Spicy Nut Rugelach

10-15 min 350F
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
½ cup butter
2 cups flour
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons butter, Melted
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Mix cream cheese, butter, and flour together.
Chill to firm dough.
Roll out about one-third of the dough on a floured board in a circle.
Brush with 1 tablespoon of the melted butter.
Combine walnuts, sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle one-third of the mixture over the dough.
Cut into 12 long triangles, and roll up starting with the short end so that the point is on the outside.
Repeat with the rest of dough and sugar mixture.
Place on ungreased cookie sheets and bake at 350°F for about 10 or 15 minutes until lightly browned.
Cool on rack.
Makes 36.

Filling can be varied – use apricot jam or tiny chocolate chips.

2024 variation:

used Nutella and crushed pistachios

Could try blend of Almond paste, cherry juice and diced candied ginger

Pre-made dough, rolled to rectangle, placed in fridge between parchment to speed up making. rolled in logs, and rolled outside in crushed pistachio.