Polish Rugelach with Variations (Walnut Horns)

For dough: Beat butter and cream cheese in large bowl until light. Add sugar; beat until fluffy. Mix in flour and salt. Gather dough into ball and gently knead until smooth. Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Gather each into ball; flatten into disks. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill 1 hour. For filling: Mix 3/4 cup sugar, cranberries, walnuts, butter, cinnamon and allspice in small bowl to blend. Set aside. Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350 °F (175°C) . Place 1 dough disk on floured work surface (keep remaining 7 dough disks refrigerated). Roll out dough to an 8-inch round. Spread 3 tablespoons filling over round, leaving 1/2-inch border. Cut round into 8 wedges. Starting at wide end of each wedge, roll up tightly and completely to tip. Place cookies, tip pointing down, on ungreased baking sheet and form into crescents. Repeat with 3 more dough disks and filling. Brush cookies with egg. Sprinkle with additional sugar over. Bake until golden, about 20 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire racks and cool. Repeat with remaining 4 disks, filling, egg and sugar. Mix apricot preserves and nuts in small bowl to blend. Set aside. Mix chocolate and sugar in small bowl to blend. Set aside. |