Best Ever Rugelach

1 cup cottage cheese

1 cup butter, softened

2 cups all-purpose flour

¼ cup butter, softened

¾ cup brown sugar

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¾ cup chopped pecans

½ cup raisins

3 tablespoons orange marmalade

1 egg white

2 tablespoons water

Combine cottage cheese and 1 cup of butter in a bowl. Mix thoroughly, then gradually stir in the flour. Dough will be sticky. Divide dough into thirds and wrap with waxed paper. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.

Combine the remaining 1/4 cup of butter with the brown sugar, cinnamon, pecans, and raisins. Set aside. Roll one ball of dough at a time to a 9 inch circle on a floured surface, while keeping the remaining dough chilled. Spread 1 tablespoon of the optional orange marmalade over the circle. Gently press 1/3 of the nut mixture into the dough. Cut the circle into 16 wedges. Roll each wedge tightly, starting with the wide end. Place the cookie point-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough. Beat the egg white with the water in a small bowl, then brush the mixture onto each cookie.

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes.