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
Scale
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
