1

Prepare pastry: Beat butter and cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth. Add flour and sugar; beat on low speed until crumbly. Turn mixture onto floured surface; knead until dough forms. Cover and set aside while preparing filling.

2

Prepare filling: Coursely chop frozen cherries. Combine sugar and cornstarch; mix well. Combine chopped cherries and sugar mixture in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes, or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in walnuts. Let cool in refrigerator for 30 minutes.

3

Prepare rugelach: Preheat oven to 350°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll one-third of dough into a 10-inch circle. Spread dough with about ½ cup cherry filling, leaving a ½-inch border. Cut circle into 8 wedge-shaped pieces. Roll up dough, beginning at wide end of each wedge. Place cookies, tip side down, about 2 inches apart on lightly greased cookie sheet (or one lined with parchment paper). Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Brush each cookie lightly with egg wash and sprinkle with granulated sugar.

4

Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to wire racks to cool.