Walnut Walkaways
Walnut Walkaways are flaky, buttery pastries filled with sweet cream cheese and chopped nuts, perfect for brunch, tea, or as a delightful treat for family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soften the yeast in warm water.
- Combine flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the yeast mixture and egg to the flour mixture.
- Mix just until blended.
- Roll dough half at a time on a floured surface into a 13x9 inch rectangle.
- Beat the cream cheese with sugar and lemon peel until light and fluffy.
- Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over each rectangle of dough.
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts.
- Roll up each rectangle starting from the 13-inch side.
- Sprinkle the rolled pastries with sugar.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar in the cream cheese mixture. If you're out of active dry yeast, you can substitute with instant yeast, but reduce the water by a tablespoon. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy incorporation into the dough. Experiment with different nuts like pecans or almonds for variation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful pastries warm as a sweet breakfast treat or an afternoon snack. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, such as Apple Tea Bread, for a comforting experience. Consider garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze for added sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Walnut Walkaways in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to regain their flaky texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Walnut Walkaways contains roughly 398 calories, with 20g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value) and protein (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 693mg per serving (30% 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 dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After mixing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature before rolling out.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, mascarpone cheese can be a great substitute for cream cheese. For a dairy-free alternative, consider using a vegan cream cheese spread, which will provide a similar texture and flavor.
Can I freeze the Walnut Walkaways?
Absolutely! After baking, let them cool completely, then wrap each pastry in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
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).