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Apple Butter Rugelach Recipe

Apple Butter Rugelach Recipe

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.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert / Snack
Cuisine Jewish / American
Servings 15 pastries
Calories 250 kcal

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
Keyword Apple Butter Rugelach Recipe