Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a delightful treat featuring a tender dough wrapped around a rich, nutty filling. These cookies offer a perfect balance of buttery sweetness and nutty flavor, making them a favorite for holidays and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups nut filling (such as walnut or pecan paste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the dough by combining the flour, sugar, and softened butter until a smooth, firm dough forms.
- Step 2: Roll the dough out into a rectangle and spread the nut filling evenly over the surface.
- Step 3: Carefully roll the dough into a log, enclosing the filling inside.
- Step 4: Slice the roll into ½-inch thick cookies and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 5: Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 12–15 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
- Step 6: Allow the cookies to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- Use finely chopped nuts toasted lightly for extra flavor in the filling.
- Swap the nut filling with poppy seed filling for a different traditional twist.
- Chill the dough before rolling to make handling easier and to prevent sticking.
Storage
Store the Italian Nut Roll Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a warm oven if desired to refresh their texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different types of nuts for the filling?
Yes, walnuts, pecans, or almonds all work beautifully. You can also mix nuts to create your own unique filling.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before rolling?
Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps prevent sticking, but it’s not absolutely required if your dough feels manageable.
PrintItalian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe
Delicious Italian Nut Roll Cookies featuring a rich buttery dough rolled around a sweet nut filling, sliced into perfect bite-sized pieces, and baked to golden perfection. These traditional cookies offer a delightful combination of tender pastry and fragrant nuts, making them a perfect treat for holidays or any special occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: About 3 dozen cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Nut Filling
- 2 cups finely ground walnuts or pecans
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Make the Nut Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the finely ground nuts, sugar, melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon if using. Mix well until the filling is moist and holds together.
- Roll the Dough with Filling: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Spread the nut filling evenly over the entire surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll up the dough starting from one long side to form a tight log.
- Slice the Cookies: Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled log into 1/2-inch thick slices. Place the slices onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the sliced cookies for 15-18 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For best results, chill the dough thoroughly before rolling to prevent it from becoming too soft.
- Ground nuts can be toasted lightly beforehand to enhance flavor.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Optional: dust with powdered sugar once cooled for added sweetness and presentation.
Keywords: Italian nut roll cookies, nut filling cookies, Italian desserts, holiday cookies, walnut cookies, homemade Italian cookies
