If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the heart and soul of Italian baking in one delightful bite, this Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies bring together tender, buttery dough with a rich, warmly spiced walnut filling that melts in your mouth and instantly transports you to a cozy kitchen filled with the aroma of fresh baking. Whether you’re making them for a festive occasion or just treating yourself, this classic Italian recipe combines tradition, comfort, and a touch of magic that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor that make this Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe so irresistible. From the creamy butter to the aromatic spices, every element works in harmony.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Provides the rich, tender base that makes the dough melt-in-your-mouth soft.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the nutty filling.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and lend moisture to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, sweet aroma that elevates the overall flavor.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Creates the structure of the cookie, making it sturdy yet tender.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift to keep the cookies light and airy.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, bringing balance to the sweetness and spices.
- 1 cup finely ground walnuts: The star of the filling, offering a satisfying crunch and deep nutty flavor.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the walnut filling without overpowering it.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar: Adds a soft sweetness and a delicate texture to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Warms up the filling with its familiar spice.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Gives a subtle, slightly nutty note that complements the walnuts beautifully.
How to Make Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for a tender dough. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to make sure everything is well incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract to give the dough a lovely aromatic base.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This method ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which prevents uneven rising and guarantees the perfect texture.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough, so be careful to keep it light and tender. Once blended, divide the dough into two equal parts, wrap each in plastic wrap, and pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Prepare the Walnut Filling
While the dough chills, mix together the finely ground walnuts, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. This filling is where the magic happens—sweet, nutty, and warmly spiced, it’s the essence of what makes this Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe stand out.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough into a ¼-inch thick rectangle. Spread half of the walnut filling evenly over the dough, then carefully roll it jelly-roll style, keeping the filling tucked inside. Slice the roll into 1-inch pieces, arrange them on the baking sheet, and bake for 12-15 minutes until they turn golden brown. Let them cool briefly on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are perfect on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds a charming touch of elegance and an extra hint of sweetness. You can also drizzle a thin line of melted dark chocolate for a decadent twist that complements the nutty filling beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of espresso or a rich hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy treat. They also go wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla gelato or a dollop of whipped cream if you’re serving them as a dessert after a hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
These delightful nut roll cookies shine brilliantly when arranged on a festive platter during holidays or family gatherings. For a unique gift idea, stack them neatly in a decorative box lined with parchment, tied with a rustic ribbon. Their charming spiral shape is always a conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Italian Nut Roll Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to one week, making them a great option for prepping ahead of time.
Freezing
You can also freeze these cookies, either before or after baking. Wrap the dough rolls tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Or, bake the cookies and freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature when needed.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop leftover or thawed cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This little step refreshes their aroma and crispness, making every bite as delightful as the first.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts in this Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts are traditional and add a lovely flavor, you can substitute pecans or almonds to suit your taste. Just be sure to grind them finely for the best filling texture.
Is it possible to make these cookie rolls gluten-free?
Yes, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. However, the texture might be slightly different, so adding a bit of xanthan gum could help mimic the original dough’s elasticity.
How long do these cookies stay fresh after baking?
Stored in an airtight container, these cookies maintain their freshness for about a week. Their buttery and spiced profile means they taste great even a few days after baking.
Can I prepare the dough a day ahead?
Definitely! The dough actually benefits from resting overnight in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to deepen and making it even easier to roll and shape the cookies.
What is the best way to grind the walnuts?
You can use a food processor for quick grinding, but pulse carefully to avoid over-processing and turning the nuts into a paste. Alternatively, chop them finely by hand for a bit more texture in the filling.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe is more than just a treat; it’s a journey into the heart of comforting, homemade baking. With its tender dough and flavorful nut filling, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that brings people together. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite cookie!
Print
Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Italian Nut Roll Cookies are delightful, tender cookies filled with a spiced walnut mixture, rolled jelly-roll style, sliced, and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for festive occasions or an everyday sweet treat, these cookies offer a buttery, nutty flavor enhanced with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Ingredients
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
- ½ teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1 cup finely ground walnuts
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the dough.
- Incorporate Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated to maintain the dough’s texture.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract evenly to infuse flavor throughout the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to combine evenly.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up for easier handling.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine the finely ground walnuts, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix well to blend the flavors.
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the cookies.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough to a ¼-inch thickness, preparing it for spreading the filling.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread half of the walnut filling over the rolled-out dough to ensure every bite has flavor.
- Roll the Dough: Carefully roll up the dough jelly-roll style, keeping the filling inside for the characteristic nut roll shape.
- Slice Rolls: Slice the roll into 1-inch pieces to form individual cookies.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for clean baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the best texture.
Notes
- Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly to prevent it from sticking and to achieve cleaner rolls.
- The nuts should be finely ground to create a smooth, spreadable filling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to one week.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- For extra sweetness, dust the cooled cookies with additional powdered sugar before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
