8 Scrumptious Rugelach Recipes to Make for Hanukkah

Updated: Nov. 20, 2023

Rugelach—crisp and tender cookies rolled around fillings of nuts, spiced fruit or chocolate—are a beloved part of Jewish-American cooking and a must-have at the holidays.

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Rugelach

The crisp texture of these crescent-shaped cookies makes them a terrific treat to serve alongside a steaming mug of hot chocolate or coffee. Learn how to make them step by step.

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Pumpkin Rugelach with Cream Cheese Icing

This pumpkin rugelach recipe with a rich cream cheese icing is my twist on this classic pastry. The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated, which makes the recipe ideal for the busy holiday season. —Justine Duffy, Wooster, Ohio
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Apricot Raisin Rugelach

Rugelach is a classic addition to holiday trays. The flaky, buttery pastry slices encase a spiced fruit and walnut filling. —Laurie Klett, Hamilton, Michigan
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Grandma's Raspberry Rugelach

I remember sitting on my great-grandmother's couch with a pad and pen in hand as she told me each ingredient and measurement for her special rugelach. Her recipe stands apart because it's a fun twist from typical versions. —Dalya Rubin, Boca Raton, Florida
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Date-Filled Rugelach

I like to take old recipes and make them my own. They’re so special to my family. Sometimes I roll the dough in cinnamon sugar instead of flour. —Barbara Estabrook, Appleton, WI
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Cranberry Rugelach

These traditional Polish treats will keep for a long time in an airtight container. One year, I sent a batch to my sister, but the box got lost. She received it 12 days later and reported that the cookies were worth the wait! —Jean Doxon, Omaha, Nebraska
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Pistachio-Cranberry Rugelach

Traditional rugelach gets dressed up for the holiday with pistachios, cranberries, and snow-white icing. Rich but not too sweet! —Deborah Hinojosa, Saratoga, California
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Chocolate Rugelach

Many bakeries make chocolate rugelach, but they taste so much better when they are homemade. Traditionally, they are filled with a cinnamon nut mixture, but everything is better with chocolate! —Fern Holody, Lavallette, New Jersey

Don’t miss out on our other Hanukkah desserts too!