Raspberry Cream Cheese Kringle: A Taste of Holiday Magic

There’s something truly special about a pastry that whispers of comfort and celebration, a treat that feels both familiar and utterly decadent. I remember my first encounter with a kringle, a delicate, ribbon-like pastry filled with sweet cream cheese and fruit. It was during a particularly chilly Christmas season, and the aroma that wafted from the oven was enough to chase away any lingering winter blues. The crisp, flaky layers giving way to a luscious, tangy filling, all drizzled with a sweet glaze – it was pure enchantment. This Raspberry Cream Cheese Kringle recipe, inspired by Penzeys, captures that very essence, a perfect indulgence for special mornings or any moment you want to create a little magic.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 40 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus overnight chilling)
• Servings: 10
• Yield: 2 Kringles
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup butter, slightly softened
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 ounce yeast
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup milk

For the Cheese Filling

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons Raspberry Enlightenment (see note below) or 4 tablespoons raspberry fruit filling
• 1 cup chopped pecans

For the Glaze

• 2 2/3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 4 tablespoons hot water
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1-2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Note on Raspberry Enlightenment: Penzeys’ Raspberry Enlightenment is a unique product that consists of raspberries, sugar, water, tapioca starch, spices, and citric acid. If you cannot find this specific product, a good quality, thinnish raspberry jam or fruit filling can be used. The tapioca starch in the original product acts as a thickener, so when substituting, aim for a filling that isn’t overly watery.

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Pastry blender or your hands
• Medium mixing bowl
• Fork
• Plastic wrap
• Rolling pin (a pastry rolling pin is ideal)
• Baking sheets (not greased)
• Cooling rack
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk

Instructions

This kringle recipe is a delightful two-day process, with the dough chilling overnight to develop its flavor and texture, making for a truly special assembly the next day.

Day 1: Preparing the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, butter, sugar, and salt. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, work the ingredients together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It’s important that the butter is only slightly softened, not melted, to achieve the right crumbly texture.
2. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the yeast, beaten eggs, and milk.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a fork, mix until just blended, then form the mixture into a ball. You may need to work in a little more flour with your hands if the dough is too sticky, but try to incorporate as little as possible.
4. Divide the dough into two equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a disk, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. This chilling period is crucial for the dough’s structure and flavor.

Day 2: Assembling and Baking the Kringles

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. While the oven preheats, prepare the cheese filling. In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and pure vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
3. Retrieve one disk of dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle that is approximately 1/8 inch thin. Aim for a size that is as wide as your cookie sheet and as close to this thickness as you can achieve. A pastry rolling pin is a great tool for this delicate rolling.
4. Spread half of the cream cheese filling evenly over the surface of the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border along the edges.
5. Next, spread half of the Raspberry Enlightenment (or your chosen raspberry fruit filling) over the cream cheese layer.
6. Finally, sprinkle half of the chopped pecans over the raspberry filling.
7. Starting from the short end of the rectangle, carefully roll up the dough towards the center. Repeat this rolling process from the other short end, so that both rolled sides meet in the center. Gently pinch the center seam where the two rolls meet to seal. Then, roll the ends under slightly to create a neat, rounded shape.
8. Place the assembled kringle onto a NOT greased cookie sheet. Repeat steps 3-7 with the second disk of dough.
9. Bake the kringles in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. During the baking time, change the racks halfway through the baking period. Move the lower rack to the higher position and the higher rack to the lower position. This ensures even baking. The kringles are done when they are golden brown.
10. Once baked, cool the kringles on a cooling rack for at least 10 minutes before glazing. This allows them to set slightly.
11. While the kringles are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, softened butter, hot water, milk, and pure vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until the glaze is smooth and free of lumps. Add the vanilla extract a teaspoon at a time, tasting as you go, to achieve your desired level of flavor.
12. Top the warm kringles generously with the prepared glaze. The warmth of the kringles will help the glaze to melt slightly and create a beautiful sheen.
13. Serve warm for the most delightful experience.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Butter Temperature is Key: For the dough, the butter should be cool enough to cut into the flour but not so cold that it’s hard. “Slightly softened” means it will yield slightly to the touch but still hold its shape. This allows for the development of flaky layers.
• Gentle Rolling: When rolling out the dough, be patient and work from the center outwards. If the dough starts to resist or tear, let it rest for a few minutes, covered, before continuing. This prevents the gluten from tightening up too much.
• Don’t Over-Fill: While it’s tempting to load up the kringle with filling, be mindful of the amount. Too much filling can cause it to ooze out excessively during baking and make rolling more difficult.
• Rinse and Repeat: If you’re using a homemade raspberry filling, ensure it’s not too watery. You can simmer it gently for a few minutes to reduce excess liquid and thicken it before use.
• Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add a touch more hot water, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. If it’s too thin, whisk in a little more powdered sugar.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Raspberry Cream Cheese Kringles are best served warm, shortly after glazing, when the pastry is still slightly crisp and the glaze is melting. They are wonderful on their own, but also pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a low oven (around 300°F / 150°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. They can also be frozen, well-wrapped, for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature and reheat as desired.

Nutritional Information

(Estimated per serving, based on 10 servings)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	728.4 kcal
Total Fat	39 g	59%
Saturated Fat	19.8 g	98%
Cholesterol	125.8 mg	41%
Sodium	475.4 mg	19%
Total Carbohydrate	86.3 g	28%
Dietary Fiber	2.5 g	10%
Sugars	44.7 g	178%
Protein	10.5 g	20%

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

While this Raspberry Cream Cheese Kringle is divine as is, there’s always room for personalization!

• Different Fruit Fillings: Feel free to experiment with other berry jams, like strawberry, blueberry, or mixed berry. A spiced apple filling would also be delicious, especially during the autumn months.
• Nut Variations: If pecans aren’t your favorite, consider using chopped walnuts or even almonds in the filling. For a richer flavor, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg in the filling would be delightful.
• Citrus Zest: A touch of lemon or orange zest added to the cream cheese filling can brighten the overall flavor profile.
• Glaze Additions: For a more festive glaze, you could add a drop of pink food coloring for a beautiful rosy hue, or even a splash of citrus juice instead of some of the water for a tangier finish.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time and freeze it?
A: Yes, you can freeze the dough disks after the initial chilling period. Wrap them very tightly and they should keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before proceeding with the recipe.

Q: My dough seems very sticky, what should I do?
A: If your dough is unmanageably sticky, you can add a tablespoon of all-purpose flour at a time, mixing it in with your hands until it becomes workable. However, try to use as little extra flour as possible to maintain the tender texture.

Q: What if I don’t have a pastry blender?
A: Your clean hands work just as well! Rub the butter into the flour, sugar, and salt mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Keep your hands cool to avoid melting the butter too quickly.

Q: How do I know if the kringles are done baking?
A: They should be a beautiful golden brown color, and the pastry should look cooked through and slightly puffed. You can gently insert a toothpick into a thicker part of the kringle; if it comes out clean, they are done.

Q: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
A: It’s best to make the glaze just before you’re ready to use it. If made too far in advance, it can become too stiff. If it does thicken, you can whisk in a little more hot water or milk to thin it out.

Final Thoughts

There’s a unique satisfaction that comes from creating a pastry like this, a testament to the joy of baking. This Raspberry Cream Cheese Kringle is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to slow down, to savor the process, and to share something truly special with loved ones. Whether it graces your Christmas morning table or becomes a weekend indulgence, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. The aroma that will fill your kitchen is sure to bring warmth and smiles. I can almost guarantee, you won’t have any leftovers to fret over!