German Pastry Rollups are delicate, buttery cookies filled with finely chopped walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon, then rolled into crescents and baked to golden perfection. A dusting of powdered sugar gives them a festive touch. These cookies are reminiscent of traditional Eastern European and German holiday pastries, making them a cherished treat for Christmas platters, afternoon coffee breaks, or special gatherings. Their rich, flaky texture comes from the cream cheese-infused dough, creating an irresistible balance of nutty sweetness and buttery indulgence.
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- 4 oz cream cheese (½ of an 8 oz package, softened)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ½ cup walnuts (finely chopped )
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
- powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until smooth and combined.
- Gradually beat or stir in flour and salt until a dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
- Divide the dough into 7 equal balls.
- Cover and chill for 2 to 24 hours.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- In a small bowl, combine the walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
- On a floured surface, roll one dough ball into a 6-inch circle.
- Lightly brush the surface with water.
- Sprinkle about 2 tsp of the walnut mixture evenly over the circle.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
- Cut each circle into 8 wedges.
- Starting at the wide end, roll up each wedge to form a crescent.
- Place cookies point-side down on an ungreased baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
- Cool on wire racks.
- Roll cooled cookies in powdered sugar before serving.
Tips
- Chill dough thoroughly for easier rolling and flakier pastry texture
- If dough is sticky, lightly flour the board and rolling pin
- Substitute pecans for walnuts if preferred
- Add a little vanilla extract to the dough for extra flavor
- Roll tightly from wide edge to point to keep crescent shape
- Dust with powdered sugar while still slightly warm so it adheres well
- Store in an airtight tin; flavors improve after a day
- These freeze well unbaked, shape, freeze on tray, then bake from frozen
- Try filling with very finely chopped almonds for variation
- For extra sweetness, roll twice in powdered sugar after cooling
Nutrition
Calories: 85kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 20mgPotassium: 25mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 90IUCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!