Nut Roll Cookies (Walnut Filling)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Mix until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Avoid overmixing.

Wrap the dough and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes.

2. Make the Walnut Filling

Combine the ground walnuts, sugar, milk, cinnamon, and lemon zest in a small saucepan.

Cook over low to medium heat for about 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes thick and fragrant.

Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and apricot jam.

If using raisins, mix them in as well.

Allow the filling to cool completely.

3. Roll Out the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Divide the chilled dough into several smaller portions.

Roll each portion into a thin rectangle on a lightly floured surface.

Spread a thin, even layer of the cooled walnut filling over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

4. Roll and Shape

Carefully roll the dough into a tight log.

Cut the log into small pieces, approximately 1½–2 inches long.

Place the cookies seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

5. Brush and Bake

Brush each cookie lightly with beaten egg.

Bake for approximately 15–20 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.

Be careful not to overbake them—the pastry should remain tender.

6. Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Once completely cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar.

☕ How to Serve

These walnut-filled nut roll cookies are delicious alongside:

• Hot coffee
• Black tea
• Hot chocolate
• Vanilla tea
• A glass of cold milk

They’re especially lovely on a Christmas cookie platter alongside other traditional European pastries.

💡 Tips for Perfect Nut Roll Cookies

Keep the dough chilled: Cold dough is easier to roll and helps the cookies maintain their shape.

Cool the filling: Never spread hot walnut filling onto the dough. It can soften the pastry and make rolling difficult.

Don’t overfill: A thin, even layer of filling gives you the best balance between pastry and walnuts.

Roll tightly: A firm roll helps prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.

Watch the oven: These cookies only need to become lightly golden. Overbaking can make them dry.

🌰 Easy Variations

Walnut & Chocolate

Add 1–2 tablespoons of cocoa powder or finely chopped dark chocolate to the walnut filling.

Orange Walnut

Replace the lemon zest with finely grated orange zest for a warmer citrus flavor.

Apricot Walnut

Add an extra spoonful of apricot jam to create a softer, fruitier filling.

Cinnamon Walnut

Increase the cinnamon slightly for a warmer holiday flavor.

❤️ Final Thoughts

These Nut Roll Cookies with Walnut Filling are the kind of homemade treats that make a holiday kitchen smell incredible. The crisp, tender pastry and rich walnut filling create a classic combination that’s simple, elegant, and wonderfully comforting.