Decadent Chocolate Rugelach Recipe

Indulge in the delightful world of Jewish baking with these decadent Chocolate Rugelach! Elevating a classic recipe with a rich chocolate twist, these flaky pastries are a labor of love that marries buttery dough with a luscious chocolate filling. The cream cheese dough provides a tender yet sturdy base, allowing the melted chocolate to shine through and create a treat that’s both elegant and comforting.

My journey with these Chocolate Rugelach began during a Hanukkah celebration, and they’ve since become a beloved holiday tradition in my family. Inspired by my grandmother’s walnut-filled rugelach, I added a chocolate filling to create a modern twist on a cherished recipe. The contrast between the crisp exterior and the luxurious chocolate ribbon within each spiral makes these homemade rugelach truly unforgettable.

Temperature and technique are key in mastering these delectable pastries. From ensuring the dough is just right for rolling to handling the chocolate filling with care, each step plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of flakiness and richness. Whether enjoyed during festive gatherings or as a special treat for yourself, these Chocolate Rugelach promise to bring joy with every bite.

Quick Benefits

• Decadent and irresistible combination of flaky pastry and rich chocolate filling
• Versatile base for variations with additions like hazelnuts, orange zest, or flaky sea salt
• Can be made ahead and frozen for convenience
• Stays fresh and delicious for several days when stored properly

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Chocolate Rugelach Recipe Recipe

• Decadent Flavor Combination:
• The combination of flaky pastry and rich chocolate filling creates an irresistible treat that is both elegant and comforting.
• The tangy cream cheese dough pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate filling for a decadent flavor experience.
• Family Tradition with a Twist:
• This recipe offers a modern twist on a classic family tradition, making it a unique and special treat to share with loved ones.
• Converting the traditional walnut filling to a chocolate one adds a delightful richness that elevates the experience.
• Texture and Taste Sensation:
• The contrast between the flaky exterior and the rich chocolate filling creates a delightful texture and flavor profile.
• The firm ribbon of chocolate through each spiral provides a structural element and incredible taste.
• Versatile and Customizable:
• This recipe serves as an excellent base for variations, such as adding hazelnuts, orange zest, or a sprinkle of sea salt for different flavor profiles.
• Drizzling cooled rugelach with white chocolate for special occasions offers a striking visual contrast and added sweetness.
• Storage and Freezing Options:
• The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage, making it convenient for planning ahead.
• Unbaked rugelach can be frozen for future enjoyment, allowing you to have a sweet treat on hand whenever you desire.
• Tips for Success:
• The recipe provides helpful tips for ensuring the dough is the right consistency and the chocolate is at the ideal temperature for spreading.
• Instructions on proper cutting techniques and baking methods ensure that each rugelach turns out perfectly flaky and delicious.

Ingredients for Decadent Chocolate Rugelach Recipe

Dough

• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 8 ounces (226 grams / 2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into chunks
• 2 ½ cups (325 grams) all-purpose flour
• 8 ounces (226 grams / 1 package) cold cream cheese, cut into chunks
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

Filling

• 8 ounces (226 grams) high quality semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup (50 grams) packed light brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Topping

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water

How to Make Decadent Chocolate Rugelach Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Using a food processor with a metal blade, pulse together flour, sugar, and salt. Add butter and cream cheese chunks, then pulse 25-35 times until dough forms. Transfer dough to a work surface, divide into 4 equal rectangles (about 200 grams each), wrap with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 3 days.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Melt chocolate in a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals until mostly melted. Stir until smooth, then mix in brown sugar and cinnamon (optional). Keep warm to prevent hardening.

Step 3: Assemble the Rugelach

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll one piece of chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into an 8×11-inch rectangle. Spread ¼ of the chocolate filling, leaving a ¼-inch border. Roll the dough into a cylinder and repeat with remaining dough and filling.

Step 4: Chill Rolled Dough

Chill the rolled dough logs in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, or until firm.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) with racks in upper and lower thirds. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 6: Cut and Bake Rugelach

Cut each chilled roll into 8 pieces (about 1 ¼ inches wide) to make a total of 32 pinwheels. Place them on baking sheets seam-side down. Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon, and bake for 18–22 minutes, rotating pans halfway, until golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Place the baked rugelach on a wire rack to cool thoroughly before serving.

Storage Tips

After making the Chocolate Rugelach, you can store the unbaked dough by refrigerating it for up to 3 days or freezing it for longer storage. Ensure the dough is wrapped well to prevent it from drying out. When ready to bake, make sure the chocolate filling is just warm enough to spread easily but not so hot that it melts the dough. Work quickly to avoid the chocolate cooling and hardening during assembly.

If you have leftover baked rugelach, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days. For optimal freshness, separate the layers of rugelach with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Additionally, you can freeze unbaked rugelach by slicing them, freezing until solid on a tray, then transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, you can place the frozen rugelach directly in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you can enjoy your decadent chocolate rugelach for an extended period or have them ready to bake for a quick treat.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a nut-free alternative, consider substituting the chocolate filling with a combination of finely chopped dried fruit like apricots or cherries mixed with a touch of honey or jam. This will provide a sweet and slightly tangy flavor profile that complements the cream cheese dough beautifully.

If you prefer a different chocolate intensity, you can experiment with using dark chocolate chips or chunks with varying cocoa percentages. Dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content will provide a more intense and less sweet flavor, while milk chocolate can be used for a sweeter option. Just adjust the amount of sugar in the filling accordingly based on your chocolate choice.

To make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, you can use margarine or a plant-based butter substitute in place of the unsalted butter. Additionally, vegan cream cheese can be used as a replacement for the dairy-based cream cheese without compromising the texture or flavor of the rugelach. This way, you can accommodate dietary preferences while still enjoying the delicious chocolate-filled pastry.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try plating these decadent chocolate rugelach on a beautiful dessert board alongside a variety of toppings such as fresh berries, whipped cream, and a selection of nuts. This interactive presentation allows guests to customize their rugelach with different flavor combinations, adding a fun and interactive element to your dessert spread.

Another fun idea is to pair these chocolate rugelach with a rich and velvety dark hot chocolate for a luxurious and indulgent dessert experience. The combination of the flaky pastry with the creamy chocolate filling, paired with a warm cup of hot cocoa, creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures that is sure to impress your guests.

FAQs for Decadent Chocolate Rugelach Recipe

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Make sure it’s wrapped well to prevent drying out.

How should I handle the chocolate filling if it hardens before I can roll the dough?

If the chocolate hardens before you can roll the dough, warm it slightly over low heat. Ensure the chocolate is just warm enough to spread easily but not so hot it melts the dough. Work quickly to avoid it cooling and hardening.

Can I freeze unbaked rugelach?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked rugelach. Slice them, place in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then store in a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How should I store baked rugelach?

Baked rugelach can be stored in an airtight container for 3-5 days at room temperature. For best results, separate layers with parchment paper.

Conclusion

As you embark on your chocolate rugelach baking journey, remember that each batch is an opportunity to create something truly special. The combination of flaky dough and rich chocolate filling is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your loved ones. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, these chocolate rugelach are a delicious way to celebrate the holidays or any occasion.

So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor the sweet rewards of your labor. With a little time and effort, you’ll soon be indulging in decadent chocolate rugelach that are as beautiful to look at as they are delicious to eat. Embrace the process, enjoy the aroma wafting from your oven, and revel in the joy of creating homemade treats that are filled with love and flavor. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the delightful scent of freshly baked Chocolate Rugelach.