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Christmas Nut Roll Sweet Bread

A rich and comforting holiday bread filled with a sweet walnut-apple mixture and topped with a light icing, perfect for festive occasions.
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Prep Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 48 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 222
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 2 packages active dry yeast (1/4 oz each) Make sure yeast is fresh and active.
  • 1/2 cup warm 2% milk (110-115°F) Temperature is crucial for activating the yeast.
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream Can substitute with plain Greek yogurt.
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
  • 6 to 6 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided Add enough to form a soft dough.
For the Walnut-Apple Filling
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 large egg Cook carefully to avoid scrambling.
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 4 1/2 cups ground walnuts (about 1 1/2 lb whole walnuts)
  • 1 large apple, peeled and grated
For the Icing
  • 2 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp 2% milk Adjust for desired consistency.
For the Pans
  • Cooking spray or butter For greasing the pans.

Method
 

Activate the Yeast
  1. Stir the active dry yeast into the warm milk in a large bowl. Let it stand for about 5 minutes until foamy.
Make and Knead the Dough
  1. Add the sugar, salt, butter, sour cream, eggs, and 3 cups of flour to the yeast mixture. Beat at medium speed for 3 minutes until smooth.
  2. Stir in enough of the remaining flour to make a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 6 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let the Dough Rise and Cook the Filling
  1. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until doubled in size.
  2. Meanwhile, make the filling by combining sugar, butter, egg, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Stir constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in walnuts and apple, and let cool completely.
Roll, Fill, and Shape the Loaves
  1. Punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 12 x 10-inch rectangle, spread with filling, and roll up jelly-roll style.
Second Rise and Bake
  1. Place rolls seam-side down on greased baking sheets, cover, and let rise for about 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until lightly browned, switching pans halfway through.
Cool, Ice, Slice, and Serve
  1. Cool loaves on wire racks. Mix confectioners' sugar with milk for icing, drizzle over cooled loaves, then slice and serve.

Notes

This bread can be made ahead and stored or frozen. Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.