Holiday Nut Roll Recipe

Introduction

Holiday Nut Roll is a delicious traditional treat perfect for festive celebrations. It features a tender, buttery dough filled with a rich, cinnamon-spiced walnut filling. This recipe yields flaky, golden rolls that delight the senses and make any holiday table special.

Ingredients

• 1 lb walnuts (ground fine)
• 3 cups white sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp vanilla
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup milk (lukewarm)
• 1/4 oz yeast (1 packet or 2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 cup flour
• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 lb butter (4 sticks)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp vanilla
• 7 egg yolks (well beaten)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Combine the lukewarm milk, yeast, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/2 cup flour in a bowl to make the sponge. Set aside until bubbly, about 10–15 minutes.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, mix the ground walnuts, 3 cups white sugar, 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons vanilla, and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Cook over medium heat until thickened, then remove from heat. If the filling thickens too much while you prepare the dough, stir in additional hot water or milk to loosen it.
3. Step 3: Combine 6 cups flour, butter, salt, 7 beaten egg yolks, 2 tablespoons vanilla, and the sponge. Mix with your hands until crumbly dough forms.
4. Step 4: Roll walnut-sized balls of dough and place them on a rimmed baking sheet dusted with flour. Dust your work surface with flour as well.
5. Step 5: Roll each dough ball into an approximately 4-inch circle. Spoon about a tablespoon of filling onto the dough and spread it evenly, taking care not to overfill to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
6. Step 6: Roll each filled dough circle into a crescent shape. Brush the surface with egg white for a golden finish.
7. Step 7: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Tips & Variations

• For a softer dough, you can substitute half the butter with vegetable shortening.
• Add a handful of raisins or chopped dried apricots to the filling for extra texture and sweetness.
• Use a food processor to grind the walnuts finely for a smoother filling texture.
• If you prefer, sprinkle powdered sugar over cooled rolls before serving for a festive touch.

Storage

Store the nut rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well; wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in a low oven.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut instead of walnuts?

Yes, pecans or almonds can be used as alternatives, but walnuts provide the classic flavor and texture traditional to this roll.

How do I know when the yeast sponge is ready?

The sponge is ready when it becomes bubbly and slightly rises, usually within 10 to 15 minutes, indicating the yeast is active.

Holiday Nut Roll Recipe

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5 from 104 reviews

Holiday Nut Roll is a traditional festive pastry featuring a rich, buttery dough filled with a sweet, spiced walnut filling. This rolled dessert combines a slightly crisp exterior with a moist, flavorful nut filling, making it a perfect treat for holiday gatherings or special occasions.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 rolls 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 1 lb walnuts (ground fine)
• 3 cups white sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1–1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup milk (lukewarm)

Sponge

• 1/4 oz yeast (1 packet or 2–1/4 teaspoons)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 cup flour

Dough

• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 lb butter (4 sticks), cold
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp vanilla extract
• 7 egg yolks (well beaten)

Finish

• Egg white for brushing

Instructions

1. Prepare Sponge: Combine the yeast, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1/2 cup flour, and 1 cup lukewarm milk in a bowl to make the sponge. Set aside in a warm place for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and risen.
2. Make Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine ground walnuts, 3 cups white sugar, 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons vanilla, and 1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from the heat. If the filling becomes too thick while preparing the dough, stir in a little hot water or milk to loosen.
3. Prepare Dough: In a large bowl, combine 6 cups all-purpose flour, 1 pound cold butter (cut into small pieces), and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to mix until crumbly, similar to pie dough.
4. Incorporate Sponge: Add the risen sponge and 7 beaten egg yolks along with 2 tablespoons vanilla extract to the flour mixture. Mix with your hands until a cohesive dough forms. Form walnut-sized balls of dough and place them on a rimmed baking sheet.
5. Roll and Fill: Dust the working surface with flour. Roll each dough ball into about a 4-inch circle. Spoon approximately one tablespoon of the walnut filling onto the dough and spread evenly, being careful not to overfill to prevent breakage during baking.
6. Shape Rolls: Roll the dough into a crescent shape enclosing the filling. Brush the surface of each roll with egg white to promote browning.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the rolls on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Cool and Store: Cool the nut rolls on a wire rack. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The rolls can also be frozen to extend shelf life.

Notes

• If the walnut filling thickens too much before rolling the dough, add small amounts of hot water or milk to loosen, ensuring easier spreading.
• Use cold butter for the dough to achieve a tender, flaky texture.
• Brush with egg white to give the rolls a shiny, golden finish.
• These nut rolls freeze well; wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
• Do not overfill the rolls, as excess filling may leak and cause the rolls to break apart during baking.

Keywords: holiday nut roll, walnut pastry, festive dessert, rolled sweet bread, holiday baking