Go Back
Homemade Poppy Seed Rugelach photo

Poppy Seed Rugelach

Poppy Seed Rugelach is a delightful pastry with a sweet, nutty filling. Perfect for any occasion!
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Jewish

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup butter (2 sticks) unsalted and at room temperature
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup poppy seeds
  • ½ cup honey
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • pinch nutmeg freshly grated

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Rolling Pin
  • Baking sheet
  • Sharp knife or pizza cutter
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the sea salt and flour, mixing until just combined. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the poppy seeds, honey, water, lemon zest, orange zest, lemon juice, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly—about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
  3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a large circle, about ¼-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 8-12 equal wedges.
  4. Spread a generous spoonful of the cooled poppy seed filling over each wedge. Starting from the wide end, roll each wedge tightly towards the point, forming a crescent shape. Place the rolled rugelach on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow the rugelach to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Chill the dough to ensure a flaky texture.
  • Don’t overwork the dough to keep it tender.
  • Allow the filling to cool before spreading.