Christmas Nut Roll
A festive holiday treat, Christmas Nut Roll combines marshmallows, dried fruits, nuts, and graham cracker crumbs into a sweet, chewy pastry. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a homemade gift, its rich flavors and colorful ingredients make it a delightful addition to any Christmas celebration.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the marshmallows in a pot, adding a little water if needed.
- Cut the gum candy, raisins, maraschino cherries, and nuts into small pieces.
- Add the chopped gum candy, raisins, cherries, and nuts to the melted marshmallows.
- Mix in 1 1/2 bags of graham cracker crumbs until well combined.
- Divide the mixture into two portions and form each into a roll.
- Roll the formed logs in the remaining graham cracker crumbs.
- Wrap the rolls in wax paper and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more complex flavor, consider adding chopped dried fruits like apricots or figs. You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired. If you find the mixture too sticky, lightly grease your hands with butter or oil while forming the rolls. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to experiment with different types of gum candy to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the nut rolls into bite-sized pieces for easy serving during festive gatherings. These treats pair beautifully with coffee or hot cocoa, making them a delightful addition to holiday dessert tables. Consider serving them alongside other holiday favorites like Easy Portuguese Soup or Sausage Jambalaya for a perfect mix of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store the wrapped nut rolls in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Ensure they are tightly wrapped in wax paper to prevent drying out. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the rolls. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Nut Roll contains roughly 1453 calories, with 21g protein, 252g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (162% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (95% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (67% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 937mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the nut rolls ahead of time?
Yes, the nut rolls can be made several days in advance. Just ensure they are wrapped well in wax paper and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld, making them even more delicious when served.
What can I use instead of marshmallows?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you might try using melted coconut butter or a homemade marshmallow recipe. However, this could change the texture and sweetness of the final product, so adjust other ingredients accordingly.
How do I know when the marshmallows are melted enough?
The marshmallows should be completely melted and smooth, without any lumps. Stir frequently over low heat to avoid burning. If you see any lumps remaining, continue heating gently until fully melted, adding a splash of water if needed to help with consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).