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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/holiday-nut-roll-recipe/