Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever been lucky enough to savor Italian Nut Roll Cookies, you know they are a true treasure in the world of baked delights. These tender, buttery cookies filled with a rich, spiced walnut filling roll together the comfort of homemade goodness with the irresistible charm of Italian tradition. Perfect for celebrations or cozy evenings, Italian Nut Roll Cookies bring a little slice of festive warmth and sweet nostalgia to every bite, making them an absolute favorite to bake and share.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here is straightforward but plays a crucial role in creating those Italian Nut Roll Cookies you’ll fall in love with. From the flour that forms the delicate dough to the rich walnuts that fill these treats with flavor and texture, each item is chosen to bring out the best in this classic recipe.

• All-purpose flour (3 cups): The sturdy base for a tender, yet sturdy cookie dough that’s easy to work with.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, pleasant texture without being cakey.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Unsalted butter (1 cup softened + 1/4 cup for filling): Adds richness and moisture; softened for mixing and melted for that luscious filling.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup for dough + 1 cup for filling): Sweetness in both dough and filling for perfect harmony.
• Eggs (2 for dough + 1 for egg wash): Binds ingredients and gives the dough structure, plus a glossy finish on the cookies.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for dough + 1 teaspoon for filling): Brings aromatic warmth and depth.
• Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tenderness and slight tang that keeps the dough from drying out.
• Finely ground walnuts (3 cups): The star of the filling, lending earthy crunch and traditional Italian flavor.
• Milk (1/2 cup): Helps create a smooth, spreadable filling.
• Ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): A hint of spice that perfectly complements the nutty filling.
• Powdered sugar: For that final snowy dusting which finishes these cookies beautifully.

How to Make Italian Nut Roll Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by whisking together your flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl—this ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is essential to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and stir in the vanilla. Gradually combine your dry ingredients with the wet ones, alternating with sour cream, and mix just until everything comes together. Overmixing here will make the dough tough, so slow and steady wins the race.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough in half and form each into a flat disk. Wrapping these in plastic wrap and refrigerating for at least two hours, or even overnight, allows the dough to firm up, making it much easier to roll out later. Besides, this resting time helps the flavors deepen, so it’s worth the wait.

Step 3: Make the Walnut Filling

While your dough chills, combine the finely ground walnuts, sugar, milk, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Cook this over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter is melted and the mixture thickens to a smooth, spreadable consistency. Keep a close eye to avoid burning—it only takes a few minutes, but this filling is worth every second of attention. Once done, let it cool completely before moving on.

Step 4: Assemble and Roll

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll out one chilled dough disk on a lightly floured surface into a thin rectangle about 12 by 16 inches. Spread half of your walnut filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Then, starting from one of the long sides, gently but firmly roll the dough into a tight log. Using a sharp knife, slice this log into half-inch thick rounds, laying them spaced about an inch apart on your baking sheets.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Brush the tops of your cookie slices with the beaten egg wash for a gorgeous golden hue once baked. Pop them in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the cookies are just lightly golden. After baking, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. When fully cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar for that classic, inviting look.

How to Serve Italian Nut Roll Cookies

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar is all you need to dress up these cookies. You could also consider a light drizzle of melted white chocolate for a fancy touch or a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios to add color and crunch for an unexpected twist.

Side Dishes

Italian Nut Roll Cookies pair beautifully with a steaming cup of espresso or a glass of sweet dessert wine like Vin Santo. For a comforting snack, serve them alongside vanilla or cinnamon-swirled ice cream to turn these cookies into a delightful dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a festive platter with fresh sprigs of rosemary or dust some cocoa powder around your powdered sugar for an artistic touch. You can also present them stacked in a decorative tin or tied with rustic twine for a charming gift idea that will surely impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, Italian Nut Roll Cookies store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This makes them wonderful to prepare ahead of a party or to have on hand whenever a sweet craving strikes.

Freezing

If you want to keep these cookies longer, they freeze well either baked or as dough logs before slicing. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to three months. When you’re ready, just thaw and bake or thaw the cookies and enjoy.

Reheating

To refresh your Italian Nut Roll Cookies, especially if stored for a few days, pop them in a warm oven for 5 minutes or microwave briefly for about 10 seconds. This brings back that freshly baked warmth and enhances the nutty aroma.

FAQs

What nuts can I use instead of walnuts?

While walnuts are traditional and provide a classic flavor, you can substitute pecans or hazelnuts for a different yet equally delicious twist.

Can I make the dough and filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough benefits from chilling overnight, and the filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble the cookies.

How thin should the dough be rolled out?

Aim for about a 12 by 16-inch rectangle that is roughly 1/8 inch thick. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and have just the right balance of dough to filling.

Are Italian Nut Roll Cookies gluten-free?

Not in their traditional form since they rely on all-purpose flour, but you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends to accommodate dietary needs.

Can these cookies be made vegan?

With some modification—like using plant-based butter, flax eggs instead of chicken eggs, and a suitable sour cream substitute—they can be adapted, though the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something genuinely magical about Italian Nut Roll Cookies that makes every batch feel like a celebration. The harmony of buttery dough and spiced walnut filling is simply irresistible, and baking these cookies is a joyful experience in itself. Whether you’re sharing with friends, gifting to loved ones, or indulging in a quiet moment alone, I can promise these cookies will bring a heartfelt smile to every occasion. So don’t wait—grab your ingredients and start rolling out your own batch today!

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