Everything-Bagel Rugelach With Onion Jam Recipe

Rugelach switches from sweet to savory when introduced to this onion jam—sultry and sticky, tangy and rich.

By
Cathy Barrow
A headshot of Cathy Barrow, a Contributing Writer at Serious Eats
Cathy Barrow
Cathy Barrow is an award-winning cookbook author, knitter, traveler, cook, teacher, and gardener. Her work has been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Serious Eats, Food52, and several other food publications. Her books include Mrs. Wheelbarrow’s Practical Pantry (2014), Pie Squared (2018), When Pies Fly (2019), and Bagels, Schmears, and a Nice Piece of Fish (2022).
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Updated February 04, 2023
Overhead view of a plate of everything-bagel rugelach with onion jam.

Serious Eats / Emily Dryden

Why It Works

  • Cream cheese in the dough means a tangy flavor, easier rolling, and a sturdy pastry that holds its shape for a bronzed, buttery, flaky cookie.
  • Sprinkling fresh bread crumbs over the filling thickens any potential runniness.
  • Baking the rugelach on stacked baking sheets prevents the bottoms of the cookies from burning.
  • Egg-washing the cookies before baking gives them a shiny, bright finish.

My love for rugelach began with my grandmother. She made them year round, for grandkids, potlucks, and parties. The dough was tangy with cream cheese, and the filling always included her secret ingredient: a sprinkle of fresh breadcrumbs to keep the filling and nuts in place. 

But beyond the dough and the breadcrumbs, you can be bold and creative with the fillings. I particularly like this nutella, brown butter, and peanut version, but see what delicious jam and nuts you have stashed in your pantry. Chances are good you have the ingredients for a batch of raspberry-almond filling.

There also is a choice for shaping–I prefer crescent-style rugelach like my grandmother, but cutting spiral cookies from a roll is another option. For a more detailed explanation of making and shaping the dough, see this classic rugelach recipe.

One trick that has served me well: I always bake the cookies on two stacked baking sheets, which allows them to fully bake and get perfect golden brown bottoms.

Close-up overhead view of crescent-shaped regulach on a parchment-lined pan, fresh from the oven.

Serious Eats / Emily Dryden

Who says rugelach have to be sweet? The dough easily switches teams when introduced to this savory onion jam—sultry and sticky and rich. The onion jam cooks low and slow until the rough, sweet, tangy flavors mellow. (My jam recipe makes more than what's needed for the cookies, and that's a good thing.) Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with everything-bagel seasoning—that delightful mixture of poppy, caraway, and sesame seeds; dehydrated onion and garlic; and salt—for the ideal accessory for a cheese platter or a delicious snack with a cocktail.

So forget those sad store-bought specimens—homemade rugelach were my grandmother's ace in the hole on every occasion, and now they'll be yours. Whether sweet or savory, these are a nosh for the season.

December 2017

Recipe Details

Everything-Bagel Rugelach With Onion Jam Recipe

Active 45 mins
Total 3 hrs
Serves 12 to 16 cookies
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 4 1/4 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 cup, spooned; 118g), plus more for dusting

  • 4 ounces unsalted butter (8 tablespoons; 115g), cut into large cubes

  • 4 ounces cold cream cheese (8 tablespoons; 115g), cut into large cubes

  • 1/8 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt; for table salt, use half as much by volume or use the same weight

For the Filling:

  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) grapeseed or other neutral oil

  • 1 pound yellow onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice (about 3 cups)

  • 1 3/4 ounces (about 1/4 cup, firmly packed) light brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter

  • 1/2 cup (120ml) black coffee

  • 1/4 cup (60ml) unsulfured molasses, not blackstrap

  • 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons sour cream or creme fraiche

  • 2 tablespoons fresh bread crumbs

For the Everything-Bagel Spice Mix and to Finish (see notes):

  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds

  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

  • 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt or pretzel salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon caraway or nigella seeds

  • 1/2 teaspoon dehydrated onion

  • 1/4 teaspoon dehydrated garlic

  • 1 egg yolk whisked with 1 teaspoon (5ml) cool water

Directions

  1. For the Dough: In the work bowl of a food processor, combine flour, butter, cream cheese, and salt. Pulse 4 to 5 times, then turn the processor on and process until the dough forms a shaggy ball, about 1 minute.

    Rugelach dough ingredients in a food processor, before and after pulsing.

    Serious Eats / Emily Dryden

  2. Transfer dough to a lightly floured sheet of plastic wrap and lightly flour your hands. If making crescent cookies, gently form a disk 5 inches in diameter. If making sliced cookies, form dough into a 3- by 4-inch rectangle. Dust surface with flour and wrap tightly. Lightly press with a rolling pin to smooth, then lightly tap the disk or rectangle's edges on the counter. The smoother the edges, the less prone they will be to cracking later on. Chill until the dough registers 40°F (4°C) on an instant-read thermometer, about 1 hour. The dough may be frozen for 3 months; defrost overnight in the refrigerator to proceed.

  3. Meanwhile, adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat to 375°F (190°C). Stack 2 baking sheets and line the top one with parchment paper.

  4. For the Filling: In a large heavy pan, such as a Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add onions and stir to coat with oil. Cook, stirring regularly, until translucent. Add brown sugar and butter and increase heat to medium-high, cooking and stirring regularly, until onions are deep golden brown and smell sweet, about 8 to 10 minutes.

  5. Add coffee, molasses, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium, and simmer until onions are jammy and very little liquid remains, about 20 minutes. Spread jam across a sheet tray to cool more quickly, cover, and refrigerate until cool, about 30 minutes.

  6. In a bowl, combine 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of onion jam with sour cream or crème fraîche and stir to combine. Remaining jam can be stored in a container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

  7. For Crescent-Style Rugelach: On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 9-inch circle, using a dinner plate and paring knife to trim edges. Spread filling over surface of dough using an offset spatula, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle bread crumbs evenly over filling. Using a sharp knife, pastry wheel, or pizza cutter, cut disk into 16 equal wedges. Starting from the wide end of each long triangle, roll up and press on the pointy end to seal. Place seam side down on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining triangles, working quickly and placing cookies about 2 inches apart. Transfer baking sheet to the freezer for at least 20 minutes before proceeding. Alternatively, freeze hard and transfer to freezer bags or containers for up to 6 months; defrost in the refrigerator overnight to proceed.

  8. For Sliced Rugelach: On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 4- by 12-inch rectangle. Spread filling over surface of dough using an offset spatula, leaving a 1/2-inch border along the two 12-inch edges. Sprinkle bread crumbs evenly over filling. Starting at one 12-inch edge, tightly roll dough into a spiral. Aim to make 3 full revolutions, pressing seam firmly to seal. Place roll on baking sheet and freeze or refrigerate for at least 30 and no more than 45 minutes. (If chilled for longer, allow dough to warm very slightly at room temperature, so it will not crack when sliced.) Using a sharp knife, pastry wheel, or pizza cutter, cut roll into 12 cookies, each the shape of an isosceles trapezoid. Keep the smaller edge of the trapezoid no less than 1/2 inch in length, and the larger edge no more than 1 1/2 inches in length. Place seam side down on baking sheet and transfer to freezer for at least 20 minutes before proceeding. Alternatively, freeze hard and transfer to freezer bags or containers for up to 6 months; defrost in the refrigerator overnight to proceed.

  9. To Make the Everything-Bagel Spice Mix: Combine poppy seeds, sesame seeds, salt, caraway, onion, and garlic in a tightly sealed jar. The mixture will keep indefinitely.

  10. To Finish and Bake: Brush cookies' surface with egg wash using a small pastry brush. Sprinkle 3/4 teaspoon everything-bagel spice mix evenly over surface of cookies. Bake until browned and flaky, about 22 to 25 minutes. Some filling may squish out; that’s okay. The bottoms of the rugelach should be caramelized, not blackened. Transfer the cookies (still on the parchment) to a rack to cool completely, about 1 hour. Store in an airtight container, layered between sheets of wax paper, for up to 3 weeks, or freeze for up to 1 month.

Special Equipment

Food processor, rolling pin, instant-read thermometer, two rimmed baking sheets, offset spatula, pastry brush, wire rack

Notes

The onion jam will keep, refrigerated, for up to a month. The everything-bagel spice mix recipe makes 1 1/2 tablespoons, more than is needed for the rugelach. Use a light hand with it, or it will overwhelm the cookies' other flavors. The dough, unbaked cookies, or baked cookies may all be frozen.

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)
192Calories
13gFat
17gCarbs
2gProtein
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12 to 16
Amount per serving
Calories192
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 13g17%
Saturated Fat 7g34%
Cholesterol 52mg17%
Sodium 242mg11%
Total Carbohydrate 17g6%
Dietary Fiber 1g3%
Total Sugars 9g
Protein 2g
Vitamin C 2mg8%
Calcium 41mg3%
Iron 1mg5%
Potassium 167mg4%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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