Using a handheld mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle, beat cream cheese and butter on medium until smooth. Beat in sugar and vanilla. Reduce speed to low. Gradually add flour and salt until just incorporated. Scrape dough onto plastic wrap and form a ball. Divide dough into 4 portions. Wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 2 hours or up to 3 days.

When ready to bake, combine in a bowl 1/4 cup granulated sugar plus 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cardamom, cinnamon, walnuts and dried cherries. Stir until well mixed.

Remove dough from refrigerator. Let sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes, until malleable. Meanwhile, line four baking sheets with parchment paper.

On a lightly floured work surface, roll out each dough portion onto a 9-inch circle about 1/8 thick. Rotate dough while rolling so it doesn’t stick. With the back of a spoon, spread 2 tablespoons jam on each dough circle. Sprinkle about ½ cup dried cherry-nut mixture over jam. Using your hands, press mixture firmly into dough.

With a sharp knife, cut each circle like a pie, into 12 triangles. With a thin knife or spatula, loosen triangles from work surface. Starting at wide end of triangle, roll up each piece and bend ends to form a slight crescent shape.

Place Rugelach, narrow tips tucked beneath, on baking sheets, about 1-1/2 inches apart. Refrigerate, lightly covered with plastic wrap, for at least 30 minutes to help them keep their shape.

Heat oven to 350. In a small bowl, stir together remaining 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cardamom. Brush Rugelach with milk. Sprinkle cardamom sugar on top.

Bake until lightly browned, 15 – 20 minutes. Rotate cookie sheets halfway through. Transfer sheets to a wire rack to cool. Makes four dozen.