Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (2024)

By Trang Doan - (updated ) - This post may contain affiliate links.

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This Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe is packed with delicious Fall flavors thanks to the fig jam and cinnamon walnut rugelach filling. They are the perfect addition to your holiday cookies list this season.
Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (1)Making rugelach always reminds me of the holiday season because every year my holiday cookies spread include at least one rugelach recipe. I’ve made a few before on the blog with different type of rugelach filing. These cinnamon rugelach and almond rugelach are definitely holiday cookies worthy, as are these new Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach!

Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (2)

What is Rugelach pastry?

Rugelach are light and flaky pastries, very popular among American and European Jews. They are typically made in the shape of a crescent by rolling a triangular piece of dough around a rugelach filling. Their bite size crescent shape can be mistaken for crescent rolls or mini croissants, but they are more like cookies.

Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (3)

How to make Rugelach?

My go-to rugelach recipe is made with a simple butter and cream cheese dough. The cream cheese version is said to be an American innovation, while a version with yeast leavened and sour cream dough is said to be much older. The yeast leavened dough is then laminated with butter to be more like a croissant dough; this is much more complex. Traditional rugelach filling can include raisins, walnut, cinnamon, marzipan or almond paste, chocolate, fruit preserves, etc. But you’re only limited by your own imagination.

Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (4)For these particular Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach, I made them with the simple butter and cream cheese dough that can be whipped up easily in the stand mixer or food processor. I used store bought fig jam for the rugelach filling along with a mixture of ground walnut and cinnamon sugar. The delicious flavors of this rugelach filling make these Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach the perfect holiday cookies that everyone will love!

More Rugelach Recipes

  • Cinnamon Roll Rugelach
  • Tropical Rugelach
  • Marzipan Filled Rugelach

Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (5)If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment, rate it and don’t forget to tag me @wildwildwhisk on Instagram. I’d love to see what’s cooking up in your kitchen. Cheers!

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Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (6)

Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach

This Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe is packed with delicious Fall flavors thanks to the fig jam and cinnamon walnut rugelach filling. They are the perfect addition to your holiday cookies list this season.

5 from 5 votes

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Eastern European

Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes minutes

Resting Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 48 minutes minutes

Servings: 24 pieces

Author: Trang

Ingredients

For the rugelach dough

  • 4 ounce cream cheese – room temperature
  • 4 ounce unsalted butter – room temperature
  • 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • Extra flour for rolling

For the rugelach filling

  • 4 tablespoon fig jam
  • ½ cup walnut - pulverized
  • 2 tablespoon brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  • Cream the soften butter and cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl with the paddle attachment on medium high speed until fluffy. Add sugar, salt and vanilla extract and beat on medium to combine.

  • Reduce mixer speed to low and slowly add the flour, mix until just combined.

  • Scrape the dough out onto a well-floured board, and shape into a disk. Divide into two equal portions, shape each into a ball then flatten into a disk and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate for at least an hour.

  • Pulverize the walnut in a food processor or blender, combine it with brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, whisk to distribute evenly.

  • Remove one disk of dough from the refrigerator and roll out into a 9” circle. Spread 2 tablespoons fig jam over the dough circle, leaving about ¼” from the edge clean. Sprinkle half of the nut filling over the jam and lightly press it down into the dough.

  • Cut the circle into 12 triangles using a pizza cutter. First cut the circle into quarters, then cut each quarter into thirds. Roll the larger end of each triangle in to make a crescent shape cookie, try to keep the nut filling from falling out. Place cookies on a parchment line baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining disk of dough.

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.

  • Beat one egg with a tablespoon of cream or milk to make egg wash. Combine 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar with ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon in a separate bowl for the topping. Brush egg wash all over the cookies, and sprinkle cinnamon sugar generously over the top.

  • Bake for 18 minutes, until cookies are slightly brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?If you made this recipe and loved it, please leave a comment and give us a 5 STAR review. Mention @WildWildWhisk or tag #WildWildWhisk on Instagram.

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Comments

  1. Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (7)Irina

    Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (8)
    These were fantastic! Not my mother’s recipe for Romanian cornulete but they taste just as good, dare I say even better! I had to cook mine a good 6-8 min more than the recipe to get them to start to brown.

    Reply

    • Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (9)Trang Doan

      Thanks for making these Irina! I’m so glad you like them and wow what a compliment to be compared to your mother’s recipe 🙂

      Reply

  2. Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (10)Sheryl Kelly

    Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (11)
    I made the recipe as directed and they were delicious! I’ll make these again.

    Reply

    • Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (12)Trang Doan

      So glad you like these Sheryl! Thank you for trying it and taking the time to leave a review 🙂

      Reply

  3. Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (13)Kristin

    Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (14)
    Delicious and easy recipe – used pear & fig preserves of my own making which worked just fine. Was a bit concerned that I’d worked the dough excessively but it’s resilient and baked up still tender. My Jewish partner, etc. approved of them so that means I’ll bake them again. Thanks for the great recipe, Trang ~

    Reply

    • Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (15)Trang Doan

      Thanks Kristin! So happy to hear they were approved by your partner!

      Reply

  4. Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (16)Heather

    Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (17)
    I made these with my homemade fig jam. They were great. I crushed my walnuts with a rolling pin, and it worked just fine. I do recommend kneading the dough. I kneaded one half and did the other without kneading. The kneaded disc was much easier to roll out and the slices were much easier to roll up into crescents.
    Thank you for sharing your recipe. I’m definitely going to make it again.

    Reply

    • Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (18)Trang

      Thanks for the tips Heather and for taking the time to leave a comment! And I’m glad you enjoy them 🙂 I’ll be sure to try kneading them more next time too.

      Reply

    • Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (19)Judy

      Are we rolling the triangles of dough with the filling on top? Won’t this disturb the filling?

      Reply

      • Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (20)Trang Doan

        Yes are you and yes it will, do your best to press the filling into the dough. Some will fall out but I’m usually able to keep almost all of the filling inside the dough.

        Reply

    • Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (21)Sue I

      Did you knead the dough before refrigerating it or just before rolling it out?
      Thanks.

      Reply

      • Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (22)Trang Doan

        I would knead before refrigerating, after refrigeration, the dough should be pretty firm and you won’t be able to knead it. But you could just let your mixer go a little bit longer after the dough comes together instead of kneading by hand.

        Reply

        • Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (23)Sue I

          Thank you they came out great!

          Reply

          • Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (24)Trang Doan

            Awesome!

          • Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (25)Sherylanne

            Do these freeze well?
            They turned out amazing!
            Used Nutella and Walnut 😊

          • Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (26)Trang Doan

            Yes, you can freeze them up to 3 months. You can also freeze the unbaked cookies if you want and pop them in the oven whenever you wish.

  5. Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (27)Natalie

    Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (28)
    These rugelach look so delicious! I love the combination of figs and walnuts!

    Reply

    • Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (29)Trang

      Thanks Natalie!

      Reply

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Fig Jam and Walnut Rugelach Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is a fun fact about rugelach? ›

Rugelach is a type of pastry that originated in the Jewish communities of Poland. 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.

Can rugelach be frozen before baking? ›

You can freeze rugelach pastries before or after baking them. Before baking, you can freeze them on a parchment-lined baking sheet until frozen. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake them straight from frozen and add 2 to 3 minutes to the baking time when ready to enjoy.

What do you put fig jam on? ›

Within an hour, you've got a fig jam that tops any store-bought version. The best part is its versatility. Think bread toppings, cheese, and charcuterie pairings, sandwich spreads (it's amazing on grilled cheese), or just a thoughtful jarred gift.

How do you keep rugelach fresh? ›

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.

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 country is rugelach from? ›

Rugelach (/ˈruːɡələx/ ROO-gəl-əkh; Yiddish: ראגעלעך, or Yiddish: רוגעלעך, romanized: rugelekh and Hebrew: רוגלך rōgalaḵ) is a filled baked confection originating in the Jewish communities of Poland.

How long does homemade rugelach last? ›

Hi- It will stay fresh for a week or so at room temperature. If frozen, which is what I do when I bring it back to the states, it can stay fresh for months.

Should you refrigerate rugelach? ›

Serve warm or at room temperature. Store leftover rugelach in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. Freeze for longer storage.

When should I eat rugelach? ›

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.

What cheese goes best with fig jam? ›

Havarti, a soft and creamy Danish-inspired cheese, pairs well with raspberry, strawberry, and fig jam.

Which cheese goes with figs? ›

Served with cheese

Plump, fresh figs pair well with a wide variety of cheeses, from crumbly, sharp stilton to creamy brie.

How do you store rugelach overnight? ›

Recipe tips and variations

Storage: Rugelach will keep at room temperature for 3 days (wrapped tightly) or 1 to 2 weeks longer in the refrigerator. Freezer: Freeze the discs of dough for up to 3 months.

Can you refrigerate rugelach dough overnight? ›

Give the dough a leisurely chill in the fridge before rolling it out. Two hours is a minimum chill, overnight is even better. Roll the dough out on a lightly floured work surface. This is an easy-rolling dough, so you'll ace it first time out.

Can you reheat rugelach? ›

Storage: Store in an airtight container, at room temperature, for up to 3 days. To refresh, place the rugelach on a sheet pan and reheat at 300 degrees until warm.

What are some interesting facts about pastries? ›

- Ancient Egyptians were the first ones to come up with the idea of pastries. Called baklava and filo, they were made out of grain meal with honey, fruits and spices. - Pastries were brought to Europe during the Muslim invasion of the 7th century and picked up the imagination of Europeans.

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 are some fun facts about flan? ›

The Roman Empire is the true origin of this dessert. The word flan is the French equivalent of the Latin word fladon, which comes from the Old High German word “flado,” meaning “flat cake.” Flan was once a savory dish, usually made from fish or meat. Today, the dessert has evolved into something sweet.

How long will rugelach keep? ›

Storage: Rugelach will keep at room temperature for 3 days (wrapped tightly) or 1 to 2 weeks longer in the refrigerator. Freezer: Freeze the discs of dough for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before proceeding with the recipe. Or freeze the shaped Rugelach cookies for up to 3 months.

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