As the festive season comes near, the smell of nut rolls baking fills the air. It brings back happy holiday memories for me. My grandmother’s nut rolls were a big part of our family’s gatherings. They were a tradition that lasted for generations.
The dough was rich and buttery, and the walnut filling was sweet and crunchy. It was a treat that we all loved. Now, I’m excited to share this easy nut roll recipe with you. It’s the same recipe that brought joy to my family for years.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the perfect nut roll recipe for your holiday baking
- Learn how to make this classic Eastern European pastry with a sweet walnut filling and soft dough
- This nut roll recipe yields 35 servings and 7 rolls
- Includes ingredients like warm milk, active dry yeast, sugar, butter, eggs, sour cream, and all-purpose flour for the dough, and ground walnuts, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla for the rich walnut filling
- Enjoy this traditional treat during the holiday season and beyond
Traditional Sweet Bread Dough
Ingredients and Instructions
The heart of a delicious nut roll is the sweet bread dough. This dough comes from Eastern European baking. It starts with yeast proofing in warm milk and sugar.
After the yeast is ready, it’s mixed with eggs, butter, sour cream, sugar, and flour in a stand mixer.
To make the perfect sweet bread dough, follow these steps:
- Warm the milk in a small saucepan until it’s 110-115°F. Add sugar and yeast. Let it proof for 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy.
- In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, mix the yeast mixture, eggs, butter, sour cream, and sugar. Mix on medium speed until it’s well combined.
- Add the flour slowly, one cup at a time, on low speed. When it’s shaggy, switch to the dough hook. Knead for 5-7 minutes until it’s smooth and slightly sticky.
- Put the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. It should double in size.
This dough is the base for the classic nut roll. It’s a holiday favorite that combines homemade pastry with a rich walnut filling.
Making the perfect nut roll begins with a rich walnut filling. This key part of the Eastern European holiday treat is made by grinding walnuts finely in a food processor. Then, mix the ground walnuts with sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and milk. This creates a sweet paste that makes your baked goods special.
The secret to a great walnut filling is the right mix of ingredients. Getting the balance of ground walnuts, sugar, and dairy right makes the filling indulgent yet balanced. This balance lets the walnut’s natural flavor stand out without being too sweet.
When making the walnut filling, focus on the texture of the ground walnuts. Make sure they’re finely ground, almost powdery. This ensures the filling is smooth and spreads well. This smoothness blends perfectly with the pastry dough, making each bite a delight.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Walnuts, finely ground | 2 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 4 tablespoons |
| Whole milk | 2 tablespoons |
With this rich walnut filling, your nut roll will be a treat for the senses. It combines the nutty aroma, sweet flavors, and irresistible texture of this beloved Eastern European holiday treat.
nut roll recipe Assembly
Assembling the perfect nut rolls is a delightful process. It combines soft, pillowy dough with rich, flavorful walnut filling. Start by dividing the dough into 7 equal pieces.
Roll out each piece into a rectangular shape with a rolling pin. Make sure the dough is evenly thin. Then, spread the walnut filling over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Next, use the classic jelly roll technique. Roll up the dough tightly, starting from the short end. This will create a neat, cylindrical shape. Place the rolled nut roll, seam-side down, on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Repeat this with the remaining dough and filling. This way, all nut rolls are ready for their final rise.
Before baking, let the nut rolls rest and rise for about 30 minutes. Cover them in a warm environment. This step makes the dough light and airy, perfect for baking.
With the nut roll assembly complete, it’s time to bake and enjoy these holiday favorites. Paying close attention to detail is key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
Baking and Serving Nut Rolls
Baking the perfect nut rolls is key to a delicious holiday dessert. They should be baked at 350°F for 30-35 minutes until lightly browned. After baking, let them cool completely before slicing and serving.
Tips for Perfect Results
To get flawless nut rolls, remember these tips:
- Adjust the flour in the dough based on humidity. The dough should be slightly tacky, not too dry or sticky.
- Don’t overfill the nut rolls with filling. This can make the filling leak out during baking.
- Make sure to seal the dough seams well to keep the filling inside.
- Put the nut rolls in the oven with enough space for even browning.
- Let the nut rolls cool completely before slicing for a neat presentation.
By following these tips, you can make perfect nut rolls every time. They’ll be a hit at your holiday dessert table.
“The secret to the perfect nut roll is all in the details – from the dough consistency to the careful filling and sealing. With a little attention, you can create a showstopping pastry that’s sure to impress your guests.”
Nut Roll Variations
Nut rolls are amazing, but you can make them even better with different fillings. Try using pecans or dried fruits like apricots or prunes. Orange zest adds a nice zest, and raisins or a sweet glaze can make them even sweeter.
Nut rolls are more than just a holiday treat. They’re perfect for any time of the year. You can change up a classic recipe or try new flavors. The options are endless.
| Filling Alternatives | Additional Ingredients |
|---|---|
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Trying different fillings and add-ins can make your nut rolls truly special. They can be unique holiday treats or delicious pastries all year. Experiment to find your new favorite nut roll.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to holiday baking, this nut roll recipe is a must-try. The soft, sweet dough and rich walnut filling make a delightful pastry. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holiday season.
This recipe makes a lot, great for gifting or serving a crowd. Its traditional roots and easy instructions make it a favorite for holiday baking. So, gather your ingredients, set aside some time, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this beloved nut roll recipe.
Baking these homemade treats is a delicious way to celebrate the season. It’s also a chance to connect with your heritage or start a new holiday baking tradition. Enjoy the process, savor the results, and share the joy of these flavorful nut rolls with your family and friends.
PrintBest and Easy Nut Roll Recipe
Use this traditional Eastern European nut roll recipe to make a Christmas favorite! A rich walnut filling is encased in soft, supple dough to create a delectably sweet and nutty pastry that is ideal for any occasion. This recipe makes around 35 servings, or seven buns, and is perfect for sharing or giving. Warm milk, sugar, butter, sour cream, and ground walnuts are among the basic components that combine to create a taste of tradition in every bite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Additional Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Eastern European
- Diet: VegetarianDiet
Ingredients
- 2 cups ground walnuts
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Warm milk to 110-115°F, add sugar and yeast, and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Mix yeast mixture with sugar, butter, eggs, and sour cream in a stand mixer until smooth.
- Gradually add flour and knead with a dough hook for 5-7 minutes until soft and slightly sticky.
- Let dough rise in a greased bowl for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Mix ground walnuts, sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, milk, and vanilla to form a thick paste.
- Punch down dough, divide into 7 pieces, roll each into 1/4-inch thick rectangles, and spread walnut filling.
- Roll dough tightly, place seam-side down on parchment-lined baking sheet, and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F, bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown, and cool completely.
- Slice and serve as a holiday treat or share with family and friends.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 293
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 176
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 39
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: 32
FAQ
What is the yield for this nut roll recipe?
This nut roll recipe makes 35 servings and 7 rolls.
What are the main ingredients for the nut roll dough?
The dough needs warm milk, active dry yeast, sugar, butter, eggs, sour cream, and flour.
How do you make the walnut filling?
First, grind the walnuts finely in a food processor. Then, mix the ground walnuts with sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and milk.
How do you assemble the nut rolls?
Start by dividing the dough into 7 equal pieces. Roll out each piece into a rectangle. Spread the walnut filling evenly over the dough.
Roll up the dough tightly, like a jelly roll. Place the rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
What is the baking temperature and time for the nut rolls?
Bake the nut rolls at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. They should be lightly browned.
What are some tips for perfect nut rolls?
To make perfect nut rolls, adjust the flour based on humidity. Don’t overfill the rolls. Make sure to seal the seams well to prevent filling leaks.
Can nut rolls be made with different fillings?
Yes, nut rolls can have various fillings. Try pecans, apricots, prunes, or poppy seeds. You can also add raisins, orange zest, or a sweet glaze for extra flavor and texture.
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