Chocolate Rugelach Cookies (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Rugelach Dough

01 - 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
02 - 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
03 - ¼ cup confectioner's sugar
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
06 - ½ teaspoon kosher salt
07 - 1 large beaten egg, for egg wash

→ Filling

08 - Nutella, 2 tablespoons per dough piece (optional)
09 - 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
10 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
11 - 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
12 - 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

→ Topping

13 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
14 - ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

# Instructions:

01 - In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine cream cheese, butter, and confectioner's sugar. Beat on low speed, gradually increasing to medium, and mix for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix in. Slowly add flour and salt. Mix until a smooth dough forms. Divide dough into 4 equal pieces, shape into balls, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
02 - In a bowl, combine finely chopped chocolate, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to create the filling. In a separate bowl, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping.
03 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Place one oven rack in the top third and one in the lower third. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
04 - On a lightly floured surface, roll each dough piece into a 4-inch by 12-inch log. Spread Nutella on the surface if desired. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of filling over the dough, pressing gently to adhere. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge and slice each roll into 12 one-inch pieces.
05 - Place 24 slices on each prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush each piece with beaten egg wash and sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar topping.
06 - Bake for 20 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through from top to bottom and front to back, until golden. Remove from oven and cool before serving.

# Notes:

01 - Rugelach can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks. The dough can also be frozen and sliced from the logs when needed.