Best Ever Rugelach

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1.25 cups softened unsalted butter , divided
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.75 cups brown sugar
• 0.25 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 0.75 cups chopped pecans
• 0.5 cups raisins , Optional
• 3 tablespoons orange marmalade , Optional
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine cottage cheese and 1 cup of butter in a bowl. Mix thoroughly. Gradually stir in flour. Dough will be sticky. Divide dough into thirds, roll into balls, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

2. 2

   Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.

3. 3

   Combine remaining 1/4 cup butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, pecans, and raisins. Set aside. Roll one dough ball into a 9-inch circle on a floured surface. Keep remaining dough refrigerated.

4. 4

   Spread 1 tablespoon of orange marmalade over circle. Gently press 1/3 of the nut mixture into dough. Cut circle into 16 wedges. Roll each wedge tightly, starting with wide end. Place cookie, point-side down, on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough. Beat egg white with water in a small bowl. Brush onto each cookie.

5. 5

   Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes.