BROWN SUGAR & WALNUT FILLED RUGELACH

Steps:

• 1. To make Pastry: In a large bowl, combine the butter & the cream cheese.
• 2. Using the electric mixer, set on high speed, beat until smooth.
• 3. Mix in the salt. Reduce the speed to low, add the flour & mix just until dough forms.
• 4. Turn dough out onto floured work surface. Using floured hands, form the dough into a log. Cut into 4 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a disk & wrap each disk in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours or overnight.
• 5. PREHEAT oven to 375.
• 6. TO MAKE FILLING & ASSEMBLE RUGELACH:
• 7. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
• 8. Remove dough disks from the refrigerator. Unwrap the dough disks & let stand at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly.
• 9. Meanwhile in small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar & ground cinnamon.
• 10. Flour one dough disk & place between two sheets of waxed paper. With a rolling pin, roll out into a round 10 inches in diameter & 1/8 inch thick.
• 11. Remove the top sheet & brush the dough with the melted butter, then sprinkle with 3 tbsp. of the sugar mixture. Top with about 1/3 cup of the finely ground walnuts (pressing mixture into the dough to help it adhere to the dough).
• 12. Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife cut the round into 12 wedges. Starting at the wide end roll up each wedge, jelly-roll style. transfer to prepared baking sheet, arranging the cookies point side down & spacing them at least one inch apart.
• 13. TOPPING:
• 14. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar & ground cinnamon.
• 15. Using a pastry brush, brush the cookies with the egg white/water egg wash, then sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• 16. Bake until golden brown, about 18-20 minutes. Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool. Repeat with the remaining dough, filling & topping.
• 17. Can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Makes about 4 dozen rugelach cookies.