Recipe Book
Widely believed that rugelach originated in Poland or another country within the Ashkenazi Jewish communities of Eastern Europe. The name "rugelach" is Yiddish, the historical language of the Ashkenazi Jews. In Yiddish, "rugelach" roughly translates to "little twists" or "little corners," likely referring to the pastry's traditional crescent shape.
Traditional rugelach fillings include fruit preserves, nuts, poppy seed paste, cinnamon, and chocolate. These ingredients are spread over a triangular piece of dough, which is then rolled into a crescent shape and baked. Over time, numerous variations have emerged, incorporating different fillings and toppings, reflecting both traditional flavors and contemporary innovations.
Rugelach's enduring popularity lies in its rich, flaky pastry and the variety of its sweet, spiced fillings. This pastry not only represents a link to Eastern European Jewish heritage but also showcases the adaptability and evolution of traditional recipes in new cultural contexts.