Apple and Date Rugelach with Cinnamon Sugar

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-06 · Updated 2026-05-06

Flaky crescent pastries filled with spiced apple and sweet date, rolled in cinnamon sugar for a festive treat. This Middle Eastern Hanukkah recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs cream cheese, unsalted butter, and all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 140 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Build a week of meals around this recipe" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 8 oz softened cream cheese
• 8 tbsp (1 stick) softened unsalted butter
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar, plus 2 tbsp for rolling
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 medium (about 6 oz) apple, peeled and finely chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped Medjool dates
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk, beaten (for egg wash)

The sheet pan we’d roast this on → Best Sheet Pans in 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, beat together 8 oz softened cream cheese and 8 tbsp softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Step 2: Gradually add 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/3 cup granulated sugar, mixing until a soft dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 1 hour.
3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, toss 1 medium peeled and finely chopped apple and 1/2 cup chopped Medjool dates with 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon.
4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
5. Step 5: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle. Brush the surface with 1 beaten egg yolk.
6. Step 6: Evenly spread the apple-date filling over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle 2 tbsp granulated sugar mixed with 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon over the filling.
7. Step 7: Cut the dough into 12 wedges like a pizza. Roll each wedge from the wide end to the tip, forming crescent shapes.
8. Step 8: Place the rugelach on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 22-25 minutes until golden brown and flaky. Cool before serving.