The Best Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe: Sweet Homemade Joy

Nestled in my grandmother’s cherished italian nut roll cookies recipe lies a delightful slice of nostalgia.

Whispers of generations past dance through each carefully crafted bite.

Crisp edges embrace a rich, nutty filling that speaks of traditional comfort.

Memories of kitchen counters dusted with flour and love come flooding back with every slice.

Delicate and tender, these cookies carry the warmth of family gatherings and sweet traditions.

Fragrant spices and carefully chopped nuts promise a moment of pure culinary joy.

Italian Nut Roll Cookies That Bring A Crunch

• Quick Weekend Baking Delight: Effortlessly create these Italian Nut Roll Cookies with minimal kitchen skills needed.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Treat: Guests will adore these beautifully rolled cookies packed with warm, nutty flavors that spark conversation and compliments.
• Family Heritage Comfort: Traditional recipe connects generations, bringing nostalgic Italian baking memories right to your kitchen counter.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, perfect for busy cooks who want delicious cookies without last-minute stress.

What’s Baked in Italian Nut Roll Cookies

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps create soft cookie texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens and helps cookies brown beautifully.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture to the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
• Flour: Main structural ingredient for cookie dough.
• Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.

• Ground Walnuts, Granulated Sugar, Powdered Sugar: Create sweet, nutty filling with complex texture.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Add warm, aromatic spices that complement nuts.

• Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Flour (for dusting): Helps roll out dough without sticking.

Steps for Making Italian Nut Roll Cookies

Step 1: Whip Creamy Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and cream together softened butter and sugar until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud-like mixture.

Step 2: Introduce Eggs and Flavor

Gently add eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition.

Splash in vanilla extract for a delightful aroma.

Step 3: Prepare Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Step 4: Merge Wet and Dry Components

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into the creamy mixture, stirring until just combined.

Avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Chill Dough

Divide dough into two portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 6: Create Nutty Filling

• Ground walnuts
• Granulated sugar
• Powdered sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg

Step 7: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Step 8: Roll and Spread Dough

On a floured surface, roll out one dough portion to 1/4-inch thickness.

Step 9: Add Nutty Layer

Evenly spread nut filling across the rolled-out dough.

Step 10: Form Delicate Rolls

Tightly roll the dough like a jelly roll, creating a beautiful spiral.

Step 11: Slice Cookies

Cut the roll into 1-inch thick slices.

Step 12: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place cookie slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 13: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden brown.

Step 14: Cool and Serve

Allow cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.

Savor these delectable nutty swirls!

Nut Roll Tips With Italian Finesse

• Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and help cookies maintain their shape during baking.
• Use a light touch when rolling out the dough to keep it tender and prevent tough cookies that can become dense.
• Grind walnuts consistently to ensure even distribution and balanced flavor throughout the nut filling.
• Watch cookies closely during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning, as they can quickly go from golden to burnt.
• Sprinkle powdered sugar over cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness and a classic Italian bakery presentation.

Italian Nut Cookies That Store Just as Sweet

• Place cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep fresh for up to 5 days.
• Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Remove frozen cookies from freezer and let them naturally defrost at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving. Avoid microwaving to preserve their delicate texture.
• Warm cookies briefly in a preheated 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes to restore their crisp edges and enhance their nutty aroma.

Sweet Sips For Nut Roll Cookies

• Pair Sweet Dessert Wine: Moscato d'Asti perfectly complements the nutty, sweet notes of these Italian cookies with its light, effervescent profile and gentle sweetness.
• Enhance Coffee Experience: Serve with rich espresso or cappuccino to balance the cookie's sweetness and highlight the warm cinnamon and nutmeg undertones.
• Match Creamy Accompaniment: Fresh vanilla gelato creates a luxurious contrast to the cookie's crisp texture, blending smooth creaminess with the nutty crunch.
• Complement Herbal Tea: Chamomile or Earl Grey tea provides a delicate backdrop that enhances the cookie's warm spices and nutty complexity.

Nut Roll Filling Tweaks

• Gluten-Free Nut Roll: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond and rice flour to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the original cookie's delicate texture.
• Vegan Walnut Swirl: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of chicken eggs, and ensure all ingredients are plant-based while preserving the rich nutty flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Nut Cookie: Swap granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reduce overall sugar content, and use unsweetened ground nuts to create a diabetic-friendly alternative.
• Nut-Free Holiday Roll: Replace walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seed meal for those with nut allergies, maintaining the cookie's traditional rolled shape and festive spirit.

FAQs

• Are these cookies traditional in Italy?

These cookies are inspired by Italian baking traditions, particularly from regions like Sicily, where nut-filled pastries are common in holiday and family gatherings.

• Can I use different nuts in the filling?

Absolutely! While walnuts are traditional, you can substitute with almonds, pecans, or a mix of nuts to create your own unique flavor profile.

• How do I prevent the cookies from cracking when rolling?

Ensure the dough is chilled and not too warm, and roll it gently on a well-floured surface to help maintain the structure and prevent cracking.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

No special equipment is needed. A standard mixer, rolling pin, baking sheet, and parchment paper are all you’ll require to create these delightful cookies.

Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 36 1x

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Description

Italian nut roll cookies deliver a delightful blend of traditional flavors and family heritage. Crisp pastry wrapped around rich, spiced nuts creates a sweet treat that connects generations of Italian bakers with their cherished culinary roots.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (2 sticks/226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Nut Filling Ingredients:

• 1 cup finely ground walnuts
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Spice and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

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Instructions

1. Create a velvety base by whipping softened butter and granulated sugar until airy and pale, incorporating eggs individually and introducing vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate vessel, then gently fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, ensuring minimal mixing to maintain delicate texture.
3. Partition the dough into two equal portions, encase each in plastic film, and allow to rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of half an hour to develop structure.
4. Craft the filling by blending ground walnuts with granulated and powdered sugars, enhancing with warm cinnamon and aromatic nutmeg for a rich, complex profile.
5. Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a parchment-lined baking sheet for the upcoming culinary creation.
6. Liberally dust the work surface with flour, then elegantly roll out one dough portion to a uniform 1/4-inch thickness.
7. Generously distribute the nutty mixture across the rolled dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Carefully roll the dough into a tight cylinder, mimicking a classic jelly-roll technique, sealing the filling within.
9. Slice the roll into delicate 1-inch segments, arranging them gracefully on the prepared baking sheet.
10. Bake until the edges transform to a golden-brown hue, approximately 12-15 minutes.
11. Allow cookies to rest briefly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling, ensuring a crisp exterior and tender interior.

Notes

• Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and ensure a flaky texture during baking.
• Toast walnuts briefly before grinding to enhance their rich, nutty flavor and release natural oils.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother dough consistency and even mixing.
• Dust cookies with powdered sugar after cooling for an elegant, traditional Italian presentation.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 36
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg