Walnut Rolls
Walnut Rolls are soft, flavorful bread filled with a rich walnut and sweet filling, perfect for breakfast or tea. Their golden crust and nutty interior make them a delightful treat for family gatherings or special occasions, offering a comforting aroma and satisfying taste of homemade goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups warm water ⓘ
- 2 packages dry yeast ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 6 1/4 to 6 3/4 cups flour ⓘ
- 2/3 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/3 cup margarine or butter melted ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon shortening melted ⓘ
- 2 beaten eggs ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk ⓘ
- 4 cups ground walnuts ⓘ
- 2/3 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, dry yeast, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir to dissolve the yeast and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 6 1/4 to 6 3/4 cups of flour, 2/3 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Add melted margarine or butter, melted shortening, beaten eggs, and evaporated milk to the dry ingredients.
- Pour in the yeast mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms, about 8-10 minutes.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Meanwhile, prepare the walnut filling by mixing ground walnuts, 2/3 cup brown sugar, and 1/3 cup sugar.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a rectangle, spread with the walnut filling, then roll up tightly.
- Place the rolls seam-side down on greased baking sheets.
- Let the rolls rise again until nearly doubled, about 30-45 minutes.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven, cool slightly, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure the best texture, knead the dough until it's smooth and elastic. If you prefer a nut-free option, ground almonds or sunflower seeds can be used in place of walnuts. For a sweeter touch, consider adding a hint of cinnamon to the walnut filling. Remember to keep your ingredients at room temperature before starting for optimal results.
Serving Suggestions
These walnut rolls are delightful served warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. They make a great addition to brunch alongside dishes like the Best Buttermilk Biscuits. For a cozy dessert, serve them with coffee or tea, or pair them with fresh fruit for a light afternoon snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover walnut rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Walnut Rolls contains roughly 997 calories, with 9g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value), iron (17% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1259mg per serving (55% 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 fresh yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can substitute fresh yeast for dry yeast. Generally, use about three times the amount of fresh yeast as dry. Dissolve it in the warm water before adding it to the dry ingredients. This may slightly alter the rising time, so keep an eye on the dough as it rises.
What can I do if my dough doesn’t rise?
If the dough doesn’t rise, it might be due to inactive yeast or a cold environment. Ensure your yeast is fresh and the water is warm, but not hot. You can create a warm rising environment by placing the dough in an oven with the light on or in a warm spot in your kitchen.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then punch it down and refrigerate it overnight. When you're ready, let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking. This method can enhance the flavor and texture of the rolls.
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).