Walnut Nut Roll Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a truly delightful treat, you’ve gotta try this Walnut Nut Roll Cookies Recipe. These Hungarian-inspired cookies are a dreamy mix of flaky cream cheese dough wrapped around a buttery, sweet walnut filling that caramelizes just perfectly. I absolutely love how this recipe balances that tender, flaky crust with a rich, crunchy center–it’s become a family favorite that I always turn to when I want to impress (or just indulge). Whether you’re baking for the holidays or a cozy weekend treat, these cookies will quickly become your go-to for something special.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are straightforward but carefully chosen to create that luscious dough and filling combo. For instance, cream cheese softens the dough and gives it a wonderful flakiness, while finely ground walnuts offer depth in the filling without any gritty texture.

• All Purpose Flour: This is the base that lends structure without weighing down your cookies.
• Kosher Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
• Cream Cheese: Room temperature makes it easier to mix, resulting in a flaky dough.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened butter for the dough, melted for the filling—both add richness.
• Granulated Sugar: Used twice—once in the dough and again for rolling and sweetening the filling.
• Walnuts: Finely ground for a smooth yet textured filling.
• Whole Milk: Boiled to perfect consistency for caramelizing the filling.

Variations

I love how adaptable the Walnut Nut Roll Cookies Recipe is. Over time, I’ve experimented with a few tweaks that make it fit any occasion or dietary needs while still delighting everyone who tries them.

• Swap Nuts: I sometimes use pecans or hazelnuts for a different flavor punch—totally delicious and just as satisfying.
• Gluten-Free Version: I’ve had success substituting with a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure to add a little xanthan gum for dough elasticity.
• Spiced Filling: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the walnut mixture adds warmth that’s perfect for fall or holidays.
• Vegan Twist: Try using a plant-based cream cheese and butter replacements to make these nut rolls vegan-friendly.

How to Make Walnut Nut Roll Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Make the Cream Cheese Dough

Start by whisking together the flour and kosher salt in a large bowl. Then, in a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until you get a smooth, creamy mixture—this is what makes the dough so flaky and tender. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix; you want a supple dough that feels a bit soft to the touch. I like to wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for about an hour before rolling out, which helps avoid tearing while rolling.

Step 2: Prepare the Walnut Filling

While the dough chills, make the filling by boiling the milk and sugar together until the sugar dissolves completely. Stir in the melted butter and then the finely ground walnuts. The mixture should be moist but thick enough to spread easily without running. I discovered this trick the hard way, and now it’s my foolproof method to get that perfect balance—too thin and it leaks, too thick and it’s crumbly.

Step 3: Roll, Fill, and Shape

Roll the dough out on a floured surface until it’s about ⅛ inch thick. Spread the walnut filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Then, carefully roll the dough into a tight log—like a jelly roll. Press the edges to seal so nothing oozes out while baking. I like dusting the dough with granulated sugar before rolling; this small step adds a lovely subtle crunch and a touch of sweetness.

Step 4: Slice and Bake

Slice the roll into about ¼- to ½-inch thick cookies and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes or until golden edges appear and the filling starts caramelizing—this caramel flavor is why I keep making this recipe again and again. Let the cookies cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. They bake fast, so keep a close eye starting at 10 minutes to avoid burning the edges.

How to Serve Walnut Nut Roll Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnishes simple—just a light dusting of powdered sugar after baking adds a beautiful snowy touch and contrasts the caramelized filling nicely. Sometimes, I drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies for a rich finish that my family absolutely adores.

Side Dishes

These cookies are fantastic with a hot cup of coffee or strong black tea. For a special brunch or afternoon treat, I like serving them alongside fresh fruit or a mild cheese platter to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I’ve arranged them in a circle on a festive platter, adding sprigs of fresh rosemary or edible flowers around the edges for extra charm. Wrapping them individually in clear cellophane with a ribbon also makes them a wonderful homemade gift that feels so thoughtful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Walnut Nut Roll Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They stay fresh and crisp for up to a week—though they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch in advance, you can freeze the sliced rolls before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, bake straight from the freezer—add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time, and you’ll have fresh cookies anytime.

Reheating

To freshen up day-old cookies, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. It revives the crust’s flakiness and lightly warms the filling without making the cookie hard or dry.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Walnut Nut Roll Cookies Recipe isn’t just a cookie—it’s a little ritual of love and warmth that’s brought countless smiles to my kitchen. I hope when you try making these, you’ll enjoy that perfect buttery crust and sweet nut filling as much as my family does. Trust me, once you nail the rolling technique and get that caramelized edge, you’ll want to make these over and over. So go ahead, bake a batch, share with your favorite people, and watch everyone go crazy for this classic treat!

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