How to Shape Rugelach - Bake from Scratch (2024)

How to Shape Rugelach - Bake from Scratch (1)

Rugelach is a classic pastry of Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jews. Shannon Sarna, author of Modern Jewish Baker, takes hers in unexpected, savory directions. Whether infusing her cookies with the flavors of a popular fall latte or an unusual North African condiment, Shannon’s twists on rugelach bring a dose of melting-pot culture to old-world Jewish baking. Find her one-of-a-kind takes on the classic recipe (likePumpkin Chocolate Hazelnut RugelachandHarissa and Goat Cheese Rugelach)and then learn how to shape your rugelach.

Essential Tools

  • An 8- or 9-inch round cake pan or cutting ring to cut out dough
  • Small offset spatula for spreading various fillings
  • Pastry brush for the egg wash
  • Pizza cutter for cutting triangles
  • Silicone baking mat or parchment paper

How-to Shape Your Rugelach:

How to Shape Rugelach - Bake from Scratch (2)

1.Like many cookie doughs, it’s important to make sure the rugelach dough is very cold when you’re rolling out and shaping it. Give your dough 1 to 2 hours in the refrigerator, or make it the day before and refrigerate overnight.

2.Use the circular bottom of a cake pan, like the removable bottom of a springform pan, to make sure that you’re cutting a perfect circle of dough.

How to Shape Rugelach - Bake from Scratch (4)

3.Spread a thin, even layer of filling on the dough. If you go overboard with the filling, your rugelach crescents will explode as they bake.

How to Shape Rugelach - Bake from Scratch (5)

4.A pizza cutter is the perfect tool to slice your dough because of the rotating blade, plus you’ll be dividing your dough into triangles, much like a pizza. A pastry wheel will work as well.

How to Shape Rugelach - Bake from Scratch (6)

5.When shaping your rugelach, take the fat end of the triangle and roll tightly toward the pointed end to form a crescent shape.

How to Shape Rugelach - Bake from Scratch (7)

6.As you work with the dough, the heat from your hands might cause it to get too warm and make it unmanageable. After working with it awhile, place your dough back in the fridge for 5 to 10 minutes for it to set back up.

How to Shape Rugelach - Bake from Scratch (2024)

FAQs

How to shape rugelach? ›

To form a roll, begin by trimming the dough to a clean rectangle, about four by 12 inches. Add the filling, then spiral the dough along the 12-inch side, turning it at least four times. Place the trimmed dough on a piece of plastic wrap, and use the wrap to help roll up the spiral.

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 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 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.

How to store rugelach overnight? ›

Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Flatten each portion into 1-inch thick disks, then wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

What is the shelf life of rugelach? ›

Shelf Life: To enjoy at maximum freshness – refrigerate upon receipt and consume within 30 days. We freeze upon arrival, shelf life is 9 months frozen from date of receipt. Safety Warnings: Allergen warning: Contains Wheat, Milk, Egg, Soy, Walnuts and Tree nuts.

Can you freeze unbaked rugelach? ›

You can freeze rugelach pastries before or after baking them. Before baking, you can freeze them on a parchment-lined baking sheet until frozen. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

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 is the difference between American and Israeli rugelach? ›

Americans typically fill their chocolate rugelach with mini-chocolate chips, while Israelis will make their own chocolate filling. This version follows that Israeli tradition, which usually includes a touch of cinnamon.

Why do Jews eat babka? ›

Like many Jewish-American specialties, babka originated in Eastern Europe – Poland and Ukraine in particular – in the early 1800s. As a way to use extra challah dough, Jews there would roll up the dough with cinnamon or fruit jam and bake it alongside the challah.

What is a fun fact about rugelach? ›

It is popular in Israel and among Jews around the world. Rugelach is made by rolling a triangle of dough around a sweet filling, such as nuts, chocolate, jam, or poppy seeds. The name rugelach means “l*ttle twists” or “l*ttle corners” in Yiddish, because of the shape of the pastry.

What is a rugelach in Yiddish? ›

What does “Rugelach” mean? The word “Rugelach” in Yiddish means “little twists.” The cookies originated in Ashkenazi Polish Jewish communities, but are popular with people of all backgrounds and cultures nowadays.

What is used to shape biscuits? ›

With floured biscuit cutter, cut out biscuits - keeping cuts close together. When cutting, use a straight downward motion and avoid twisting the cutter as biscuits may rise unevenly. Biscuits can also be cut with a knife into rectangle, square or triangle shapes.

How do you shape puff pastry sheets? ›

When cutting Puff Pastry, the sharper the knife or pastry cutter, the better. A dull edge can cement layers together and prevent pastry from rising. Always cut Puff Pastry straight down, never on an angle, to prevent layers from sticking together and inhibiting the rise. Cut up and down, and don't drag the knife.

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