Christmas Nut Rolls
Festive and flaky nut rolls with a rich yeast dough, filled with nuts or fruits, perfect for holiday celebrations and sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the eggs with a wire whip.
- Add vanilla, yeast, and evaporated milk to the beaten eggs.
- Mix all liquids and shortening with fingers until combined.
- Mix dry ingredients with 3 cups of flour.
- Combine dry ingredients with the liquid mixture until the dough no longer sticks to fingers; add more flour if needed.
- Refrigerate the dough for 5 to 6 hours or overnight, covering with a damp cloth.
- Roll out individual portions of dough, fill with nuts or apricots, and shape as desired.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the Crisco with butter. If you prefer a sweeter filling, add a bit of sugar to the nuts or apricots. Make sure the yeast is fresh for proper rising, and if you're short on time, you can skip refrigeration for a quicker dough. If you want to experiment, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a holiday twist.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas nut rolls make a delightful addition to any holiday brunch or dessert table. Serve them warm with a dusting of powdered sugar on top. They pair beautifully with hot cocoa or spiced coffee. Consider serving alongside seasonal treats like Bryce'S Strawberry Pie for a festive spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover nut rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. For reheating, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through, ensuring they maintain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Nut Rolls contains roughly 242 calories, with 3g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (28% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2335mg per serving (102% 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 use a different type of milk instead of evaporated milk?
Yes, you can substitute evaporated milk with whole milk or almond milk for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture, so adjust accordingly. If using regular milk, you may want to reduce the amount slightly to avoid a too-wet dough.
How do I know when the nut rolls are done baking?
The nut rolls are done when they are golden brown on top and have a slight firmness to the touch. You can also check the bottom; it should be lightly browned. If you're unsure, a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking to prevent over-browning.
Can I freeze the nut rolls for later?
Absolutely! Allow the nut rolls to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore their freshness.
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).