Hawaiian Walnut Rugelach Delights
Delve into the delicious, buttery world of Hawaiian Walnut Rugelach, a delightful treat that brings warmth and festivity to any gathering. Inspired by a cherished Christmas Cookie book from 1988, this recipe is particularly beloved in my Hawaiian community, especially by my pastor! These mini nut rolls are elegantly flaky on the outside, filled with a sugary walnut and cinnamon mixture, and perfectly dusted with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness. Ideal for holiday gatherings, tea parties, or a cozy afternoon snack, these rugelach are sure to become a beloved tradition in your home.
36
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
1 cup (softened)
all-purpose flour
2 cups (sifted)
egg yolk
1 (beaten)
sour cream
3/4 cup (room temperature)
granulated sugar
3/4 cup (divided for filling and dusting)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (for filling)
walnuts
3/4 cup (chopped)
butter
1/4 cup (melted for brushing)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, cut the softened butter into the sifted flour using two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2
In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolk and sour cream together until smooth. Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour-butter mixture, stirring until well combined.
3
Knead the dough gently until it comes together. Divide the dough into three equal portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results.
4
Prepare the filling by combining 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped walnuts in a small bowl. Set aside.
5
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare your baking sheets by greasing them lightly.
6
Working with one portion of the chilled dough, roll it out on a floured surface into a circle approximately 1/8 inch thick.
7
Brush the rolled dough with melted butter and sprinkle 1/3 of the filling mixture evenly over the surface.
8
Cut the circle into 16 wedges, similar to slicing a pizza. Starting at the larger end of each wedge, carefully roll it up towards the tip.
9
Place the rolled rugelach on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Remove from the oven and cool on wire racks.
11
Finally, dust the cooled rugelach with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Hawaiian Walnut Rugelach Delights?
They are mini nut rolls that are elegantly flaky on the outside and filled with a sugary walnut and cinnamon mixture, often dusted with powdered sugar.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a cherished Christmas Cookie book from 1988 and is a beloved tradition in certain Hawaiian communities.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe produces approximately 36 servings.
What are the primary ingredients for the rugelach dough?
The dough is made from unsalted butter, sifted all-purpose flour, egg yolk, and sour cream.
How should the butter be prepared for the dough?
The butter should be softened and then cut into the sifted flour using two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
What temperature should the sour cream be?
The sour cream should be at room temperature before being added to the egg yolk.
How long must the dough be refrigerated?
The dough should be refrigerated for at least 3 hours or overnight for the best results.
Into how many portions should the dough be divided?
The dough should be divided into three equal portions before being wrapped and chilled.
What ingredients are used in the walnut filling?
The filling consists of 1/2 cup granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped walnuts.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How thin should the dough be rolled out?
Each portion of dough should be rolled out on a floured surface to a thickness of approximately 1/8 inch.
What is the purpose of the 1/4 cup of melted butter?
The melted butter is used to brush the rolled dough before sprinkling the walnut filling mixture.
How do you shape the dough into wedges?
After rolling the dough into a circle, cut it into 16 wedges, similar to slicing a pizza.
How do you roll up the rugelach?
Starting at the larger end of each wedge, carefully roll the dough up towards the narrow tip.
How far apart should the rugelach be placed on the baking sheet?
They should be spaced about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
How long do these cookies bake?
They should bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
What is the visual indicator that the rugelach are done?
The edges of the rugelach should be lightly browned.
Should the baking sheets be greased?
Yes, the baking sheets should be lightly greased before placing the dough on them.
How should the rugelach be cooled?
Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on wire racks.
What is the final decorative touch for the rugelach?
Dust the cooled rugelach with powdered sugar before serving.
How much granulated sugar is needed in total?
A total of 3/4 cup of granulated sugar is used, divided for both the filling and dusting.
How much cinnamon is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
What type of flour is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies 2 cups of all-purpose flour, which should be sifted.
How many egg yolks are used?
One beaten egg yolk is required for the dough.
How many walnuts are needed?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of chopped walnuts.
Are these cookies suitable for tea parties?
Yes, they are ideal for holiday gatherings, tea parties, or as a cozy afternoon snack.
Can the dough be prepared the night before?
Yes, refrigerating the dough overnight is recommended for the best results.
What makes the texture of the rugelach unique?
The combination of butter and sour cream in the dough creates an elegantly flaky pastry texture.
What tools are used to incorporate butter into the flour?
The recipe recommends using two knives to cut the butter into the flour until coarse crumbs form.
Is there a specific community where this recipe is popular?
It is specifically mentioned as being a favorite in the creator's Hawaiian community, especially by their pastor.