Nutella Rugelach Recipe

If you’ve never experienced the pure delight of Nutella Rugelach, you’re in for a heavenly treat! Imagine tender, flaky spirals of buttery cream cheese dough wrapped lovingly around a lush layer of Nutella, lightly dusted with sugar, and baked to golden perfection. Each bite melts in your mouth, balancing a rich chocolate-hazelnut center with a crisp, slightly tangy pastry. This recipe hits all the nostalgic notes, but with a decadent twist that’s irresistible for both kids and grown-up dessert fanatics alike.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nutella Rugelach is all about simple, honest ingredients coming together in a magic harmony. Every element has a job: the butter and cream cheese yield that iconic melt-in-your-mouth texture, while Nutella brings the dreamy, chocolatey heart of each bite.

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup, 2 sticks): Gives the dough its irresistible richness and flakiness, so make sure it’s fully softened for easy mixing.
• Cream Cheese (8 oz): A secret weapon for tender, tangy pastry that stays soft even once baked.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Provides the structure needed for rolling and slicing the spirals just right.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Amplifies all those buttery notes and balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Nutella (1 cup): That iconic chocolate-hazelnut spread truly makes these rugelach irresistible — be generous but keep it thin for easy rolling!
• Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup, for dusting): Gives a sweet, sparkly finish and just a hint of crunch on top.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp, optional, for dusting): Adds a warm, aromatic kick that pairs wonderfully with Nutella but is entirely up to your taste.

How to Make Nutella Rugelach

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

Start by beating your softened butter and cream cheese together in a large bowl. Work them until the mixture is supremely smooth and fluffy. This is your foundation for that melt-in-your-mouth Nutella Rugelach texture. Be patient — properly creamed dairy makes all the difference!

Step 2: Mix In the Dry Ingredients

Tip in the flour and salt. Stir gently, just until the dough starts to come together. Overmixing is your enemy here; the less you fuss, the more delicate your rugelach will be. Once combined, divide the dough into two discs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and let them chill in the fridge for at least one hour. This rest is crucial for rolling and baking success!

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

After chilling, place one disc on a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a circle about 1/8-inch thick. If the edges look a little rustic, don’t worry — that’s part of Nutella Rugelach’s homemade charm.

Step 4: Spread the Nutella and Slice

Gently warm your Nutella if it’s too thick, then spread a thin, even layer right up to the edges of your dough circle. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 12 even wedges, just like you’d cut a pizza. This ensures every piece gets its fair share of that chocolate-hazelnut swirl.

Step 5: Roll and Shape the Rugelach

Starting from the wide end of each wedge, roll up tightly but gently into classic crescent shapes. Place each Nutella Rugelach seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they don’t unroll in the oven.

Step 6: Sprinkle and Bake

If you’re using cinnamon, mix it with the sugar. Dust this mixture liberally over the top of each unbaked rugelach. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until they turn fragrant and deliciously golden brown. Cool them on a wire rack, and if your sweet tooth calls for it, dust with a little extra sugar before serving.

How to Serve Nutella Rugelach

Garnishes

A light extra shower of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate is a fabulous way to make your Nutella Rugelach look bakery-worthy. For a touch of sophistication, scatter on a pinch of chopped hazelnuts for both texture and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair with a steaming mug of coffee or hot chocolate for the ultimate treat. These pastries also make a joyous addition to a spring brunch, holiday platter, or even as a partner to a bowl of fresh berries; their richness is beautifully balanced with something a bit tart or creamy on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Nutella Rugelach in a circular “wreath” on a cake stand for a festive centerpiece. Bundle a few together and tie with twine for sweet homemade gifts, or serve warm stacked on a rustic board at a casual gathering, letting everyone pull their own treat from the pile.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Nutella Rugelach in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The pastry will stay tender, and the flavors only deepen as they rest.

Freezing

Nutella Rugelach freeze exceptionally well! Once cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then pop into a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep fresh for two months. Thaw at room temperature whenever you need a quick, indulgent bite.

Reheating

If you crave that just-baked warmth, reheat rugelach on a baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving to preserve their crisp, delicate texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pastry for Nutella Rugelach?

While you could use refrigerated pie dough in a pinch, nothing matches the texture and slight tanginess of homemade cream cheese pastry. It’s surprisingly simple and really makes the Nutella Rugelach special.

How thin should I spread the Nutella?

Spread a thin, even layer. Overloading with Nutella can make rolling tricky and cause spilling during baking, so use just enough to cover the dough in a swirly, generous coat.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling relaxes the gluten and hardens the butter, ensuring your Nutella Rugelach bake up tender rather than tough. Don’t skip this step!

Can I add nuts or dried fruit inside?

Absolutely! Chopped toasted hazelnuts or even dried cherries are lovely additions, scattered lightly over the Nutella before rolling for extra crunch and flavor.

What’s the best way to keep the spirals tight?

Roll from the wide end and use gentle but firm pressure. If your dough is well-chilled, it’ll hold its shape easily. Place the seam side down on the baking sheet to set them in place while baking.

Final Thoughts

Life is made for little indulgences, and Nutella Rugelach is one you’ll want to share and savor. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, treating friends, or simply craving something extra special with your afternoon coffee, these pastries are bound to bring smiles. Give them a try — there’s something magical about creating and enjoying Nutella Rugelach fresh from your own oven!

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