Hungarian Nut Rolls

These Hungarian Nut Rolls are a traditional, flavorful pastry filled with a rich, buttery nut mixture, making them perfect for holiday baking or special occasions. The dough is soft and tender, while the filling adds a sweet, nutty crunch.

Ingredients:

Nut Filling:

• 1½ – 2 lbs nuts (about 1½ lbs walnuts, ½ lb pecans), ground
• 2½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 large apple, grated
• ¾ – 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 sticks (1 cup) butter, melted

Dough:

• 2 packages dry yeast (or 2 yeast cakes)
• ½ cup warm milk (105-115°F)
• 6 – 6½ cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 6 tbsp granulated sugar
• ¾ tsp salt
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 2 sticks (1 cup) butter, melted or very soft

Icing:

• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk

Directions:

1. Prepare the Nut Filling:
   • In a large bowl, combine the ground nuts, granulated sugar, eggs, grated apple, and cinnamon.
   • Add the melted butter and stir until well mixed.
   • Heat the mixture in a large saucepan over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside to cool. (You can freeze any extra filling for later use.)
2. Prepare the Dough:
   • Dissolve the yeast in warm milk (105-115°F). Let it sit for 10-20 minutes until foamy.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine sifted flour, sugar, salt, sour cream, eggs, and melted butter.
   • Add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture, blending everything thoroughly until a soft dough forms.
   • Divide the dough into 4 or 6 portions, depending on how many rolls or loaves you want.
3. Roll and Fill:
   • Roll each portion of dough to about ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface.
   • Spread a generous amount of cooled nut filling onto each rolled-out dough.
   • Roll the dough up jellyroll style, making sure to seal the edges and tuck the ends under.
4. Let Rise:
   • Place the rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
   • Loosely cover with plastic wrap and allow the rolls to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Bake:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
   • Bake the nut rolls for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Prepare the Icing:
   • While the rolls are baking, mix together confectioners’ sugar and milk to make a drizzle-consistency icing.
7. Finish:
   • Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool slightly.
   • Drizzle with the prepared icing and allow to set before serving.

Enjoy these delightful, sweet, and nutty rolls as part of your holiday spread or with a cup of coffee!