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Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe

Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 12 reviews

Classic Italian Nut Roll Cookies are delicate, buttery cookies filled with a rich, spiced walnut mixture. Soft and tender on the outside with a flavorful nut filling rolled inside, these cookies are perfect for festive occasions or an afternoon treat with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Filling:

  • 3 cups finely ground walnuts
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

For finishing:

  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure they are evenly combined.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar using an electric mixer for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides to incorporate all ingredients.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
  5. Shape Dough: Divide the dough in half and flatten each half into a disk. Wrap each tightly in plastic wrap.
  6. Chill Dough: Refrigerate the dough disks for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
  7. Prepare Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine ground walnuts, granulated sugar, milk, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
  8. Cook Filling: Place over medium heat and stir constantly until butter melts and the mixture becomes smooth and thickened, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Avoid burning by stirring continuously.
  9. Cool Filling: Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely before use to prevent dough from becoming soggy.
  10. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  11. Roll Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disk into a thin rectangle approximately 12 by 16 inches.
  12. Spread Filling: Evenly spread half of the cooled walnut filling over the dough rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
  13. Roll and Cut: Starting at a long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp knife, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices.
  14. Arrange Cookies: Place sliced cookies on prepared baking sheets with about 1 inch spacing.
  15. Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the cookies with beaten egg to achieve a golden finish.
  16. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cookies are lightly golden brown on the edges.
  17. Cool Cookies: Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  18. Repeat Process: Repeat rolling, filling, slicing, and baking steps with the remaining dough and filling.
  19. Dust with Sugar: Once completely cooled, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

  • For best flavor, refrigerate the dough overnight if possible.
  • Ensure the filling is completely cooled before spreading on dough to prevent it from soaking into the dough and making it soggy.
  • Use finely ground walnuts for a smoother filling texture or coarsely chopped walnuts for added crunch.
  • Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • These cookies freeze well; store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
  • Egg wash gives the cookies a beautiful golden color, but you can omit it for a matte finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian nut roll cookies, walnut cookies, rolled cookies, walnut filling, traditional Italian dessert

Find it online: https://thedishspot.com/italian-nut-roll-cookies-recipe/