Introduction
Discover the delightful combination of tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts in our Cranberry-Nut Rolls. This recipe offers a perfect balance between sweetness from the dried cranberries and rich nuttiness, all encased within a flaky, golden brown exterior.
Tips for this Recipe
For best results, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature. Mixing by hand can yield an authentic texture but using the stand mixer will save time and effort. Patience is key during proofing; allow dough to rise adequately before baking for a light, airy roll.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Not only are these Cranberry-Nut Rolls indulgent and flavorful, but they’re also easy to make. The combination of whole milk and oil creates a tender crumb that pairs wonderfully with the sweet cranberries and nutty filling. They’re an excellent choice for breakfast or as a special treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
- 3 1/2 cups (or more) bread flour
- 1 tablespoon golden brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons quick-rising dry yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus additional for coating bowl
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries
- Nonstick vegetable oil spray
- 1 large egg, beaten to blend (for glaze)
- Raw sugar*
Advised Equipment
– Stand Mixer: Ideal for efficiently mixing dough, batter, or filling ingredients like nuts and sugar.
– Spatula: Essential for mixing and transferring ingredients during the recipe preparation process.
– Baking Sheet: A primary tool for baking rolls in a single layer for even cooking.
– Silicone Bake Mat: Can be placed on top of the baking sheet to prevent sticking and allow for easy removal after baking.
– Parchment Paper: Useful for lining baking sheets if silicone mats are not available, ensuring no residue sticks to the pan.
– Cutting Board: A basic kitchen tool needed for preparing and handling ingredients like dough or nuts.
– Food Processor (optional): Can be used to quickly chop nuts if desired, though a knife may suffice.
– Kitchen Scale (optional): For precise measurements of dry ingredients, although most standard recipes are weighted and volume-based.
– Measuring Cups & Spoons: Essential for measuring out the various ingredients accurately in any cooking process.
History of the Recipe
The concept of combining nuts with cranberries dates back to Native American culinary traditions, where it’s believed that these natural foods were preserved by indigenous peoples for their long shelf-life and nutritional value. In the 19th century, as canned fruit became more widely available in America, cranberries gained popularity. Nut-based recipes have been prevalent across various cultures due to nuts’ versatility and health benefits.
Fun Facts About This Recipe
Cranberry has a long history of use by Native Americans for both culinary purposes and medicinal uses. They were often preserved in sugar, which led to the creation of dried cranberries we know today. The inclusion of walnuts not only adds flavor but also brings health benefits due to their high omega-3 fatty acids content.