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Grandma’s Nut Roll Recipe

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4.8 from 132 reviews

Grandma’s Nut Roll is a traditional sweet yeast bread filled with a rich walnut and cinnamon mixture, rolled up and baked to golden perfection. This classic recipe features a tender, slightly sticky dough combined with a flavorful nut filling, resulting in a deliciously moist and aromatic treat perfect for holiday gatherings or an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 packets active dry yeast (¼ ounces each)
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup butter, softened (room temperature)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 5½ cups all purpose flour (plus more for rolling out)

Filling Ingredients

  • 1 pound walnuts, ground (about 4 cups)
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough Starter: In a small bowl, heat ½ cup milk to 100° to 110° F, dissolve 2 packets of active dry yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in the warm milk. Let it proof until foamy.
  2. Mix Dough Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the yeast mixture, ½ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 cup softened butter, 3 lightly beaten eggs, 1 cup sour cream, and 1 cup flour. Mix on medium speed.
  3. Add Flour Gradually: Gradually add 2 more cups of flour and mix well. Then add an additional 2 cups flour, making a total of 5 cups, mixing until the dough separates from the sides of the bowl. Scrape dough off the hook and sides of the bowl as needed during mixing.
  4. Adjust Dough Consistency: The dough should be slightly sticky but not wet. If too sticky, add ½ to 1 cup more flour gradually until the desired consistency is reached.
  5. First Rise: Form the dough into a ball, place it in a buttered mixing bowl, and cover loosely with buttered aluminum foil. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
  6. Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 pound ground walnuts, 1 cup sugar, ¼ cup milk, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Mix until the walnuts form a paste-like filling.
  7. Divide the Dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down with your fist. Cut into 4 equal pieces.
  8. Roll out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a rectangle approximately 12 x 10 inches and ¼ inch thick.
  9. Add Filling: Sprinkle the walnut filling evenly over each piece of dough, pressing lightly but leaving a ½ inch border around the edges.
  10. Roll the Dough: Starting with the long end facing you, roll the dough tightly over the filling beginning from the center and moving to the sides. Roll completely, seam side down. Pinch edges to seal and tuck them underneath the roll.
  11. Second Rise: Place each roll seam-side down on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Cover with greased foil and allow rolls to rise for 30 minutes.
  12. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  13. Bake: Bake the nut rolls for 30 to 35 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the rolls sound hollow when lightly tapped. Internal temperature should reach above 160°F (71°C).
  14. Cool and Serve: Allow the nut rolls to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving to maintain their structure and texture.

Notes

  • Milk temperature is crucial for activating yeast; too hot can kill yeast, too cold will not activate it properly.
  • Use freshly ground walnuts for best flavor and texture in the filling.
  • Dough consistency may vary depending on humidity and flour type; add flour gradually to achieve correct stickiness.
  • Covering the dough with buttered foil prevents sticking during rises.
  • Ensure rolls are sealed tightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
  • Allowing the rolls to cool completely before slicing ensures cleaner cuts and better presentation.

Keywords: nut roll, walnut roll, yeast dough, sweet bread, cinnamon walnut filling, traditional pastry, Eastern European dessert

Find it online: https://delishfamilyrecipe.com/grandmas-nut-roll-recipe/