Vegan Rugelach Recipe: Easy, Delicious Dairy-Free Treat

Few treats embody warmth and nostalgia quite like rugelach. These delicate, crescent-shaped pastries are a staple of Jewish bakeries and family gatherings, beloved for their flaky dough and sweet, nutty fillings.

But if you’re vegan or dairy-free, rugelach can feel out of reach—after all, the classic dough is made with cream cheese and butter. Fortunately, I’ve developed a vegan rugelach recipe that captures all the magic of the original, using plant-based ingredients without sacrificing flavor or texture.

In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step through making tender, melt-in-your-mouth vegan rugelach from scratch. The dough is rich and easy to handle, while the filling is customizable—think cinnamon-sugar, fruit preserves, or chocolate and nuts!

Whether you’re baking for the holidays, gifting friends, or just want a cozy afternoon project, this rugelach recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Dairy-Free & Vegan: This recipe swaps out traditional butter and cream cheese for plant-based alternatives, making it suitable for vegans and those with dairy allergies.
• Incredibly Flaky Dough: Despite being vegan, the dough is soft, buttery, and tender, with that classic rugelach flakiness.
• Customizable Fillings: From classic cinnamon-walnut to chocolate or fruit preserves, you can make every batch unique to your tastes.
• Easy to Make Ahead: The dough can be made a day in advance, and the finished rugelach freeze beautifully for future snacking.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or as a homemade gift, these pastries are always a hit.
• Healthier Option: With less saturated fat and the possibility to use whole grain flours, these are a lighter twist on a traditional treat.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make a batch of tender, flavorful vegan rugelach. Most ingredients are pantry staples, but don’t hesitate to get creative with your fillings!

For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or replace with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin.

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter
• Pastry brush
• Plastic wrap
• Cooling rack
• Food processor (optional, for mixing the dough)

Instructions

Ready to bake some irresistible vegan rugelach? Follow these step-by-step instructions for flawless results:

1. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a large bowl or food processor, combine all-purpose flour and salt.
   • Add the cold vegan cream cheese and cold vegan butter, cut into chunks.
   • Pulse or use a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
   • Add the sugar and vanilla extract.
   • Continue blending until a soft dough forms. If too dry, add 1-2 tsp cold water.
2. Chill the Dough:
   • Divide the dough into two equal discs.
   • Wrap each disc tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
   • This step is crucial for easy rolling and flaky texture.
3. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon.
   • Have your fruit preserves, chopped nuts, and chocolate chips ready.
4. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll one disc of dough into a 10-12 inch circle (about 1/8-inch thick).
   • If dough cracks, let it warm for a minute before rolling.
5. Assemble the Rugelach:
   • Spread a thin layer of fruit preserves over the dough, leaving a 1/4-inch border.
   • Sprinkle evenly with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, chopped nuts, and chocolate chips (if using).
6. Shape the Rugelach:
   • Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the circle into 12 wedges (like a pizza).
   • Starting from the wide end, roll up each wedge tightly toward the point, forming a crescent.
   • Place each rugelach, point side down, on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Chill Again:
   • Once all are shaped, refrigerate the tray for 20-30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.
8. Bake:
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Brush the tops with melted vegan butter and sprinkle with extra cinnamon-sugar if desired.
   • Bake for 22-28 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Cool and Enjoy:
   • Let rugelach cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
   • Repeat with the second disc of dough and remaining filling.
   • Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Baking Tip: For extra crunch, sprinkle a little demerara or coarse sugar on top before baking.

Tips & Variations

• Filling Ideas: Try apricot preserves with pistachios, raspberry jam with almonds, or chocolate with hazelnuts for fun twists.
• Make-Ahead: Both the dough and shaped rugelach can be refrigerated overnight before baking.
• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze baked rugelach in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
• Whole Wheat Option: Swap up to half the flour with white whole wheat for a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose blend, but check for consistency as you may need to adjust with a bit more liquid.
• Nut-Free: Omit nuts or substitute with seeds and dried fruit for a chewy, allergy-friendly version.
• Less Sweet: Reduce the sugar in the dough and filling for a subtly-sweet pastry.

“Rugelach are incredibly adaptable—don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite jams, nuts, or even a swipe of vegan Nutella!”

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a general nutrition breakdown for one vegan rugelach (based on a batch of 24, filled with jam and nuts):

Nutrition will vary by brand of vegan butter/cream cheese and your choice of filling.

Serving Suggestions

• Afternoon Tea: Serve warm rugelach with your favorite tea or coffee for an elegant snack.
• Dessert Platter: Arrange with fresh fruit and other vegan treats like Almond Cashew Clusters or Almond Cake And Pastry Filling Recipes for a beautiful dessert board.
• Holiday Gifting: Package in a pretty box with parchment paper for a thoughtful, homemade present.
• Breakfast Bite: Pair a couple of rugelach with a fruit smoothie or your morning coffee for a quick, comforting start to the day.
• Snack On-the-Go: Rugelach are portable and mess-free—perfect for lunchboxes or picnics.
• Global Flavor Pairings: Enjoy alongside other international recipes like Bak Chor Mee Recipe: Authentic Singaporean Noodle Guide for a multicultural meal experience.

Conclusion

Baking vegan rugelach at home is a rewarding process that fills your kitchen with the comforting aromas of cinnamon, nuts, and sweet pastry. This recipe proves that plant-based baking can be just as decadent and satisfying as the classics, without a hint of compromise.

Whether you stick to the traditional fillings or branch out with your own creative twists, you’ll find these rugelach to be flaky, flavorful, and delightfully moreish.

As you share these treats with friends or enjoy them over a quiet cup of tea, you’re partaking in a tradition that spans generations but welcomes new dietary needs with open arms. Don’t forget to explore other vegan recipes on the blog, such as Air Fryer Granola Recipe for healthy snacking, or Allens Green Beans Recipe for a quick, savory side.

Happy baking—may your rugelach always be golden and your kitchen always filled with joy!