When the cheerful holiday spirit fills the air, it’s time to gather in the kitchen and indulge in the cozy tradition of baking delightful treats. Today, we bring you a charming Christmas recipe all the way from Norway – Valnøttboller Walnut Buns. These sweet and nutty buns are a staple in Norwegian holiday celebrations, bringing warmth and comfort to any festive gathering.
**Ingredients:**
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
– ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
– 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 egg, room temperature
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– ½ tsp salt
– ½ cup chopped walnuts
– 1/3 cup brown sugar
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add the sugar, egg, butter, vanilla extract, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.
3. Gradually stir in the flour until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. In a small bowl, mix the chopped walnuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon to prepare the filling.
6. Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, approximately 12×8 inches.
7. Spread the walnut filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Starting from the long side, roll the dough into a log and pinch the edges to seal.
9. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces and place them in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each piece.
10. Cover the dish with a kitchen towel and allow the buns to rise for an additional 30 minutes.
11. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
12. Bake the walnut buns in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
13. Remove the buns from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before dusting with powdered sugar, if desired.
14. Serve these delightful Valnøttboller Walnut Buns warm with a cup of hot cocoa or your favorite festive beverage.
Enjoy the delightful aroma of warm cinnamon and toasty walnuts as these Norwegian-inspired buns bake to perfection in your kitchen. Whether you share them with loved ones or savor them in peaceful solitude, these Valnøttboller Walnut Buns are sure to bring a touch of Scandinavian charm to your Christmas festivities. Happy baking!
