CHRISTMAS COOKIES

in a small saucepan, scald 1/2 cup milk, add 1/4 cup water and 1 1/2 tablespoon sugar.

Remove from heat and cool to lukewarm.

add 2 1/2 teaspoons yeast

In mixing bowl, combine:

3 cups flour

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

Cut in 1/4 cup shortening

Add 2 egg yolks and the milk/yeast mixture

Knead until shiny but not sticky. I use the dough hook attachment on my mixer and let it go for about 5 minutes.

Divide dough into three equal pieces on placed on greased cookie sheet. Cover with a clean dish cloth and let dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size. (About one hour)

nut rolls_createandbabble

While the dough is rising, make the nut filling:

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup honey

3 tablespoons butter

Combine ingredients in a saucepan over low heat and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in 3-4 cups of chopped walnuts.

nut roll-nut filling

Roll dough out into a circle (about 1/8″  to 1/4 ” thick) and spread 1/3 of nut mixture to within an inch or so of the edges.

nut rolls_nut mixture

Roll it up and place seam side down on a greased cookie sheet. Cover with cloth and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

Brush egg whites over rolls and bake at 350 degree for 30-40 minutes

baked nut rolls_createandbabble

Looks like I missed a spot on the top roll!

nut rolls_createandbabble.com

nut rolls_createandbabble.com

These freeze well if wrapped in plastic wrap and freezer paper.