Raspberry Chocolate Rugelach

Name: Raspberry Chocolate Rugelach
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 32 cookies.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, softened; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; FILLING:; 1/4 cup dried currants; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup seedless raspberry jam; 2/3 cup finely chopped pecans; 1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Since we celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas, these cookies were always on the menu. The cookies can be covered and refrigerated overnight or frozen for up to two months. —G.P. Busarow, Whitehall, Montana

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
FILLING:
1/4 cup dried currants
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup seedless raspberry jam
2/3 cup finely chopped pecans
1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.
Divide dough in half; form into two balls. Flatten to 5-in. circles; wrap in plastic. Refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
Place currants in a small bowl. Cover with boiling water; let stand for 5 minutes. Drain well and set aside. Combine sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
On a lightly floured surface or pastry mat, roll one portion of dough into an 11-in. circle. Brush with half of the jam. Sprinkle with half of the cinnamon-sugar, pecans, chocolate chips and currants; press down gently.
Cut into 16 wedges. Roll up wedges from the wide end and place point side down 2 in. apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Curve ends to form a crescent. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before baking. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
Bake at 350° for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 90 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 49mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.

Originally published as Rugelach for the Reindeer in Reminisce December/January 2009