Indulging in a warm, flaky Chocolate Rugelach is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly day. The rich aroma of buttery pastry mingles with melting chocolate, creating an irresistible invitation to treat yourself. indulgent chocolate fudge Imagine biting into a perfectly baked swirl, where the chocolate flows like melted dreams, and the nuts add a delightful crunch—pure bliss!
I remember the first time I attempted making these delightful pastries; it was during a family gathering. Watching my relatives devour them with happy sighs made me feel like a rockstar baker. Now, I whip them up for any occasion, from cozy weekends to festive celebrations. Trust me; you’ll want this experience in your kitchen!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Chocolate Rugelach are super easy to make and require minimal ingredients, making them perfect for any skill level
- Their rich flavor profile will have everyone coming back for more
- Their beautiful crescent shape adds visual appeal to any dessert table
- Enjoy them as an afternoon snack or serve at gatherings for extra flair
The last time I made Chocolate Rugelach, my friends couldn’t stop raving about them and insisted I share the recipe immediately. mini berry dutch babies.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached flour for better texture; it gives the dough that perfect flakiness.
Unsalted Butter: Make sure it’s cold; this ensures that your pastry remains tender and flaky.
Cream Cheese: Adds richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love. blueberry cheese danish.
Sugar: Use granulated sugar for sweetness; it balances the richness of the chocolate nicely.
Chocolate Chips: Opt for semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a decadent touch; they melt beautifully inside. delicious chocolate eclairs.
Nuts (optional): Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and depth; feel free to skip if you prefer it nut-free.
Cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon enhances the flavors, adding warmth and spice to every bite.
Egg Wash: Just an egg beaten with water gives that lovely golden sheen when baked.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this Greek Turkey Meatballs recipe recipe.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut cold butter and cream cheese until crumbly; this brings out that tender texture we’re aiming for.
Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This step is crucial for achieving that flaky perfection—patience pays off!
Roll Out the Dough: Once chilled, divide dough into quarters. Roll each piece into a circle about 1/8 inch thick on a floured surface—aiming for an even thickness ensures even baking.
Add Fillings: Spread a thin layer of chocolate chips evenly over each circle and sprinkle with cinnamon and nuts if using. Feel free to get creative here; add your favorite fillings!
Cut into Wedges: Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice each circle into 8 wedges. Roll each wedge tightly from the wide end to form crescents—the tighter you roll, the prettier they’ll look when baked!
Bake the Rugelach: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place rolled rugelach on lined baking sheets and brush with egg wash before baking for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
With these steps under your belt, you’re well on your way to impressing everyone around you with these delightful Chocolate Rugelach! Enjoy every bite while sharing stories around the table—you’ve earned it! For more inspiration, check out this White Chocolate Raspberry Bundt Cake recipe.
You Must Know
- Chocolate Rugelach is a delightful pastry that combines flaky dough with rich chocolate filling
- Pay attention to the dough’s chill time for optimal flakiness
- The aroma while baking is heavenly, and the taste is even better—perfect for any occasion or just because!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Chill your dough before rolling it out, then spread the filling evenly. Cut into triangles and roll tightly for even baking. Bake at 350°F until golden brown for best results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chocolate for fruit preserves or nuts for added flavor. Experiment with spices like cinnamon or cardamom for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store Chocolate Rugelach in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes until warm and crisp.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Chocolate Rugelach, ensure your butter and cream cheese are cold before mixing
- Roll out dough on parchment paper for easy handling
- Don’t skip chilling the rolled pastries before baking; it helps maintain their shape and flakiness
It was during a family gathering when I first made these pastries, and they disappeared faster than I could serve them! The smiles on everyone’s faces made all the effort worthwhile.
FAQ
What is Chocolate Rugelach?
Chocolate Rugelach is a Jewish pastry made with flaky dough and chocolate filling.
Can I freeze Chocolate Rugelach?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked or baked rugelach for up to three months.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
They’re ready when golden brown on top and slightly firm to the touch.
Chocolate Rugelach
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the warm, flaky goodness of Chocolate Rugelach, a delightful pastry that envelops rich chocolate in buttery dough. Perfect for any occasion, these crescent-shaped treats offer a heavenly blend of textures and flavors that will leave everyone wanting more. Whether served at gatherings or enjoyed as an afternoon snack, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- 8 oz cream cheese (cold, cut into cubes)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 egg (beaten with 1 tbsp water for egg wash)
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the dough: In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter and cream cheese until crumbly.
- 2. Chill the dough: Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- 3. Roll out the dough: Divide into quarters; roll each into circles about 1/8 inch thick.
- 4. Add fillings: Spread chocolate chips, sprinkle with cinnamon and nuts if desired.
- 5. Cut into wedges: Slice each circle into 8 triangles; roll from wide end to form crescents.
- 6. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place on lined baking sheets, brush with egg wash, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jewish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rugelach (30g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: For added flavor variations, consider swapping chocolate for fruit preserves or experimenting with spices like cardamom. Ensure ingredients are cold for better texture.