Irresistible Nut Roll Recipe – The Best Sweet and Nutty Delight

Every December, without fail, the scent of warm spices, toasted walnuts, and sweet bread dough would drift through my grandmother’s kitchen. That was the smell of her cherished nut roll recipe baking in the oven, a treat reserved for holidays, special guests, and always made with love. This nut-studded pastry isn’t just a dessert; it’s a piece of our family history, and today I’m sharing it with you.

This nut roll recipe fits beautifully into any celebration, whether you’re baking for a cozy Sunday brunch or creating an impressive centerpiece for your holiday table. With its soft, tender dough and sweet, cinnamon-spiced nut filling, it’s a comforting bake that also feels a bit festive and fancy.

If you’ve never made a nut roll before, don’t worry. I’ve simplified this heirloom recipe for modern kitchens without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re brand new to baking or have years of experience, this version makes it easy to achieve that bakery-quality swirl at home.

Why This Nut Roll Recipe Works Every Time

What sets this nut roll recipe apart is the dough. It’s pillowy-soft yet sturdy enough to roll without tearing. I use a mix of whole milk and butter to enrich the dough, while a touch of sugar and egg lends both flavor and structure. You’ll get a soft, tender bite every time, with no dryness or crumbling.

The filling is a key player here. Toasted walnuts are blended with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of cream to create a rich, almost creamy paste that spreads easily and bakes up gooey and aromatic. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking, and even substitute other nuts like pecans or hazelnuts if you’re feeling adventurous.

Another reason this nut roll recipe shines is its flexibility. It can be made ahead, frozen, or even adapted to fit different dietary needs. You can make it dairy-free by swapping butter with coconut oil and milk with almond milk. Gluten-free flour blends also work well with a few minor adjustments.

It’s also incredibly rewarding to make. Watching the dough rise, rolling it out with care, and slicing into that perfect swirl, it’s a satisfying process that connects you with generations of bakers before you.

Recipe Card

Nut Roll Recipe

Recipe by Soukayna

0.0 from 0 votes

Cuisine: Eastern EuropeDifficulty: Medium

Servings

10-12

servings

Prep time

3

hours 

Cooking time

35

minutes

Calories

320

kcal

This classic nut roll recipe combines a soft, buttery dough with a rich, nutty filling. Perfect for holidays or any special gathering!

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Ingredients

• For the Dough

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 3 large egg yolks

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• For the Filling

• 2 cups ground walnuts

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 cup heavy cream (warmed)

• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• For Brushing

• 1 egg, beaten with 1 tbsp water

Directions

• Step 1: Prepare the Dough
• In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
• Add the yeast mixture, melted butter, egg yolks, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
• Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1–2 hours or until doubled in size.
• Step 2: Make the Filling
• Combine ground walnuts, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a bowl.
• Gradually mix in the warm heavy cream until the filling is spreadable but not runny.
• Step 3: Assemble the Nut Roll
• Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal parts.
• Roll out each portion into a rectangle (about 12×16 inches).
• Spread the walnut filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
• Roll the dough tightly from the shorter side, sealing the edges. Place the rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Step 4: Final Rise and Bake
• Cover the rolls with a clean towel and let them rise for 30–45 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Brush the rolls with the egg wash and bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown.
• Let cool before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Make sure the milk for the yeast is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
• Ground nuts should be finely ground for a smoother filling.
• If the dough is sticky during kneading, add small amounts of flour, but don’t overdo it to maintain softness.

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Tips for Perfect Nut Roll

• Allow Time for Rising: Properly proofing the dough ensures a soft and fluffy texture. Be patient!
• Don’t Overfill: Too much filling can make the roll difficult to seal and prone to breaking during baking.
• Seal the Edges Well: Pinch the seams tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out.
• Let it cool before slicing: Cutting too soon can make the filling ooze out. Give it at least 30 minutes after baking.
• Use Fresh Nuts: Stale nuts can compromise the flavor of the filling.

Variants of the Nut Roll Recipe You’ll Love

Chocolate Hazelnut Nut Roll

Swap the walnut filling with a mix of hazelnuts and dark chocolate chips. Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough for depth. This version is like a cross between a Nutella swirl and a European-style pastry, perfect for chocoholics.

Maple Pecan Nut Roll

Use pecans instead of walnuts and add a few tablespoons of maple syrup to the filling. This version brings warm fall flavors and works beautifully with a maple glaze drizzled on top.

Vegan Nut Roll

Use almond milk and vegan butter for the dough, and replace the egg with a flaxseed “egg” (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water). For the filling, swap the cream with coconut cream. The results are surprisingly rich and just as satisfying.

Savory Herb Cheese Roll

If you like savory over sweet, omit the sugar from the dough and fill it with a mixture of cream cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped walnuts, and fresh herbs like thyme and parsley. Great as an appetizer or brunch treat

FAQs

This Nut Roll Recipe is More Than Just Dessert

This nut roll recipe is more than a tasty baked good, it’s a celebration of tradition, craftsmanship, and comfort. From the tender dough to the nutty, sweet filling, each slice tells a story. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday gathering, as a gift, or simply to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee, it never fails to bring a sense of warmth and nostalgia.

What I love most is how easily this recipe adapts. You can tailor it to suit your taste, dietary preferences, or even the seasons. And the process of making it, from kneading the dough to rolling that swirl, is deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that brings joy both in the making and the sharing.

Pair this nut roll recipe with our Chai Latte Recipe for the ultimate cozy dessert experience!