts for variation
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top for extra flavor
- Freeze unbaked rolled rugelach for later baking
- Use light cream cheese for a lower-fat version
- Serve with tea or coffee for a perfect snack
- Slice edges evenly to avoid uneven baking
FAQs about Apple Butter Rugelach
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, dough can be chilled for up to 2 days before rolling and baking.
2. Can I use store-bought puff pastry instead?
Yes, but traditional cream cheese dough gives authentic flavor and texture.
3. Can I use different fillings?
Yes, jams, fruit preserves or chocolate chips work well as fillings.
4. How do I prevent filling from leaking?
Leave a small border around the dough and roll tightly with the tip underneath.
5. Is this recipe beginner-friendly?
Yes, this Apple Butter Rugelach Recipe is simple if you follow step-by-step instructions carefully.
Conclusion
This Apple Butter Rugelach Recipe is soft, flaky and packed with sweet apple flavor.
Now you know How to make Apple Butter Rugelach step by step. With the right Ingredients for Apple Butter Rugelach, you can bake perfect pastries at home.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a delightful treat with your family and friends.
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.