If you’ve never had rugelach, we’ll be the first to say: you are seriously missing out. These little twists of joy are everything you want in a pastry—flaky, buttery, filled with something delicious, and just small enough to convince yourself that eating three in a row is perfectly reasonable.
Rugelach comes from the Yiddish word for “little twists,” which is an adorable and incredibly accurate name. They’re basically bite-sized croissant-meets-cookie hybrids filled with fruit, nuts, chocolate, or anything else that would make your grandma proud. And in a city like New York, where you can get a bagel on every corner and pastrami that will change your life, there’s no shortage of places to find rugelach. But we’re here to talk about the best—and that means heading straight to Russ & Daughters.
Russ & Daughters’ Raspberry Rugelach: A Revelation
Walking into Russ & Daughters is like stepping into a delicious, time-traveling vortex where every bite is steeped in history. This place has been serving up Jewish delicacies since 1914, and let’s just say, they know what they’re doing. Their bagels? Legendary. Their lox? Perfection. But today, we’re here for the rugelach.
Their raspberry rugelach is what happens when buttery pastry meets just the right amount of sweet and tart filling. The dough is tender and flaky, rich enough to make you question all your life choices up to this point. The raspberry jam? Bright, tangy, and just the right amount of sticky. One bite in, and suddenly you understand why people get emotional about food.
The best part? The edges have that slightly caramelized, crispy bite, while the inside stays soft and jammy. It’s the kind of pastry you start eating with the intention of “just having one,” only to find yourself staring at an empty bag five minutes later, wondering where it all went.
What Makes Good Rugelach?
Not all rugelach are created equal, and if you’ve ever had a dry, sad version, I feel for you. A great rugelach should have:
- Flaky, buttery dough – If it’s too tough or dry, throw it directly into the Hudson River.
- A well-balanced filling – Too much, and it oozes out everywhere. Too little, and you feel robbed. Russ & Daughters gets it just right.
- A perfect twist or roll – The best ones have that irresistible swirl of dough and filling in every bite.
Where to Get Your Hands on Some
Russ & Daughters has multiple locations, including their classic spot on the Lower East Side. You can also find them at their cafe or at the Jewish Museum if you want to feel cultured while stuffing your face.
If you haven’t had rugelach before, this is your sign. Get yourself a box, find a good cup of coffee, and prepare for a life-changing pastry moment. And if you have had rugelach before? Well, go get some more—you deserve it.
