rugelach

noun

rug·​e·​lach ˈrü-gə-ləḵ How to pronounce rugelach (audio)
variants or less commonly rugalach
plural rugelach
: a pastry made with cream-cheese dough that is rolled around a filling (such as nuts, jam, or chocolate) and baked

Examples of rugelach in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And don’t forget to save room for Katz’s chocolate rugelach at dessert. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Dec. 2024 Pumpkin rugelach is made of buttery dough with pumpkin filling, walnuts and spices. — Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2024 My standard orders are the chocolate babka (the best in the city); the Jerusalem bagel stick that’s filled with za’atar and feta; and a bag full of rugelach to-go. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026 There were explainers on challah braiding, Eastern European pickling, and how-tos on hand-rolling couscous and rugelach. — Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for rugelach

Word History

Etymology

Yiddish rugelekh, rogelekh, plural of rugele, rogele, diminutive of rog corner, of Slavic origin; akin to Polish róg horn, corner

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rugelach was in 1941

Browse Nearby Words

rugel's plantain
rugelach
Rügen
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rugelach.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rugelach. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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