Grandma’s Perfect Nut Rolls: A Family Recipe for the Holidays

Grandma Marsh’s Classic Nut Rolls Recipe

There’s something magical about baking family recipes, especially ones as cherished as these nut rolls passed down from Grandma Marsh. Perfect for holidays or any special occasion, these soft, golden-brown rolls are filled with a deliciously sweet nut mixture. Let’s dive into this time-honored recipe that’s sure to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen.

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Ingredients

Dough:

• 11 cups all-purpose flour
• 5 eggs
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ¾ cup warm water (to activate the yeast)
• ½ lb. butter (two sticks)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 large cake yeast (or three dry yeast packets)
• 2 cups warm milk

Nut Filling:

• 3 bags of walnuts (or one 48 oz. bag from Costco, if doubling)
• 1 cup hot milk
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• ⅓ cup honey

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Instructions

Preparing the Dough:

1. Mix flour and butter: Treat the butter like you would for a pie crust—softened and cut into chunks before mixing with the flour.
2. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, salt, vanilla, and warm milk.
3. Activate the yeast: Dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit until foamy. Add this yeast mixture to the wet ingredients.
4. Form the dough: Slowly add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture, mixing until the dough forms and is no longer sticky. Knead until smooth.
5. First rise: Rub a little oil over the top of the dough, cover it with a clean cloth, and let it rise for about 3 hours in a warm place.

Making the Filling:

1. Grind the walnuts: Use a food processor or grinder to get a fine consistency.
2. Combine ingredients: Mix the ground walnuts with hot milk, brown sugar, melted butter, and honey. Adjust the sweetness by adding more brown sugar or honey to taste. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before using.

Assembling the Nut Rolls:

1. Divide and roll: After the dough has risen, divide it into 6-8 parts, depending on how large you want the rolls. Roll out each section of dough as wide as your pan.
2. Spread and roll up: Spread the nut filling evenly across the dough, then roll it up jelly-roll style.
3. Prepare for baking: Place the rolls on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper (3 rolls per sheet, width-wise). Cover with a cloth and let them rise for 45 minutes.

Baking:

1. Punch holes: Before placing in the oven, use a fork to gently punch small holes in the top of each roll to prevent bubbling.
2. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F for 30-40 minutes, or until the rolls are a light golden brown.
3. Brush with butter: As soon as the rolls come out of the oven, brush them with melted butter for a glossy, soft finish.

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Tips for Perfect Nut Rolls

• Don’t skip the second rise: This step ensures the rolls stay fluffy and light.
• Experiment with fillings: While the nut mixture is traditional, you can try adding apricot jam, raisins, or even chocolate for variation.
• Store properly: These rolls freeze beautifully! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.