I’m so excited to share this homemade baking recipe with you today. There’s something magical about mixing simple ingredients together and watching them transform in the oven, isn’t there? The warm, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen, the satisfaction of creating something delicious with your own hands, and the joy of sharing your treats with loved ones—these are the little pleasures that make baking so rewarding. So grab your measuring cups and let’s create something wonderful together.
Why you’ll love this dish
When you’re craving something that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, these rolled cream cheese cookies with peanuts and raspberry jam will absolutely win your heart.
The flaky cream cheese dough melts in your mouth while the nutty crunch and tangy raspberry jam create texture magic. I’m talking about a dessert that looks fancy but doesn’t require professional skills.
Can you imagine the compliments you’ll get? These little crescents are perfect for gift-giving, tea parties, or just treating yourself after a long day.
They store beautifully too, though they rarely last long in my house! Using a premium nonstick cookware set makes baking these delicate cookies much easier with perfect release every time.
Ingredients
These cream cheese rugelach-style cookies are truly one of my favorite treats to bake when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of a rich, flaky dough with the sweet-tart raspberry filling and crunchy peanut-chocolate mixture creates something that tastes like it came from a fancy bakery.
And the best part? The ingredients are probably things you already have in your pantry or can easily find at any grocery store.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into chunks
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup peanuts, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup seedless raspberry jam
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon milk
A few notes about these ingredients that might help you get the best results. Make sure both the cream cheese and butter are truly at room temperature—this makes all the difference in creating that perfectly smooth dough.
If you’re not a fan of peanuts or have allergy concerns, walnuts or pecans make wonderful substitutes.
And while the recipe calls for raspberry jam, I’ve made these with apricot or strawberry preserves too, and they’re equally delicious. Just make sure whatever jam you use isn’t too runny, or it might leak out during baking.
For perfect cheesecake-style desserts, using a professional springform pan will ensure easy release and beautiful presentation of your baked goods.
Directions
Let’s get our hands into these delicious treats! Start by placing 4 ounces of room temperature cream cheese, 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (also room temperature and cut into chunks), and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a mixing bowl. Beat these ingredients on high speed until they’re completely smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed.
Then, reduce your mixer speed to low and gradually beat in 1 cup of all-purpose flour until just combined. The dough will be soft but workable. Form it into a flat disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and pop it into the refrigerator for at least an hour. This chilling time is non-negotiable, trust me. It makes the dough much easier to handle.
While your dough is chilling, prep your filling by combining 1/2 cup of finely chopped peanuts, 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl.
When you’re ready to roll (literally), preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. For commercial kitchens, using a professional stock pot set can help when preparing large batches of this recipe. If your dough feels too firm after refrigeration, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a thin circle about 15 inches in diameter and 1/8-inch thick. The thinner you can get it without tearing, the more delicate and flaky your cookies will be.
Now for the fun part—assembly! Spread 1/4 cup of seedless raspberry jam in a thin layer over the entire dough circle, then sprinkle your peanut-chocolate mixture evenly on top.
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough like a pie into wedges (16 for larger cookies or 24 for smaller ones). Starting from the wide edge, roll each wedge tightly toward the point, creating that classic rugelach shape. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, then whisk together 1 egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of milk to create a simple egg wash. Brush this over the tops of your cookies for that beautiful golden shine.
Bake in the center of your preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, until lightly browned. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before serving—if you can wait that long!
Substitutions and Variations
Although the traditional recipe creates irresistible treats, don’t feel locked into using the exact ingredients I’ve listed above.
Swap in walnuts or almonds if peanuts aren’t your thing. Not a fan of raspberry? Try strawberry jam, apricot preserves, or even Nutella for a chocolate lover’s dream.
You can make these dairy-free with plant-based cream cheese and butter substitutes. For a holiday twist, add a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Can’t find mini chocolate chips? Regular ones work just fine—simply chop them a bit smaller.
For best results when making dough, a professional stand mixer will provide consistent texture and save you significant time compared to hand mixing.
Additional Things to Serve With This Dish
While these delightful pastry rolls are perfect on their own, I’ve found that pairing them with complementary offerings elevates the entire experience.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a wonderful contrast with the warm pastries—that hot-cold combination is simply divine.
Consider serving these with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, particularly a robust dark roast or chai that stands up to the peanut-chocolate flavors.
For an elegant touch, add a small bowl of extra raspberry jam on the side.
Fresh berries also make a beautiful accompaniment, their tartness balancing the sweet, nutty pastries perfectly.
For outdoor gatherings, a premium picnic set can transform your dessert service into a sophisticated al fresco dining experience.
Final Thought
These pastries represent more than just a delicious treat—they’re an expression of care and creativity in the kitchen.
When you present someone with these delicate, jam-filled crescents, you’re offering a piece of your heart wrapped in flaky dough and sweet filling.
I love how baking transforms simple ingredients into something that brings people together.
Don’t you find there’s something magical about the moment someone takes that first bite? The way their eyes light up is worth every minute spent rolling dough.
For even better results when baking bread and stews, consider using premium Dutch oven cookware for its exceptional heat retention and distribution.
