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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Craft the filling by blending ground walnuts with granulated and powdered sugars, enhancing with warm cinnamon and aromatic nutmeg for a rich, complex profile.
- Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a parchment-lined baking sheet for the upcoming culinary creation.
- Liberally dust the work surface with flour, then elegantly roll out one dough portion to a uniform 1/4-inch thickness.
- Generously distribute the nutty mixture across the rolled dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Carefully roll the dough into a tight cylinder, mimicking a classic jelly-roll technique, sealing the filling within.
- Slice the roll into delicate 1-inch segments, arranging them gracefully on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake until the edges transform to a golden-brown hue, approximately 12-15 minutes.
- 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