Walnut Crescents

Nut Rolls with Walnuts – A Childhood Delight

Nut rolls are a traditional recipe often found in the pastries and desserts we lovingly prepare for our loved ones. These small delights are crispy on the outside and filled with a delicious mixture of walnuts, offering an unforgettable taste. Whether you're making them for the holidays or simply to treat yourself, nut rolls are the perfect choice.

Total preparation time: 2 hours (30 minutes for preparation, 1 hour and 30 minutes for cooling and baking)
Number of servings: 32 rolls

Ingredients:

- 500 g of flour
- 300 g of margarine
- 200 g of sour cream
- 3 eggs (2 yolks and 1 white)
- 250 g of ground walnuts
- 200 g of sugar
- a pinch of salt

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, add 500 g of flour and 300 g of diced margarine. Use your fingers to rub the margarine into the flour until the mixture becomes homogeneous and has a texture similar to wet sand. This essential technique will give the rolls a tender texture.

2. Adding wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat 2 egg yolks with a pinch of salt and 200 g of sour cream. Once the mixture is homogeneous, incorporate it into the flour and margarine mixture. Gently knead the dough until it becomes elastic. Avoid over-kneading to prevent a dense dough.

3. Dividing the dough
Once the dough is ready, divide it into 8 equal parts. This will make it easier to roll out the rolls. Cover them with a damp towel to prevent drying out.

4. Forming the rolls
Take each part of the dough and roll it out into a thin strip. Melt the remaining margarine and brush the strip of dough with it. Roll the strip tightly to form a roll. Repeat this process for all 8 parts of dough. Once finished, place the rolls in the fridge for 30 minutes. This step helps to firm up the dough, making it easier to work with.

5. Preparing the filling
While the dough cools, prepare the filling. Beat 1 egg white until frothy, gradually adding 200 g of sugar until the mixture becomes stiff and glossy. Then, fold in 250 g of ground walnuts. The filling should be well bound but not too wet, to avoid softening the dough.

6. Forming the nut rolls
After 30 minutes, take the rolls out of the fridge and cut each roll into 4 pieces. Take each piece and roll it out with a rolling pin, forming a thin circle. Add a tablespoon of filling at the bottom of the circle and roll it gently to form a nut roll. Make sure the edges are well pressed to prevent them from opening during baking.

7. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden.

8. Cooling and serving
Once baked, let them cool on a cooling rack. If desired, you can dust them with powdered sugar for a more festive appearance.

Practical tips:

- Choosing ingredients: Use high-quality margarine to achieve a tender dough. Also, fresh and well-ground walnuts will give the filling a more intense flavor.
- Butter option: If you want a richer variant, replace the margarine with butter.
- Storing the rolls: Keep the rolls in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Nutritional benefits:
Nut rolls are a good source of healthy fats from walnuts, which are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. They also contain vitamins B and E, essential for cellular metabolism and skin health.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I replace the walnuts with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use ground almonds, hazelnuts, or even chocolate for a more decadent version.

- How can I make the rolls even more aromatic?
Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or lemon zest to the filling for an extra flavor boost.

- Can the rolls be frozen?
Yes, the rolls can be frozen before baking. Place them in an airtight container, and when you want to bake them, just put them directly in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

These nut rolls are more than just a dessert; they bring a touch of nostalgia and warmth in every bite. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee, and turn every moment into an unforgettable memory!