Indulge in the rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience of Israel Rugelach. These small, crescent-shaped pastries are filled with your choice of sweet jam, luscious chocolate, or crunchy nuts, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Perfect for any occasion, these treats will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Here's a recipe for Israel Rugelach:

Ingredients:

 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened

 - 2 cups all-purpose flour

 - 1/4 tsp salt

 - 1/2 cup sugar

 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon

 - 1/2 cup jam (any flavor you prefer)

 - 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

 - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)

 - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

 - Additional sugar and cinnamon for sprinkling

Instructions:

1- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms. Divide the dough into 4 equal parts, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

2- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3- On a floured surface, roll out one portion of dough into a circle about 1/8 inch thick. Spread a thin layer of jam over the dough, then sprinkle with cinnamon, sugar, chocolate chips, and nuts.

4- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 8 wedges. Starting from the wide end, roll up each wedge to form a crescent shape. Place the rugelach on the prepared baking sheet.

5- Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling ingredients.

6- Brush the rugelach with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon.

7- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

8- Allow the rugelach to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

9- Enjoy your homemade Israel Rugelach!

Nutritional Values :

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Israel Rugelach recipe. Please note that these values are estimates and may vary based on specific brands or variations in ingredients used:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened:

  - Calories: 1,627

  - Fat: 184g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 2g

Benefits: Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K; provides a good source of fatty acids.

8 oz cream cheese, softened:

  - Calories: 800

  - Fat: 80g

  - Carbohydrates: 8g

  - Protein: 16g

Benefits: Provides calcium and protein; good source of vitamin A.

2 cups all-purpose flour:

  - Calories: 912

  - Fat: 2g

  - Carbohydrates: 192g

  - Protein: 24g

Benefits: Provides energy and essential carbohydrates.

1/4 tsp salt:

  - Calories: 0

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

Benefits: Enhances flavor; essential for maintaining electrolyte balance.

1/2 cup sugar:

  - Calories: 387

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 100g

  - Protein: 0g

Benefits: Adds sweetness; provides a quick source of energy.

1 tsp ground cinnamon:

  - Calories: 6

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Protein: 0g

Benefits: Contains antioxidants; has anti-inflammatory properties.

1/2 cup jam (any flavor):

  - Calories: 260

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 66g

  - Protein: 0g

Benefits: Adds flavor; can provide small amounts of vitamins depending on fruit used.

1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate:

  - Calories: 400

  - Fat: 24g

  - Carbohydrates: 48g

  - Protein: 4g

Benefits: Contains antioxidants; provides minerals like iron and magnesium.

1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans):

  - Calories: 400

  - Fat: 40g

  - Carbohydrates: 8g

  - Protein: 8g

Benefits: Provides healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash):

   - Calories: 70

   - Fat: 5g

   - Carbohydrates: 1g

   - Protein: 6g

Benefits: Offers high-quality protein, vitamins, and essential amino acids.

Additional sugar and cinnamon for sprinkling:

   - Calories: 50 (estimate, varies with amount used)

   - Fat: 0g

   - Carbohydrates: 13g

   - Protein: 0g

Benefits: Adds extra flavor and sweetness.

These values are for the individual ingredients and do not account for any additional ingredients or variations in the recipe.