Pistachio And Dried Apricot Rugelach Recipes

Steps:

• Make the dough: Whisk the flour, granulated sugar and salt in a medium bowl. Beat the cream cheese and butter in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until creamy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the vanilla. Reduce the mixer speed to medium; beat in the flour mixture until combined, about 1 minute. Turn out onto a sheet of plastic wrap, shape into a disk and wrap. Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour or overnight.
• Cut the dough in half. Working with one half at a time, roll out each piece of dough into a 6-by-12-inch rectangle on a lightly floured surface; square off the edges. Refrigerate the dough rectangles until firm, at least 20 minutes.
• Make the filling: Spread 3 tablespoons apricot preserves on each dough rectangle, leaving a 1-inch border on one long side. Toss the pistachios, dried apricots, granulated sugar, cinnamon and salt in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the preserves and press in gently.
• Starting with the jam-covered long side, roll up each dough rectangle into a tight log. Place seam-side down on a baking sheet and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a separate baking sheet with parchment paper. Brush the logs with the beaten egg and sprinkle with turbinado sugar. Cut the logs into 1-inch-thick rounds. Arrange seam-side down on the prepared pan, about 1 inch apart.
• Bake the cookies until golden brown, 25 to 35 minutes. Let cool completely on the pan.

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, cream cheese and salt until blended; beat in cream. Gradually beat in flour. , Divide dough into four portions. Shape each into a disk; wrap in plastic. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until easy to handle. In a small bowl, combine the cranberries, pistachios, sugar and cinnamon; set aside., Working with one portion of dough at a time, roll each into a 12-in. circle on a lightly floured surface. Brush with one fourth of the melted butter. Sprinkle with one fourth of the cranberry mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Cut dough into 12 wedges. Roll up wedges from the wide ends; place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets, point side down., Bake at 325° for 20-25 minutes or until bottoms are browned. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely., In a small bowl, mix the confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough water to reach desired consistency. Drizzle over cookies.

Steps:

• In a food processor, process butter, cream cheese, 3 tablespoons sugar, and salt until combined. Add flour and pulse until a dough forms. Divide in half, flatten into disks, and tightly wrap in plastic. Refrigerate until firm, 2 hours (or overnight).
• In a small pot, bring apricots, brandy, cinnamon, and 1/2 cup water to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until most of liquid is absorbed, 7 minutes. Transfer to clean food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Stir in walnuts and remaining 2/3 cup sugar.
• Working with 1 disk at a time, on a floured surface, roll out dough into a 12-inch circle. Spread with half the filling, leaving a 1-inch border. Cut into 16 wedges. Starting from outside edge, tightly roll each wedge up; place on parchment-lined baking sheets, seam side down. Lightly brush with egg. Freeze 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 325 degrees, with racks in upper and lower thirds. Bake until golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes, rotating halfway through. Transfer to wire racks; let cool completely.

Steps:

• Toss apricots with juice and let stand, tossing occasionally, 20 minutes.
• Chop all pistachios, preferably by hand, and season with salt. Drain apricots, cut sides up, on paper towels. Top each with a small chunk of cheese and sprinkle with nuts.