Rugelach is a traditional Jewish pastry that is flaky, buttery, and incredibly delicious. This version, filled with sweet figs and crunchy walnuts, offers a delightful twist on the classic rugelach. The combination of the rich, nutty flavor of walnuts and the natural sweetness of figs makes this pastry perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or enjoying it with a cup of coffee.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 8 oz cream cheese, cold and cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest (optional, for added flavor)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup dried figs, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon orange juice (optional, for added moisture)
For the Topping:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the butter and cream cheese: Add the cold butter and cream cheese cubes to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add vanilla and zest: Mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest (if using). Continue to mix until the dough just comes together.
- Chill the dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
Prepare the Filling:
- Combine the filling ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the chopped figs, walnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, honey, and orange juice (if using). Stir until well combined and the mixture is slightly sticky.
Assemble the Rugelach:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a circle about 1/8-inch thick. Trim the edges if necessary to make a neat circle.
- Add the filling: Spread half of the fig and walnut filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Cut and roll: Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough into 12-16 wedges (like slicing a pizza). Starting from the wide end, roll each wedge toward the center to form a crescent shape.
- Egg wash and topping: Place the rolled rugelach on the prepared baking sheet, brush each with the beaten egg, and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Bake the rugelach: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even browning.
- Cool and serve: Allow the rugelach to cool on a wire rack before serving. These pastries can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Rugelach:
- Keep the dough cold: Work quickly to prevent the butter and cream cheese in the dough from softening too much, which helps achieve a flaky texture.
- Customize the filling: You can experiment with different fillings, such as adding some dark chocolate chips or using other dried fruits like apricots or dates.
- Storage: Store rugelach in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Flaky and buttery: The cream cheese dough creates a tender, flaky pastry that melts in your mouth.
- Sweet and nutty filling: The combination of figs and walnuts, with a hint of cinnamon, offers a warm, comforting flavor.
- Versatile treat: Rugelach is perfect for any occasion, from holiday celebrations to an everyday snack.
This Fig and Walnut Rugelach is a delicious twist on a classic pastry, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to making rugelach, this recipe is sure to impress with its rich taste and beautiful presentation. Enjoy these sweet, nutty pastries with a hot beverage or as a special treat any time of the day!