This pastry shouldn’t work—but it so does. Deep, molasses-like black garlic melts into bittersweet chocolate and nutty sesame, all wrapped in tender, tangy cream cheese dough. It’s sweet and earthy with a hit of umami, mysterious and moreish. The kind of thing you eat warm and keep thinking about days later.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
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8 oz cream cheese, cold and cubed
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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¼ tsp salt
For the Filling:
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3 oz dark chocolate (70–80%), finely chopped
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2–3 cloves black garlic, mashed into a paste
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2 tbsp brown sugar
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2 tsp black or white sesame seeds
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Optional: pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder
For Assembly:
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1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
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Extra sesame seeds and coarse sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
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Make the Dough:
In a food processor or mixing bowl, pulse or cut together the butter, cream cheese, flour, and salt until a crumbly dough forms. Press together gently into a ball (don’t overwork it). Divide in two, flatten into discs, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour. -
Prepare the Filling:
Mix the mashed black garlic with brown sugar, then fold in chopped chocolate, sesame seeds, and any optional spices. Set aside—it should be sticky and dark. -
Roll & Fill:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll each chilled dough disc into a 10–12 inch circle, about ⅛ inch thick. Spread half the filling evenly over each circle. -
Shape the Rugelach:
Cut each circle into 12 wedges (like a pizza). Roll each wedge tightly from the wide edge inward, forming crescent-shaped cookies. Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. -
Bake:
Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with sesame seeds and coarse sugar. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp at the edges.
Pro Tips
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Black garlic is soft, earthy, and a bit sweet—don’t be afraid of it. It blends beautifully with dark chocolate.
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Want extra drama? Drizzle finished rugelach with a miso-caramel or tahini glaze.
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Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days—or freeze for a flavor bomb whenever you need one.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Rugelach)
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Calories: ~160
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Fat: 10g
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Carbs: 15g
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Sugar: 6g
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Protein: 2g
