Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a classic treat often enjoyed during festive gatherings. These delicate pastries feature a tender, buttery dough filled with a sweet, nutty filling, making them an irresistible dessert. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just craving a traditional Italian treat, this simple recipe will guide you through creating delicious homemade nut roll cookies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Italian flavor with a rich, nutty filling.
- Perfect for the holidays or special occasions.
- Customizable filling—try different nuts or add chocolate.
- Easy-to-follow recipe for bakers of all levels.
- Flaky, tender dough that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups walnuts, finely ground
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons milk or water
Topping:
- 1 egg white (for brushing)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Directions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter until smooth. Add sour cream, egg yolks, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Make the Filling:
- In a bowl, combine ground walnuts, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
- Stir in honey and milk (or water) until the mixture becomes spreadable.
Assemble the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out one portion of dough on a floured surface into a rectangle (about 1/8 inch thick).
- Spread half of the nut filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border.
- Carefully roll up the dough from the long side, forming a tight log.
- Repeat with the second portion of dough and filling.
- Brush the rolls with egg white and place them seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Bake and Finish:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool, then dust with powdered sugar before slicing into individual cookies.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 30 cookies
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
Variations
- Chocolate Nut Roll Cookies: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling for a rich twist.
- Hazelnut or Almond Filling: Swap walnuts for hazelnuts or almonds for a different flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Add orange or lemon zest to the dough for a subtle citrus aroma.
- Jam-Filled Version: Spread a thin layer of fruit preserves before adding the nut filling.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes to refresh the texture.
FAQs
What are Italian Nut Roll Cookies?
These cookies consist of a flaky, buttery dough rolled around a sweet walnut filling, similar to Eastern European nut rolls.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Why does my dough crack when rolling?
If the dough is too cold, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling to prevent cracking.
Can I use pre-ground walnuts?
Yes, but for the freshest flavor, grind whole walnuts yourself using a food processor.
How do I make the filling smoother?
If the filling seems too dry, add a little more milk or honey to make it easier to spread.
Can I make these without eggs?
Yes, replace the egg yolks with a tablespoon of applesauce or yogurt for a similar texture.
What’s the best way to slice these cookies cleanly?
Use a sharp serrated knife and wipe the blade clean between cuts for neat slices.
Can I use puff pastry instead of homemade dough?
Yes, store-bought puff pastry can be used for a quicker version of this recipe.
Are these cookies overly sweet?
No, they have a balanced sweetness thanks to the combination of nuts, honey, and sugar.
Can I add spices to the dough?
Yes! Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can enhance the flavor of the dough.
Conclusion
Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a delightful, traditional treat perfect for any occasion. With their tender, flaky dough and sweet nut filling, they offer a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee or share them with loved ones, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Try this easy recipe and enjoy the taste of authentic Italian baking at home
Italian Nut Roll Cookies
These Authentic Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a classic holiday favorite, featuring a flaky, buttery dough wrapped around a sweet walnut filling. Perfect for festive gatherings, these traditional cookies are easy to make and can be customized with different nuts or even chocolate. Bake a batch and enjoy a taste of Italy in every bite!
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups walnuts, finely ground
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons milk or water
For Assembly:
- 1 egg white, lightly beaten (for sealing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Add butter, sour cream, egg yolks, and vanilla. Mix until a soft dough forms. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix ground walnuts, cinnamon, honey, powdered sugar, and milk/water until combined. Set aside.
- Roll the Dough: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin rectangle.
- Fill and Roll: Spread the nut filling evenly over the dough. Roll tightly from one edge to form a log. Brush the edge with egg white to seal.
- Cut and Bake: Slice into 1-inch pieces and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Use pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts instead of walnuts for variety.
- Dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated overnight.
- For a chocolatey twist, add mini chocolate chips to the filling!