Bloody Mary Rugelach

Instructions

1. 1

   In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add cream cheese and continue mixing, 2 minutes more, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary. Reduce speed to low and add flour, salt, and pepper. Mix until just incorporated.

2. 2

   Divide dough in half and form into two discs. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill, at least 1 hour and up to overnight.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir together cocktail sauce, horseradish, lemon zest, and vodka and set aside.

4. 4

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove chilled dough from refrigerator and allow to temper, 15-30 minutes. Unwrap first disc and transfer to a lightly floured work surface. Lightly flour surface of dough and, using a floured rolling pin, roll out dough to an approximately 14” diameter circle. Using a 12” round cake pan or large bowl as a guide, trim edges of dough to form a neat circle. Repeat with remaining dough.

5. 5

   Divide cocktail sauce mixture between the two circles and spread into a thin layer over each. Scatter chopped parsley and celery leaves over each and sprinkle with celery salt. Using a pizza cutter, divide each circle into 16 wedges. Starting with the wide edge, roll each wedge into a crescent shape and transfer to two parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing about 2” apart. Transfer cookies to refrigerator and chill, 45 minutes to an hour.

6. 6

   In a small bowl, whisk together egg and 1 t. water. Remove cookies from refrigerator and brush lightly with egg wash. Sprinkle with additional celery salt and bake, rotating once halfway through, until golden, 25-30 minutes. Allow to cool slightly on baking sheets, 10 minutes, before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.