Walnut Snails

Nut Rolls with Walnuts – A Journey into Sweet Memories

Who doesn't fondly remember childhood, the smell of goodies wafting through the house, and the moments spent with loved ones? This nut roll recipe is a true treasure, a dessert that not only delights your taste buds but also brings back a piece of the beautiful memories of yesteryears. Perfect for a snack, a festive dessert, or simply for indulging yourself, these treats will quickly become your favorites.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 1 kg flour
- 400 g butter (at room temperature)
- 15 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (quenched with lemon juice)

For the filling:
- 200 g ground walnuts
- 4 tablespoons cocoa
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar

Ingredient details:

- Flour: Choose a high-quality flour, ideally type 000, which will provide a finer dough.
- Butter: Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easier incorporation into the dough.
- Brown sugar: This will add a slightly caramelized flavor, but you can also use white sugar if preferred.
- Walnuts: Use fresh, finely ground walnuts for an intense flavor.

Preparation:

1. Making the sugar syrup: In a small pot, add the cup of water and the 15 tablespoons of sugar. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar completely dissolves. This will become the base for adding moisture and sweetness to the dough.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the butter and flour. Knead well until the mixture becomes homogeneous and turns into a fine paste. This step is essential for achieving a tender texture for the rolls.

3. Adding wet ingredients: Once you have a uniform mixture, pour in the cooled sugar syrup. Add the eggs, vanilla sugar, and the baking soda quenched with lemon. Knead again until the dough becomes elastic and easy to shape. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour.

4. Chilling the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step will help firm up the butter and make the dough easier to roll out.

5. Preparing the filling: In a separate bowl, mix the ground walnuts with cocoa and brown sugar. This will be the delicious filling that gives an intense flavor to the rolls.

6. Forming the rolls: Take the dough out of the refrigerator and divide it into two equal parts. Roll each part into a large, thin sheet. Generously sprinkle the walnut filling on each sheet, then carefully roll them up. Make sure the rolls are tight, but not too tight, to avoid breaking the dough.

7. Cutting and arranging on the tray: Cut the rolls into slices about 2 cm thick and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Leave a little space between them as they will puff up during baking.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the rolls for about 25 minutes or until they become golden and slightly crispy at the edges. Let them cool in the tray for a few minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely.

Serving:

These nut rolls are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them plain or dust them with a little powdered sugar for an elegant look. Pair them with a cup of tea or aromatic coffee for an unforgettable experience. You can also accompany them with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for a decadent dessert.

Tips and variations:

- If you want an extra flavor, you can add a bit of cinnamon to the walnut filling.
- Instead of walnuts, you can use ground almonds or hazelnuts for a different variation.
- If you want to turn the recipe into a more festive dessert, you can add some dark chocolate pieces to the filling.

Nutritional benefits:

These nut rolls are a good source of fiber and protein due to the walnuts. Additionally, the butter provides healthy fats, which are essential for a balanced diet. However, they should be consumed in moderation, as they are high in calories due to the sugar and butter.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I replace the butter with a vegan alternative?
Yes, you can use vegan margarine or coconut oil, but the final texture will be different.

2. What do I do if the dough is too sticky?
Add a little extra flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as the dough may become too tough.

3. Can I freeze the rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the rolls after they have completely cooled. Place them in airtight containers and you can keep them for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or in the oven.

These nut rolls are more than just a simple dessert; they are a sweet memory of childhood, a way to connect with loved ones, and a way to bring a touch of joy into your life. Whether you prepare them for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, they are sure to become a favorite in your family!