Here’s a classic Old-Fashioned Nut Roll (often called nut roll, kolache roll, or walnut roll). This is the soft yeast dough with a rich, sweet nut filling—just like traditional family recipes.
Old-Fashioned Nut Roll
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup warm milk (not hot)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
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½ tsp salt
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4–4½ cups all-purpose flour
Nut Filling
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2½ cups finely ground walnuts
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¾ cup sugar
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½ cup warm milk
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2 tbsp melted butter
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ tsp cinnamon
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Pinch of salt
Topping (Optional)
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Powdered sugar glaze or egg wash
Instructions
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Activate yeast
In a large bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast.
Let stand 5–10 minutes until foamy. -
Make the dough
Add melted butter, eggs, and salt.
Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic. -
First rise
Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled (about 1–1½ hours). -
Prepare filling
Mix walnuts, sugar, milk, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
Filling should be spreadable, not runny. -
Roll & fill
Punch down dough.
Roll into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick.
Spread nut filling evenly, leaving a small border. -
Roll up
Roll tightly from the long side.
Pinch seam and ends closed. -
Second rise
Place seam-side down on a lined baking sheet.
Cover and rise 30–45 minutes. -
Bake
Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F.
Brush with egg wash if using.
Bake 30–35 minutes until golden. -
Cool & finish
Cool completely before slicing.
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle glaze if desired.
Tips for a Perfect Nut Roll
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Grind nuts very fine for smooth slices
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Don’t overfill or it may crack
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Let cool fully before cutting to prevent crumbling