This entry was posted on March 18, 2016 by gjcookies.
Gimmee Jimmy's Raspberry Rugelach
Rugelach is an irresistible baked treat which is both delicious and versatile. They're a traditional Jewish delicacy, made with a crisp, flaky, buttery pastry rolled into a crescent shape, with a variety of filling options available.
Origins of Rugelach
Historically, Rugelach is said to be linked with the Viennese Kipfel, crescent shaped pastries which commemorate the lifting of the Turkish siege in the Battle of Vienna. Rugelach is also similar in shape to the French croissant, which may be a descendant of the popular sweet pastry. Traditionally, Rugelach was made with yeast dough as was filled with jam, poppy seed paste or nuts. Nowadays, the pastry has evolved to be made with a yeast-free cream cheese dough, which is both quicker and easier to make. The cream cheese dough was first used by American bakers in the 1940s, and now forms the staple of the modern Rugelach known and loved by sweet-toothed Americans today.
There’s some controversy over the origins of the word Rugelach, with some saying that the root of the word is rog, in Yiddish meaning corner or twist, referring to the shape of the pastry, while others claim the root is rugel, meaning royal and referring to the taste. Whichever meaning is correct, we think these mini crescent-shaped delights are simply divine!
Rugelach Fillings
It’s easy to find Rugelach to cater to everyone’s tastes, with traditional fillings including raisins, nuts, cinnamon, chocolate or jam. Cream cheese fillings are also a popular choice and make these little bites of deliciousness even more decadent and melt-in-your-mouth. Traditionally, Rugelach is eaten on the Jewish Sabbath, but it can also be enjoyed all year round, and makes a lovely gift to give to celebrate Hannukah or any other holiday. If you’re hosting a party, you could even make up a platter with several different flavors of Rugelach, so your guests can sample them all.
Gimmee Jimmy's Cookies Rugelach Gift
Why Rugelach makes a great gift
If you’re someone who likes to give presents which demonstrate care and thought, things which will be appreciate or used and which will really give pleasure to your recipient, Rugelach is the perfect choice.
- Firstly, edible gifts are great because they get used up – they don’t sit around gathering dust or taking up space at the back of a cupboard – they’re eaten and enjoyed.
- Secondly, Rugelach in particular is a good edible gift to give because it looks so impressive and intricate. If you’ve got the time and skill to make a batch yourself that’s brilliant, but if not then Gimmee Jimmy’s is on hand to help you gift the taste of home baking without the hassle. There’s such a variety of flavors, each looking intricate and irresistible, you really can’t go wrong. The bite-sizecookies are easy to share, and provide the perfect amount of sweetness for an accompaniment to tea or coffee, an afternoon snack or dessert after a meal.
- Finally there’s the traditional element. Whether you or your recipient is Jewish or not, it’s nice to give something with cultural significance and history to it, whatever the occasion.
Gimmee Jimmy's Cookies Chocolate Rugelach
Baking Rugelach at home
If you’re planning on baking a batch of Rugelach, you firstly need to decide whether to opt for a traditional recipe with a yeast dough, or choose a more modern and familiar version with cream cheese. For traditionalists, this recipe from Joy of Kosher is straightforward and easy to follow. If you’d prefer a decadent cream cheese dough, the information and instruction provided by The Kitchn is really helpful. Alternatively if you’d like someone else to do all the hard work for you while you sit back and enjoy sampling the delicious results, check out our wonderful Rugelach varieties available to ship today!
FAQs
Delicious to eat and fun to make, rugelach (pronounced rug-a-lah) are miniature crescent-rolled pastries posing as cookies. They're made by rolling a triangle of dough around a sweet filling of fruit, nuts, chocolate or pretty much anything your heart desires.
What does rugelach taste like? ›
Rugelach have a similar taste to tiny, buttery croissants but with a harder texture. And, the filling is fruity, crunchy, and filled with cinnamon.
What is a fun fact about rugelach? ›
It is popular in Israel and among Jews around the world. Rugelach is made by rolling a triangle of dough around a sweet filling, such as nuts, chocolate, jam, or poppy seeds. The name rugelach means “l*ttle twists” or “l*ttle corners” in Yiddish, because of the shape of the pastry.
Why do Jews eat rugelach? ›
Rugelach are often served on Jewish holidays like Hanukkah and Shavuot, though of course they can (and should!) be made throughout the year. Our family typically serves them during Rosh Hashanah, when sweet foods are made to signify a sweet new year.
What does rugelach symbolize? ›
Historically, Rugelach is said to be linked with the Viennese Kipfel, crescent shaped pastries which commemorate the lifting of the Turkish siege in the Battle of Vienna. Rugelach is also similar in shape to the French croissant, which may be a descendant of the popular sweet pastry.
What does rugelach mean dictionary? ›
noun. , Jewish Cooking. , plural rug·e·lach. a bite-size pastry made by rolling a triangle of dough around a filling of jam, nuts, raisins, etc.
What is rugelach another name for? ›
Croissant-shaped pastries, which look like horns, are called rogale in Polish, see Rogal świętomarciński. Rogale is almost identical in pronunciation and meaning to the Yiddish word rugelach.
Does rugelach go bad? ›
Our Rugelach are very hearty, they stay fresh unrefrigerated for about three days. However, If you want them to last longer, putting them in a plastic bag in the fridge will keep them fresh for from 8 to 10 days. Or, place them in the freezer in a sealed container and they will freeze really well for up to 8 months.
What is a rugelach in Yiddish? ›
What does “Rugelach” mean? The word “Rugelach” in Yiddish means “little twists.” The cookies originated in Ashkenazi Polish Jewish communities, but are popular with people of all backgrounds and cultures nowadays.
What is the difference between babka and rugelach? ›
Babka is a yeast bread that is rolled with chocolate filling. It's usually made in a loaf pan. Rugelach is rolled like croissants. The main differences between the two of them are their shape and the type of dough they use.
Rugelach is a traditional Eastern European pastry, which got its name from the Yiddish word for “l*ttle twists.” The parallels between Rugelach and croissants don't end at their similar shapes and sizes. Rugelach was invented around the same time as the croissant, in 1683.
What is the meaning of rugelach in English? ›
: a pastry made with cream-cheese dough that is rolled around a filling (such as nuts, jam, or chocolate) and baked.
What is the difference between American and Israeli rugelach? ›
From a good friend of mine who is Israeli, I learned that traditional rugelach in Israel is always made with chocolate, while among American Jews it's made using jam. "As rugelach has always been a favorite of mine, I decided to take this classic dessert and put my spin on it.
What did Jews eat for breakfast? ›
The Israeli breakfast is a dairy meal, and a variety of cheeses are offered. Fish is pareve and so is permitted with a dairy meal, and herring is frequently served. Other smoked or pickled fish dishes are also common, including sprats, sardines and salmon.
Is rugelach a croissant? ›
Rugelach is a traditional Eastern European pastry, which got its name from the Yiddish word for “l*ttle twists.” The parallels between Rugelach and croissants don't end at their similar shapes and sizes. Rugelach was invented around the same time as the croissant, in 1683.
Gimmee Jimmy's Raspberry Rugelach
Gimmee Jimmy's Cookies Rugelach Gift
