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–+ servings
Nut Rolls from Mother
Nut Rolls are a classic sweet yeast pastry filled with a rich nut mixture and rolled into logs or crescents before baking. Popular in Eastern European and American baking traditions, this version balances a soft, buttery dough with a subtly sweet walnut filling. The recipe showcases a rustic homemade charm, using cake yeast and hand-kneading for a texture that's both tender and satisfying. Perfect for holidays, special gatherings, or as a treat with coffee, these rolls are baked until golden and can be sliced or enjoyed whole.
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Prep Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Course bread
Cuisine American, European
Servings 24 rolls
Calories 187 kcal

Ingredients
  

Dough Base:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cake yeast (or 1 packet active dry yeast)
  • 1½ cups milk
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar

Enrichment & Flavor:

  • 2 egg yolks (small )
  • 5 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk (lukewarm)
  • 4 tbsp butter (melted)

Filling:

  • 2 cups ground nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
  • Optional: Jam (for layering)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Dough Starter

  • Take 4 cups flour
  • Remove ½ cup and set aside
  • Add yeast to remaining 3½ cups flour
  • Stir in 1½ cups warm milk and ½ cup sugar
  • Let rise until bubbly and spongy

Step 2: Enrich the Dough

  • To the sponge, add 2 small egg yolks, 5 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt
  • Add ¾ cup lukewarm milk gradually, mixing well
  • Melt 4 tbsp butter and stir in slowly
  • Knead until soft, elastic dough forms

Step 3: Add Filling and Shape

  • Roll dough into rectangles
  • Spread with jam (optional) and sprinkle nuts.
  • Roll up tightly and place seam-down on baking sheet

Step 4: Final Rise and Bake

  • Let shaped rolls rise for 30–45 minutes
  • Bake at 350°F until golden brown (25–30 minutes)

Tips

  • Warm the milk only to lukewarm, too hot will kill the yeast.
  • Add flour gradually while working the dough until smooth and pliable.
  • Let dough rest briefly before rolling to improve elasticity.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the nut filling for warm flavor.
  • Brush rolls lightly with melted butter before baking for color.
  • Add a small amount of vanilla or almond extract to the nut mixture.
  • Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze once cooled.
  • Substitute walnuts or mixed nuts for a richer flavor.
  • Chill dough briefly to make rolling easier if it becomes sticky.

Nutrition

Calories: 187kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 7gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 46mgPotassium: 157mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 63IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 2mg
Keyword family recipe, heirloom recipe, holiday baking, nut rolls, sweet dough, vintage recipe, yeast dough
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