Raspberry & white chocolate rugelach

Method

• step 1

  Beat the soft cheese and butter together with an electric whisk or the paddle attachment of a stand mixer until combined. Add the caster sugar, salt and vanilla extract and beat until combined. Gradually add the flour, beating on a low setting until just incorporated, or use a spatula or spoon to avoid overworking the dough. You may need to add a little more flour if it's very sticky.

• step 2

  Lightly press the dough into a ball and divide into quarters. Roll each quarter into a ball, then wrap and press into a flat disc. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 mins to firm up a little.

• step 3

  Dust a work surface with flour and and roll one of the discs into a large circle. Use the base of a 23cm cake tin or plate as a template to cut out a 23cm circle. Spread a heaped tablespoon of raspberry jam thinly over the circle, then sprinkle over a fifth of the chocolate.

• step 4

  Divide the dough into eight wedges with a pizza cutter or sharp knife. Roll each wedge from the wider, outside edge to the thinnest point, tucking the point under. You can then curl the dough to make a crescent shape, if you like. Arrange on a baking sheet lined with baking parchment, allowing 1-2cm between each. Chill in the fridge until firm, about 30 mins. Repeat with the remaining dough, jam and chocolate – you should have enough offcuts from each ball of dough to combine and make a fifth circle.

• step 5

  Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Brush each rugelach with the egg glaze and bake, in batches if needed, for 20-25 mins until lightly browned, then leave to cool on a wire rack.

• step 6

  If making the decoration, tip the white chocolate in a microwave-proof bowl with the vegetable oil. Microwave in 30-second blasts until melted, stirring with a spatula between each blast. Drizzle over the cooled rugelach and sprinkle over the freeze-dried raspberries before the chocolate hardens.