If you love cookies that are buttery, nutty, and just the right amount of sweet, then you’re in for a treat! Italian Nut Roll Cookies are the perfect combination of flaky pastry and a rich, flavorful nut filling. These delicate, crescent-shaped cookies are a staple in many Italian households, especially around the holidays.
Imagine biting into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie with a sweet, nutty center—pure perfection! Whether you’re making them for a festive occasion or just because, these cookies will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love Italian Nut Roll Cookies
Classic and Timeless: A beloved Italian tradition, these cookies have been passed down for generations.
Rich and Buttery: The dough is soft, flaky, and packed with buttery goodness.
Perfectly Sweet: The nut filling has the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
Great for Gifting: These cookies look impressive and make fantastic holiday gifts.
Customizable: Use walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts—whichever you prefer!
Ingredients in Italian Nut Roll Cookies
Here’s what makes these cookies irresistible:
Flour: The base of the dough, giving it structure and softness.
Butter: Adds richness and ensures a tender, flaky texture.
Sugar: Lightly sweetens the dough while enhancing the nutty filling.
Egg Yolks: Provide moisture and help bind the dough together.
Vanilla Extract: Infuses warmth and depth of flavor.
Yeast or Baking Powder: Helps create a light, slightly airy texture.
Milk: Adds moisture to the dough, making it easy to roll out.
Ground Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts for that rich, nutty filling.
Cinnamon: A warm, aromatic spice that complements the nuts beautifully.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Adds a natural sweetness to the filling.
Powdered Sugar: For a final dusting that makes these cookies look as good as they taste!
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these delightful cookies:
Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add the butter and work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the Wet Ingredients: Stir in the egg yolks, vanilla, and milk until a dough forms. Knead gently until smooth, then wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine ground nuts, sugar, cinnamon, and honey (or maple syrup) to create a thick, spreadable filling.
Roll and Fill: Roll out the dough into thin rectangles. Spread a thin layer of the nut filling evenly over the dough.
Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into logs, then slice into small pieces. Alternatively, shape into crescents or twists for variety.
Bake to Perfection: Arrange the cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake at [temperature] for [time] until golden brown.
Cool and Dust: Let the cookies cool before dusting them with powdered sugar for a beautiful, bakery-style finish.
How to Serve Italian Nut Roll Cookies
These cookies are perfect on their own, but here are some fun ways to enjoy them:
With Coffee or Tea: A perfect pairing for an afternoon treat.
As a Holiday Dessert: Serve them on a festive cookie platter.
With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream takes these to the next level.
As a Gift: Pack them in a decorative tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Additional Tips
Chill the Dough: Keeping the dough cold makes it easier to roll and prevents it from becoming too sticky.
Use Fresh Nuts: For the best flavor, toast your nuts before grinding them.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the sugar slightly.
Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of nut?
A1: Yes! Walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, or almonds all work well.
Q2: How do I keep the dough from cracking?
A2: If the dough is too dry, add a tiny bit more milk until it’s pliable.
Q3: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! Store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Q4: Can I freeze these cookies?
A4: Yes! Freeze them in a sealed bag and thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q5: Do I have to use yeast?
A5: No, some recipes use baking powder instead for a slightly different texture.
Q6: Can I add chocolate?
A6: Yes! Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra indulgent touch.
Q7: What’s the best way to roll out the dough?
A7: Roll it between two sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Q8: Can I make a larger batch?
A8: Yes! Just double the ingredients and bake in batches.
Q9: Why are my cookies too dry?
A9: Overbaking can cause dryness, so watch them closely in the oven.
Q10: What’s the best way to store them?
A10: Keep them in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
These Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a delightful treat that combines buttery, flaky dough with a sweet, nutty filling. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just indulging in a homemade dessert, they’re sure to impress.
Print
Italian Nut Roll Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Italian Nut Roll Cookies are buttery, nutty, and delicately spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. A tender cookie dough is rolled with a sweet walnut filling, creating a perfect holiday treat or everyday indulgence. If you love healthy homemade recipes that are easy to make, these cookies are a must-try! Whether you enjoy them with coffee or as a dessert, they fit perfectly into your list of healthy recipes easy and quick dinner ideas for a sweet treat.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 cup finely ground walnuts
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Make the Filling:
- In a bowl, combine ground walnuts, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Assemble the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out one portion of dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Evenly spread the nut filling over the dough.
- Roll up the dough tightly, jelly roll-style.
- Cut the roll into 1-inch slices.
- Place slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake & Serve:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Enjoy these delicious nut-filled treats!
Notes
- You can swap walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different flavor.
- Dust the cookies with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg