Description
Chocolate Gluten-Free Rugelach is a delicious twist on the classic Jewish pastry, filled with rich chocolate and a hint of cinnamon, all wrapped up in a buttery, flaky gluten-free dough. These bite-sized treats are perfect for anyone following a gluten-free diet but still craving a sweet, indulgent pastry.
Ingredients
- For the dough:
1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (ensure it’s a blend that contains xanthan gum)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes
8 oz cream cheese, chilled and cut into cubes
1 tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tbsp cold water (as needed)
For the filling:
1/2 cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For brushing and topping:
1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
1 tbsp granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
1/2 tsp cinnamon (for sprinkling)
Instructions
Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, sugar, and salt. Add the chilled butter and cream cheese. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of cold water. Mix until the dough begins to come together. If the dough is too dry, add the remaining cold water. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, combine the chocolate chips, sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts (if using). Set aside.
- Assemble the rugelach: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take the chilled dough out of the fridge and divide it into 4 portions. Roll one portion of dough into a circle about 1/8-inch thick. Spread a thin layer of the chocolate mixture over the dough, leaving a small border. Slice the dough into 8 wedges and carefully roll each wedge from the outer edge towards the center. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the rugelach: If using an egg wash, whisk the egg and brush the tops of the rugelach. Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp on the edges. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Fruit and Nut Rugelach: Swap the chocolate chips for fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot, and add finely chopped nuts.
- Nut-Free: Skip the nuts or substitute with additional chocolate chips or seeds.
- Spiced Chocolate Rugelach: Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the chocolate for a spicy kick.
- Storage: Store cooled rugelach in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. They freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Jewish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rugelach
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg