Rugelach with Cream Cheese Filling

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together cream cheese, brown sugar and cinnamon until creamy. Stir in raisins and walnuts.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into 3 inch rounds. Place 1 teaspoon of cream cheese mixture in the center of each round. Bring the edges of the dough up around the filling, pinching to seal.
5. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Interesting Facts

• Rugelach are a type of pastry that originated in Eastern Europe.
• Rugelach are traditionally filled with chocolate, nuts, fruit, or cheese.
• Rugelach can be shaped into crescents, circles, or triangles.