If you’ve ever wanted to bring a bit of Italy’s sweet tradition into your kitchen, this Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe is a little treasure you simply must try. These cookies delight with their tender, buttery dough wrapped around a fragrant, warmly spiced walnut filling, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors that feel like a warm, welcoming hug in every bite. Whether for holiday celebrations or a special weekend treat, this recipe captures the rustic charm of Italian baking with approachable ingredients and straightforward steps, ensuring your homemade batch is both impressive and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, pantry-staple ingredients that blend beautifully to bring authentic flavor and texture to your Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe. Each element plays an important role, from the rich butter that lends softness to the dough, to the ground walnuts and warm spices that make the filling so irresistibly cozy.
- Unsalted butter, 2 cups (4 sticks), softened: Provides a rich, creamy base for the dough to ensure a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar, 1.5 cups: Sweetens the dough and filling just right without overpowering the nutty notes.
- Large eggs, 2: Bind the dough and add moisture for softness.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances the overall flavor with beautiful aromatic warmth.
- All-purpose flour, 3 cups: The structure of the cookie dough, giving it shape and chew.
- Baking powder, 1 teaspoon: Helps the dough rise slightly and become light.
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavors.
- Finely ground walnuts, 1 cup: The star of the filling with its earthy crunch and natural richness.
- Powdered sugar, 1/4 cup: Adds delicate sweetness and softness to the filling texture.
- Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon: Infuses the filling with warm spice and aroma.
- Ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon: Gives a subtle hint of fragrant spice that completes the filling’s flavor profile.
How to Make Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Begin by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step introduces air into the dough, resulting in a tender texture. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed in to ensure a uniform dough. Stir in the vanilla extract to bring a lovely fragrance and depth to the cookie base.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients provide the foundation and the slight lift your cookies need. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined—overmixing can toughen your dough, so a light hand is key here.
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two equal portions and wrap each in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the dough, which will make it easier to roll out and handle during assembly without sticking.
Step 4: Prepare the Walnut Filling
While your dough rests, mix together the finely ground walnuts, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined. This filling is where the magic happens—its sweet and spicy notes complement the buttery crust perfectly.
Step 5: Roll, Fill, and Slice
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly flour your work surface and roll out one half of the chilled dough to about a 1/4-inch thickness. Spread the walnut filling evenly over the dough, taking care to cover every inch. Then, roll the dough tightly like a jelly roll, being careful to keep the filling inside. Cut the roll into approximately 1-inch thick slices for perfect cookie-sized treats.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the cookie slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart to allow for slight spreading. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and set. Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here rewards you with cookies that hold together beautifully.
How to Serve Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar on these Italian Nut Roll Cookies adds a charming touch of sweetness and makes them look just like you bought them in a quaint Italian bakery. For a festive twist, consider a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a sprinkle of finely chopped walnuts for extra crunch and eye appeal.
Side Dishes
These treats pair wonderfully with a cup of espresso or a rich, creamy cappuccino for a truly authentic Italian coffee break. Alternatively, a glass of dessert wine or spiced tea can enhance the warming nut and spice flavors of the cookies, making your snack time feel like a special occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the nut roll cookies thinner for dainty bite-sized morsels perfect for serving at parties or holiday gatherings. Stack them on a pretty plate with fresh berries or edible flowers for a stunning dessert centerpiece. You can even sandwich a bit of mascarpone cheese or ricotta between two slices to create an indulgent cookie sandwich that friends and family will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and thoroughly cooled, store your Italian Nut Roll Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep beautifully for up to a week, remaining soft on the inside with just the right slight crisp on the edges, perfect for snacking any time.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these delightful cookies later, freeze the baked and cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their fresh flavor for up to three months and can be thawed at room temperature whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
To revive their freshly baked charm, warm your frozen or stored cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brief reheating reawakens their buttery aroma and soft texture, making it seem like you just pulled them from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts in the Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts are traditional and lend a lovely flavor, you can substitute pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a different but equally delicious twist on this classic.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before rolling?
Chilling the dough is highly recommended as it firms up the butter, making the dough easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
How thick should I roll out the dough?
Rolling the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness is ideal for the perfect balance of soft dough and filling in each bite. Thinner dough may tear; thicker dough could make the cookies dense.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. Just be sure to choose one that contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the dough from falling apart.
What’s the best way to grind the walnuts?
Using a food processor allows for quick, even grinding, but be careful to pulse gently to avoid turning the nuts into a paste. You want finely ground, not oily or powdery.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about the Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe that brings people together, from the fragrant spices to the buttery, nut-studded roll. It’s a recipe made for sharing — with family, friends, or just yourself alongside a cozy cup of coffee. Give it a try, and I promise these cookies will become a cherished favorite you’ll bake again and again.
Print
Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Italian Nut Roll Cookie recipe features a tender, buttery dough rolled around a sweet and spiced walnut filling. These cookies are delightfully crumbly with a rich flavor profile from cinnamon and nutmeg, perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a traditional Italian treat.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 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
Filling Ingredients
- 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
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your cookie dough.
- Incorporate Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated to maintain a uniform mixture.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with aromatic flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up for easier handling.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine finely ground walnuts, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg, stirring until thoroughly mixed.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the walnut filling over the rolled-out dough, covering the surface thoroughly.
- Form Rolls: Carefully roll up the dough tightly in a jelly-roll style, making sure the filling stays enclosed inside.
- Slice Rolls: Cut the roll into 1-inch thick slices, creating individual cookies.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for expansion.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cookies are golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy: Once cooled, enjoy your delicious homemade Italian Nut Roll Cookies!
Notes
- Ensure butter is fully softened before creaming to achieve the best dough texture.
- Chilling the dough is crucial as it makes rolling easier and prevents spreading during baking.
- Finely grinding the walnuts helps to blend the filling smoothly without large chunks.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- For variation, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds as desired.
