Description
These Hungarian Nut Roll Cookies feature a flaky cream cheese crust wrapped around a sweet and crunchy walnut filling. The nut filling caramelizes beautifully around the edges, creating a delightful texture and rich flavor. Perfect for festive occasions or an indulgent treat with coffee.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 ¼ cups all purpose flour
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
Filling
- ½ pound walnuts (finely ground)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup whole milk (boiled)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
Additional
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and kosher salt. Add the softened unsalted butter and room temperature cream cheese. Mix and knead the ingredients together until a smooth, uniform dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Make the Walnut Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the finely ground walnuts, granulated sugar, boiled whole milk, and melted butter. Stir constantly as the mixture warms and thickens slightly, creating a sweet, rich filling. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Assemble the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangular sheet about ¼ inch thick. Spread the walnut filling evenly over the dough. Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, sealing the edges.
- Slice and Roll in Sugar: Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1/2-inch thick slices. Roll each slice in granulated sugar to coat the exterior, adding a sweet crunchy texture.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the sugared slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are flaky.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. This helps them set and enhances their flakiness. Serve with tea or coffee for a delightful treat.
Notes
- The cream cheese crust is key for a flaky texture and rich flavor.
- Ensure the walnuts are finely ground to avoid a gritty texture in the filling.
- Boiling the milk before adding helps to slightly caramelize the sugar and intensify flavor in the filling.
- Rolling the cookie slices in granulated sugar before baking adds a crisp, sweet exterior.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 132 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 41 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 16 mg
