Twisted Apricot Rugelach Recipe

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If you’re looking for a sweet treat, you’ve got to try this Apricot Rugelach recipe! These delightful pastries are loaded with buttery goodness and a lovely apricot filling that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Helps prevent dough sticking, filling leakage, and crumbly texture while shortening prep time through chilled dough, measured apricot filling, and simple, repeatable shaping.

Twisted Apricot Rugelach Recipe - 1

Sometimes, I struggle with getting the dough just right, and it can be a pain when the filling leaks out while baking. But with this recipe, I’ve figured out how to keep everything neatly tucked in, so you won’t have messy pastries to clean up.

What I love most about this recipe is how quick it is to whip up. With just about an hour of prep time and only 15 to 17 minutes of baking, you can serve some warm, flaky rugelach in no time. Plus, using cream cheese in the dough gives it that tender texture we all love.

If you enjoy experimenting with flavors, try adding in some nuts or different jams. If you’re also a fan of apricot desserts, you might want to check out this Apricot Almond Cookies.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Tender Texture : Thanks to the cream cheese, the dough comes out so tender and flaky, making each bite just melt in your mouth.
  • Flavor Fusion : The mix of buttery sweetness and tart apricot really hits the spot, so you get a little zing with every bite.
  • Convenient Prep : Using a food processor makes this recipe a breeze, so you won’t spend ages in the kitchen, and can enjoy your treats sooner.
  • Easy Storage : These rugelach keep well for several days at room temperature, plus you can freeze them for later, making it super handy when you want a snack.

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Twisted Apricot Rugelach Recipe

Twisted Apricot Rugelach Recipe

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  • Author: Charlene
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cool Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 17 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 17 minutes
  • Yield: 36 Cookies 1x
  • Category: Cookies
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: N/A
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delicious buttery apricot rugelach cookies filled with apricot preserves and topped with nuts and chocolate. Perfect for tea time!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 Cups (240g) Unbleached all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 Tablespoons (15g) Powdered sugar
  • 1 Cup (225g) Unsalted butter, cold, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 1 Cup (225g) Cream cheese, cold, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 3/4 Cup Apricot preserves
  • 1 Cup A variety of toppings: chopped walnuts, chopped pistachios, chopped white chocolate
  • 2 Large Egg yolks for egg wash
  • 1/4 Cup Turbinado sugar

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: Start by creaming the butter and cream cheese together until it is nice and smooth. You want it to be fluffy, so give it a good mix. Slowly add in the flour and powdered sugar until everything comes together into a dough. If it feels too sticky, chill it for a bit more time.
  2. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for about an hour. This is where the magic happens—it firms up and makes rolling so much easier. Do not skip this step, or you will end up with a sticky mess.
  3. Prepare the Filling: While the dough is chilling, warm your apricot preserves in a saucepan until it gets pourable. It should smell sweet and fruity. This helps it spread more easily on the dough. Just be careful not to let it boil; otherwise, it will get too thick.
  4. Roll Out Dough: Once the dough is chilled, roll it out into a circle on a lightly floured surface. Aim for about a quarter-inch thickness – that helps the rugelach bake evenly. If it feels too sticky, add a bit more flour to your hands and the surface.
  5. Spread the Jam: Spread an even layer of warm apricot preserves over the rolled-out dough, leaving a little margin at the edge. You want it to look glossy. Just remember not to go overboard with the filling—too much can lead to a leaking disaster while baking.
  6. Cut & Assemble: Slice the dough into wedges, like cutting a pizza. Each piece should be about the size of a pizza slice. Starting from the wide end, roll each wedge up toward the tip. They should feel snug but not overly tight to allow room for puffing in the oven.
  7. Bake Until Golden: Place the rugelach on a lined baking sheet and bake them until they turn golden brown and smell divine—this usually takes about 15 to 17 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary, and you do not want them to burn.
  8. Cool & Enjoy: Once out of the oven, let them cool on a wire rack—this helps keep their shape. They should look crisp on the outside and soft inside. Do not rush this step, or they might crumble apart when you try to eat them!

Notes

  • Storage Tips: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months.
  • Expert Tips: If the dough feels overly sticky, consider chilling it for an additional 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
  • When measuring ingredients, using a kitchen scale can help you achieve precise amounts for better results.
  • If your apricot jam seems too thick for spreading, try warming it gently with a little water to achieve the right consistency.
  • For even baking, roll out the dough to a uniform thickness of about 1/8-inch to help it bake evenly.
  • If you are facing filling leaks during baking, applying a thin layer of jam will help prevent that mess.
  • Reheating Instructions: If desired, reheat at 350 degrees F for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve with tea or coffee for a delightful snack. Pair with a fruit compote for added flavor. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
  • Recipe Variations: Add almond extract to the apricot jam for extra flavor. Incorporate cinnamon into the dough for a spiced touch. Replace apricot with other fruit fillings like raspberry or fig.
  • Ingredient Notes: Use fresh apricot preserves for the best flavor. When choosing toppings, chopped nuts like walnuts or pistachios add a nice crunch.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Cookie
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Twisted Apricot Rugelach Recipe - 1

Recipe Tips

  1. If the dough feels overly sticky, consider chilling it for an additional 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
  2. When measuring ingredients, using a kitchen scale can help you achieve precise amounts for better results.
  3. If your apricot jam seems too thick for spreading, try warming it gently with a little water to achieve the right consistency.
  4. If you’re facing filling leaks during baking, applying a thin layer of jam will help prevent that mess.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these buttery apricot rugelach with tea or coffee as a delightful snack. Pair them with a fruit compote for added flavor.

These rugelach can also be used as a sweet addition to a dessert table or gift giving. Include them during Jewish holidays or Christmas celebrations.

Dust the rugelach with powdered sugar before serving to enhance their presentation. A light glaze can add a touch of sweetness if desired.

Recipe variations

  • You can swap out the apricot preserves with raspberry or fig preserves for a different flavor twist.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of almond extract to the apricot jam to infuse the filling with extra flavor.
  • Either use chopped walnuts or chopped pistachios as toppings for a delightful crunch in each bite.
  • If baking for a larger gathering, multiply the ingredients by 1.5 to yield about 36 rugelach pieces.

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How to Store?

To keep your buttery apricot rugelach fresh, follow these storage tips:

Room Temperature: Store rugelach in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This method maintains texture and flavor.

Refrigeration: For longer storage, place rugelach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Check before serving.

Freezing: Wrap rugelach in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

If you enjoyed this Buttery Apricot Rugelach or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!

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