Best Christmas Cookies...EVER
Nut Rolls
I remember as a kid, one of the highlights of Christmas was going to my Grandma's house in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. The drive up there was always so beautiful as we drove through the mountains, past snowy mountains and houses completely decked out for the holidays. But, by far, the best part of going up there was what was waiting for me when I would walk in the door: Her famous nut rolls!!
Now, the name may not be much, but this is the best Christmas cookie recipe out there in my opinion. The recipe was never written down until just recently, as my Grandma only cooked my memory and what seemed right, two skills I have never mastered. But, she never got the recipe wrong, and reluctantly wrote it down for us. Funny story though: she forgot the yeast when she first wrote it, so the first time my Aunt made these, they were a little flat.
My Grandma is currently in hospice and not in great health, but the recipe will forever be a favorite of my families. And with the recipe still handwritten by here, we will always know these nut rolls were made with love.
You can see in the picture to the right how we had to add in yeast to the recipe!
Bread
- 2 packages yeast
- 2 cups milk
- 2 sticks butter, soft
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 tablespoons salf
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 9-10 cups flour
Directions
1. Scald milk, butter and sugar. Let cool
2. Carefully add yeast and remaining ingredients
3. Gradually add flour.
4. Kneed dough until it doesn't stick to table.
5. Put in greased bowl, cover, and let raise for about 30-45 minutes.
6. Divide dough into 8 balls, and roll out each section until thin.
7. Let rise for another 15 minutes.
Filling
2 pounds walnuts, grind fine
1 cup sugar or to taste
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 to 3/4 cups milk
dash of salt
Directions
1. Mix spread and evenly spread it on thin dough
2. Roll sections of dough to make pinwheel rolls
3. Brush with eggs
4. Bake 30-45 minutes at 350 degrees.
Slice and enjoy with some milk or eggnog! Bonus: they freeze great! If you make them, leave a picture in the comments! Better yet, let your postpartum doula make them for you while you enjoy newborn snuggles.
