Walnut Rugelach Recipe
Delight in the sweet flavors of walnut rugelach with apricot filling and a touch of cinnamon. These delectable treats are perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 60 rugelach 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jewish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Rugelach Dough:
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, melted (warm, not hot)
- 1 cup (8 oz) warm milk (2% or whole milk)
- 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour, measured correctly*
- ¾ tablespoon active dry yeast
Filling and Topping:
- 10 oz apricot preserves
- 1 cup walnuts
- ¾ cup dried cranberries (or dried cherries, raisins, or craisins)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar, for generous dusting
- Prepare the Filling: In a food processor, combine the walnuts, dried cranberries, sugar, and cinnamon. Pulse until finely ground. Set aside.
- Make the Dough: Melt the butter over low heat and let it cool slightly. Add the warm butter to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Stir in the warm milk. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and active dry yeast. With the mixer running on low speed, add the flour mixture ½ cup at a time, allowing it to incorporate fully with each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Continue mixing and kneading the dough for 3-5 minutes until soft, pliable, and no longer sticky.
- Shape the Rugelach: Divide the dough into 5 equal pieces. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent drying. Working with one piece at a time, roll the dough into an 11-inch circle. No flour should be necessary for the surface. Spread 3 heaping tablespoons of apricot preserves evenly over the circle. Sprinkle ⅓ cup of the nut mixture on top. Using a pizza cutter, slice the circle into 12 even triangles. Roll each triangle tightly from the outer edge toward the center. Place the rugelach on a parchment-lined baking sheet, with the points facing down to prevent unrolling.
- Let the Rugelach Rise: Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature (not exceeding 100˚F), then turn it off. Place the baking sheet in the warm oven and let the rugelach rise for 30-45 minutes, or until puffed and about 50% larger. Remove the cookies from the oven and preheat the oven to 350˚F.
- Bake and Finish: Bake the rugelach for 30 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden. Transfer the cookies to a serving platter while still warm and generously dust each layer with powdered sugar. The dough has no sugar, so be liberal with the topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rugelach
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Walnut Rugelach, Rugelach Recipe, Apricot Walnut Rugelach