Maple-Nut Rugelach Cookies
Description:
Tried and tested over the years, these Maple-Nut Rugelach Cookies are a holiday favorite, boasting a perfect blend of maple sweetness and nutty goodness. Despite their intricate appearance, they’re surprisingly easy to make, making them an ideal addition to any cookie tray. They’re so irresistible that you might find yourself whipping up extra batches, just like I did this year (four batches, to be precise)! The prep time mentioned includes the essential refrigeration period to ensure the dough is perfectly chilled for rolling.
Cooking Times:
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 3 hours | 20 minutes | 3 hours 20 minutes |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 98
- Fat Content: 5.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 2.3g
- Cholesterol Content: 15.5mg
- Sodium Content: 44.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 10.6g
- Fiber Content: 0.4g
- Sugar Content: 5.4g
- Protein Content: 1.6g
Ingredients:
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon
- 1 egg white
- 1 tbsp water
- Additional sugar for sprinkling
Instructions:
-
Prepare Dough:
- In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, sugar, maple syrup, salt, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy.
-
Incorporate Flour:
- Gradually beat in the flour until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
-
Chill Dough:
- Shape the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for about 2 hours until firm.
-
Prepare Filling:
- In a separate medium bowl, stir together chopped walnuts, 1/3 cup sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon until well combined.
-
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two large baking sheets to prevent sticking.
-
Roll Out Dough:
- Divide the chilled dough in half and roll out one half on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
-
Shape and Fill:
- Trim the rolled-out dough to form a 10-inch circle. Spread half of the walnut mixture evenly over the dough.
-
Cut and Roll:
- Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut the circle into 16 wedges. Starting from the wide end, roll up each wedge jelly-roll fashion to create a crescent shape.
-
Arrange on Baking Sheet:
- Place the rolled cookies on the prepared baking sheet, with the pointed side down. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
-
Egg Wash:
- Lightly beat the egg white with water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the cookies.
-
Sprinkle with Sugar:
- Sprinkle additional sugar over the cookies for a sweet, crunchy topping.
-
Bake:
- Bake the rugelach cookies in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are lightly browned.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked, allow the cookies to cool slightly before serving. These Maple-Nut Rugelach Cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored in an airtight container for several days.
These delightful cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season or any time you crave a sweet treat. With their irresistible combination of flavors and textures, they’re sure to become a beloved favorite in your home, just as they are in mine. Happy baking! 🍪🍁
