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-inspired Hanukkah recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs cream cheese, unsalted butter, 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 "Plan a meal with the AI" 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, plus 2 tbsp for rolling granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 medium (about 6 oz), peeled and finely chopped apple
• 1/2 cup chopped Medjool dates
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1, beaten (for egg wash) egg yolk

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.