Orange Cranberry Rugelach Recipe (2024)

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Orange Cranberry Rugelach Recipe (1)

This easy-to-make Orange Cranberry Rugelach is a crisp, flaky pastry spreadwith orange marmalade, tart dried cranberries and chopped toasted pecans, then rolled up in a pretty crescent shape.

Rugelach is a delicious Jewish pastry. The name means creeping vine because of the rolled-up shape of the cookie. I would often see these crescent shaped cookies at the store, but when Chaya, Sweet and Savory Says It All, posted a request for Chanukah recipes I thought it was the perfect time to try these beautiful flaky little Jewish treats.

Orange Cranberry Rugelach Recipe (2)

Megan, Megan’s Cookin, suggested I use Dorie’s rugelach recipe, Dorie Greenspan’s Rugelach Secrets. Trish, The Mad Chemist, posted a Cranberry Raisin Rugelach recipe that sounded fabulous. So I combined the two recipes and made a delicious Orange Cranberry Raisin Rugelach for my 12th cookie of the 12 Weeks of Christmas Cookies.

Orange Cranberry Rugelach Recipe (3)

Update: I recently attended a fun blogger get together and brought this Orange Cranberry Rugelach so I could update the post with new pictures. It was a big hit at the party, and I’m sure it would be a big hit at your party too.

Orange Cranberry Rugelach Recipe (4)

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5 from 1 vote

Orange Cranberry Rugelach

Cook Time25 minutes mins

Total Time25 minutes mins

Course: Cookies

Keyword: 12 Weeks of Christmas Cookies, baking, cookie, Dessert, food, recipe

Servings: 32 cookies

Author: Barbara Schieving

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces cold cream cheese cut into 4 pieces
  • 1 stick 8 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • cup orange marmalade
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans finely chopped
  • ¼ cup chopped golden raisins and dried cranberries
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon cold water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar preferably coarse sugar

Instructions

  • Let the cream cheese and butter rest on the counter for 10 minutes, so it's slightly softened but still cool.

  • Combine flour and salt, cut butter and cream cheese into flour with a pastry blender or two knives until crumbly. Shape into two disks, wrap the disks in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 1 day. (Wrapped airtight, the dough can be frozen for up to 2 months.)

  • Line two baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.

  • SHAPE THE COOKIES: If the dough is too firm to roll easily, leave it on the counter for about 10 minutes. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle.

  • Stir marmalade until it liquefies. Spread a thin layer of marmalad over the dough, and scatter half of the nuts and fruits on top.

  • Cover the filling with a piece of wax paper and gently press the filling into the dough, then remove the paper and save it for the next batch.

  • Using a pizza wheel or a sharp knife, cut the dough into 16 wedges, or triangles. (The easiest way to do this is to cut the dough into quarters, then to cut each quarter into 4 triangles.)

  • Starting at the base of each triangle, roll the dough up so that each cookie becomes a little crescent. Arrange the roll-ups on one baking sheet, making sure the points are tucked under the cookies, and refrigerate.

  • Repeat with the second disk of dough, and refrigerate the cookies for at least 30 minutes before baking. (The cookies can be covered and refrigerated overnight or frozen for up to 2 months; don't defrost before baking, just add a couple of minutes to the baking time.)

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

GLAZE

  • Stir the egg and water together, and brush a bit of this glaze over each rugelach. Sprinkle the cookies with the sugar.

  • Bake the cookies for 20 to 25 minutes until they are puffed and golden. Transfer the cookies to racks to cool to just warm or to room temperature.

Notes

STORING: The cookies can be kept covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or wrapped airtight and frozen for up to 2 months.

Orange Cranberry Rugelach Recipe (5)

My cookie boxes were a big hit! It was so fun to have so many new and different flavors to try. If you missed any of the wonderful recipes I’ve linked to them below. Wishing you all happy holidays and a sweet new year!

  • Molasses Cinnamon Crisps with Cinnamon Chips
  • Alice’s Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Orange Nutella Pinwheel Cookies
  • Lime Meltaways
  • Cranberry Crumb Bars
  • Pecan Squares
  • World Peace Cookies
  • Cherie’s Snickers Peanut Butter Cookies
  • Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Oatmeal White Chocolate and Cranberry Cookies
  • Bitterkoekjes – Almond Macaroons
  • Orange Cranberry Rugelach

Orange Cranberry Rugelach Recipe (6)

For more delicious 12 weeks of Christmas cookies visit:
April from Abbys Sweets
Denise from Keeper Worthy Recipes
Megan’s from My Baking Adventures
Kim from Stirring the Pot

Orange Cranberry Rugelach Recipe (7)

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Orange Cranberry Rugelach Recipe (8)

About Melissa & Barbara

As of June 2022 Melissa Griffiths now is the one adding recipes. So think of it as Barbara Bakes, and Melissa too! Melissa and Barbara have been blogging friends for over 10 years and when Barbara was ready to retire and spend more time with her family, Melissa took over the site. Read more...

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply

  1. Nagi@RecipeTinEats

    Oh my, these look yummy! I want to try them too.

    Reply

  2. Annamaria @ Bakewell Junction

    Barbara,
    These look so delicious. I can’t wait to try them.
    Annamaria

    Reply

  3. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella

    Merry Christmas mum!! I hope you have a fantastic time and that your days are filled with joy! 😀 xxx

    Reply

  4. Adri

    I love Rugelach, and these sound wonderful I could eat every last one!

    Reply

  5. Liz

    Picture perfect, Barbara! I love this filling combination. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

    Reply

  6. Alison @ Ingredients, Inc.

    looks fabulous Barbara!

    Reply

  7. Carol

    Rugelach is something I’ve never made-boy does it look good. I love cranberry and orange too. I’m still finalizing my Christmas cookie baking-nothing like the last minute huh? If things go well, I might give these a try.

    Merry Christmas to you and your family, Barbara and may 2016 be the best year ever!

    Hugs,

    Carol

    Reply

  8. kristy

    Howdy Barbara ! Your rugelach looks really tempting. I’m going to try making this soon. Love how the crust turns out. I’m sending in an early season greetings. Wishing you & your family a MERRY CHRISTMAS & may it be a blessed one. ((hugs))
    Blessings, Kristy

    Reply

  9. Rosa

    A lovely Christmas treat and delightful flavour combination!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    Reply

  10. Valerie

    Oh so pretty!!! And they look like they'd taste good too.

    Reply

  11. Cookin' Canuck

    These look and sound wonderful! I still need to dive in and make some.

    Reply

  12. sanjeet

    The cookie boxes look amazing! I love rugelash. Wonderful flavor pairing! Work from home India

    Reply

  13. Kat

    All your Christmas cookies look wonderful. I love the box idea. I usually do trays, but hard to wrap etc. The Rugelach is on my list to try so thank you for sharing!!

    Reply

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Orange Cranberry Rugelach Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is a fun fact about rugelach? ›

Historically, Rugelach is said to be linked with the Viennese Kipfel, crescent shaped pastries which commemorate the lifting of the Turkish siege in the Battle of Vienna. Rugelach is also similar in shape to the French croissant, which may be a descendant of the popular sweet pastry.

How do you keep rugelach fresh? ›

However, If you want them to last longer, putting them in a plastic bag in the fridge will keep them fresh for from 8 to 10 days. Or, place them in the freezer in a sealed container and they will freeze really well for up to 8 months.

How do you shape rugelach? ›

When shaping your rugelach, take the fat end of the triangle and roll tightly toward the pointed end to form a crescent shape. 6. As you work with the dough, the heat from your hands might cause it to get too warm and make it unmanageable.

How do you fold a rugelach? ›

Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, slice the dough into 12 wedges, just like you would cut a pizza or pie. Roll each wedge up, beginning with the wide end and ending with the narrow end. Place the rolls point-side down, about an inch apart, on parchment lined baking sheets.

Why do Jews eat rugelach? ›

Rugelach are often served on Jewish holidays like Hanukkah and Shavuot, though of course they can (and should!) be made throughout the year. Our family typically serves them during Rosh Hashanah, when sweet foods are made to signify a sweet new year.

What country is rugelach from? ›

Rugelach (/ˈruːɡələx/ ROO-gəl-əkh; Yiddish: ראגעלעך, or Yiddish: רוגעלעך, romanized: rugelekh and Hebrew: רוגלך rōgalaḵ) is a filled baked confection originating in the Jewish communities of Poland.

When should I eat rugelach? ›

That said, the treat predates Viennoiserie pastries, so don't think of rugelach as denser, tiny croissants but croissants as lighter, larger rugelach. The Jewish high holidays—Rosh Hashanah, aka the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement—are the high season for rugelach orders.

How long will rugelach dough last in the fridge? ›

Divide the dough into three equal portions and gently flatten into a disc shape. Wrap in plastic wrap, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 1 day. Or freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Can you reheat rugelach? ›

Storage: Store in an airtight container, at room temperature, for up to 3 days. To refresh, place the rugelach on a sheet pan and reheat at 300 degrees until warm.

Should you refrigerate rugelach? ›

Serve warm or at room temperature. Store leftover rugelach in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. Freeze for longer storage.

What is a rugelach in English? ›

noun. , Jewish Cooking. , plural rug·e·lach. a bite-size pastry made by rolling a triangle of dough around a filling of jam, nuts, raisins, etc.

What is the difference between American and Israeli rugelach? ›

From a good friend of mine who is Israeli, I learned that traditional rugelach in Israel is always made with chocolate, while among American Jews it's made using jam. "As rugelach has always been a favorite of mine, I decided to take this classic dessert and put my spin on it.

How long does homemade rugelach last? ›

Storage: Rugelach will keep at room temperature for 3 days (wrapped tightly) or 1 to 2 weeks longer in the refrigerator. Freezer: Freeze the discs of dough for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before proceeding with the recipe. Or freeze the shaped Rugelach cookies for up to 3 months.

What is the difference between babka and rugelach? ›

Babka is a yeast bread that is rolled with chocolate filling. It's usually made in a loaf pan. Rugelach is rolled like croissants. The main differences between the two of them are their shape and the type of dough they use.

What is an interesting fact about the dessert? ›

The word dessert comes from the French verb desservir, meaning 'to clear the table'. When dessert first appeared as part of our eating rituals, it was to allow the tables to be cleared for the after-dinner activities; sweetmeats and spiced wines were consumed standing up, away from the table.

What are some interesting facts about pastries? ›

- Ancient Egyptians were the first ones to come up with the idea of pastries. Called baklava and filo, they were made out of grain meal with honey, fruits and spices. - Pastries were brought to Europe during the Muslim invasion of the 7th century and picked up the imagination of Europeans.

What is the history behind rugelach? ›

Origins of rugelach, the favorite Jewish pastry, date back to the Hungarian kifli, Austrian kipfel and Polish rogal. The crescent-shape filled pastry was originally made with yeast dough and filled with fruit jams, poppy seed paste or nuts.

What are some fun facts about flan? ›

The Roman Empire is the true origin of this dessert. The word flan is the French equivalent of the Latin word fladon, which comes from the Old High German word “flado,” meaning “flat cake.” Flan was once a savory dish, usually made from fish or meat. Today, the dessert has evolved into something sweet.

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