If you have a sweet tooth and a love for nostalgic, handcrafted treats, then the Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe is going to charm your taste buds and warm your heart. These delightful cookies bring together buttery, tender dough enveloping a spiced walnut filling that offers the perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and aromatic warmth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a cozy homemade dessert, this recipe combines simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create something truly memorable. Let me walk you through every step, because these nut roll cookies are absolutely worth every minute in the kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every fantastic dish starts with the right ingredients, and this Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe is no exception. The ingredients list is delightfully approachable, featuring staples that come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup/2 sticks): Softened for creamy texture and rich flavor in the dough.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds just the right sweetness to the dough.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and give structure to the cookies.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses a warm, inviting aroma that enhances the overall taste.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The foundation of your dough, providing structure and tenderness.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the dough rise just enough for a tender crumb.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and amplifies the other flavors.
- Finely ground walnuts (1 cup): Offers nutty crunch and richness for the filling.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the nut filling perfectly.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a silky sweetness to the filling.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Provides warm spice notes that complement the nuts.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle depth and a hint of earthiness to the filling.
How to Make Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Making the Dough
Start by creaming the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, which is key for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated to maintain a smooth dough. Stir in the vanilla extract next—this simple addition is a game-changer for the flavor.
Step 2: Combining Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This step ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed for consistent flavor and structure throughout your dough.
Step 3: Forming the Dough
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together. Be careful not to overmix—the dough should be tender, not tough. Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to make rolling easier.
Step 4: Preparing the Nut Filling
While the dough chills, combine the finely ground walnuts, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Mix well to create a fragrant, flavorful filling that’s both sweet and spice-kissed—this filling is really what brings these cookies to life.
Step 5: Assembling the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the dough to about a 1/4-inch thickness. Spread the walnut filling evenly over the dough so every bite has that rich, nutty punch. Then, carefully roll the dough up jelly-roll style, making sure to keep the filling inside without squeezing it out.
Step 6: Slicing and Baking
Cut the rolled dough into 1-inch slices with a sharp knife, and place the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet with about an inch of space in between. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the cookies turn a lovely golden brown and feel firm to the touch. Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Once cooled, these Italian Nut Roll Cookies are ready to delight your senses. Their tender dough packed with a warm, spiced walnut filling is uniquely satisfying—this is baking magic you’ll want to share again and again.
How to Serve Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, dust the cooled cookies lightly with powdered sugar to give them a festive, snow-kissed look. You can also drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a shiny finish that adds a subtle sweetness. Fresh chopped walnuts sprinkled on top right after baking can boost the nutty vibe.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or spiced chai tea—perfect for cozy afternoons. They also complement a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert plate that impresses without fuss.
Creative Ways to Present
Slicing the rolls into bite-sized pieces makes for lovely finger foods at parties or holiday gatherings. Arrange them on a decorative platter alongside fresh fruits like figs or sliced apples to add color and freshness. Wrapping bundles of cookies in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon makes them a thoughtful homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Italian Nut Roll Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay fresh for up to a week. This prevents dryness and preserves their delightful texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either unfrosted or after baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving, and if desired, refresh briefly in a warm oven.
Reheating
To bring back a just-baked feel, warm the cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This will revive the softness and enhance the aroma, making each bite taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I substitute the walnuts with other nuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or hazelnuts make fantastic alternatives, offering slightly different flavors and textures while keeping the spirit of this Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe alive.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is important as it firms up the butter, making the dough easier to roll out and handle. It also helps maintain the cookies’ shape during baking.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that can substitute cup-for-cup, you can create a gluten-free version. Just ensure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
How long do the cookies keep their best flavor?
For optimal taste and texture, enjoy the cookies within a week when stored properly at room temperature. Beyond that, flavors may mellow but they still taste delicious.
Are these cookies suitable for holiday baking?
Definitely! The warm spices and nutty filling make Italian Nut Roll Cookies a perfect addition to festive holiday cookie trays or as a delightful gift.
Final Thoughts
Jump into your kitchen and try this Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe without hesitation—it’s a lovingly simple yet spectacularly delicious treat that will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. From the first mixing bowl to the final bite, these cookies bring so much warmth and joy. You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again, and sharing it with everyone who appreciates a good, heartfelt dessert. Happy baking!
Print
Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This classic Italian Nut Roll Cookie recipe features a buttery, tender dough rolled around a spiced walnut filling. Perfectly sliced and baked to golden perfection, these cookies offer a delightful combination of nutty sweetness and warm spices ideal for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.
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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
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
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully blended before adding the next.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract to the mixture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough just comes together without overmixing.
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine finely ground walnuts, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg; stir thoroughly until evenly blended.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Roll Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the chilled dough to approximately 1/4-inch thickness.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the prepared walnut filling over the rolled dough.
- Roll Up Dough: Carefully roll the dough tightly into a jelly-roll shape, making sure the filling remains inside the roll.
- Slice Rolls: Cut the rolled dough into 1-inch thick slices to form individual cookies.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight expansion.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to 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
- Be sure to chill the dough thoroughly to make rolling easier and to maintain the cookie shape during baking.
- Use finely ground walnuts for a smooth filling texture. You can toast the walnuts lightly beforehand for added flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies can be frozen after baking; thaw completely before serving.
- Adjust spices to your preference by adding more cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.
