Soft and Buttery Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe

Nestled in the heart of nonna’s kitchen, these delightful italian nut roll cookies whisper tales of tradition and comfort.

Crisp edges give way to soft, nutty centers that melt on your tongue.

Sweet memories swirl with each carefully rolled bite of delicate dough.

Generations have cherished this recipe, passing down secrets from one loving hand to another.

Childhood nostalgia dances through the kitchen as the aroma fills the air.

Delicate walnut filling peeks from within golden-brown spirals, promising pure satisfaction.

Traditional Italian Nut Roll Cookie Base

• Butter: Rich foundation for soft, tender cookie texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create light, fluffy consistency.
• Eggs: Binding agent that adds structure and richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Classic flavor enhancer with warm, aromatic notes.

Tip: Use unsalted butter for better flavor control.

• Flour: Primary structural component for cookie dough.
• Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

Tip: Use all-purpose flour for consistent results.

• Walnuts, Ground: Primary filling with nutty, rich flavor profile.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to nut filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides smooth texture to filling.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement nut flavor.

Tip: Toast walnuts briefly for deeper, more intense flavor.

Note: Fresh, high-quality spices make a significant difference.

Italian Nut Roll Cookies Baking Process

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Butter Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and beautifully fluffy.

Step 2: Blend in Wet Ingredients

Gently incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition.

Stir in fragrant vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.

Step 3: Prepare Dry Ingredient Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Step 4: Create Cookie Dough

Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix the dough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions.

Wrap each portion securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 6: Prepare Nutty Filling

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

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure proper baking temperature.

Step 8: Roll Out the Dough

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

Step 9: Add Nutty Filling

Spread the prepared nut mixture evenly across the rolled-out dough.

Step 10: Create Cookie Roll

Carefully roll the dough tightly, mimicking a jelly roll technique.

Step 11: Slice the Cookies

Cut the rolled dough into 1-inch thick slices.

Step 12: Prepare for Baking

Arrange cookie slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving slight space between each slice.

Step 13: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cookies develop a beautiful golden-brown color.

Step 14: Cool and Serve

Allow cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Savor these scrumptious Italian nut roll cookies with a warm beverage or share with loved ones.

Cookie Tips For Classic Italian Nut Rolls

• Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent spreading and maintain cookie shape during baking.
• Use minimal flour when rolling out dough to prevent dry, tough cookies and maintain delicate texture.
• Distribute nut mixture carefully across dough to ensure consistent flavor in every bite.
• Use a sharp knife to create consistent 1-inch cookie slices for even baking and professional appearance.
• Swap walnuts with almonds or pecans for different flavor profiles while maintaining the cookie's classic structure.

How to Handle Leftovers of Nut Roll Cookies

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container, layering between parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keeps fresh for up to 5 days.
• Wrap individual cookies or entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Maintains quality for 2-3 months.
• Remove frozen cookies from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.
• Warm cookies briefly in preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore original crisp edges and refresh nutty aroma.

Easy Combos For Nut Roll Cookies

• Pair Sweet Fortified Wine: Serve Italian nut roll cookies alongside a glass of rich Marsala wine, which complements the nutty, sweet flavors and enhances the cookie's delicate spices.
• Create Coffee Companion: Match these cookies with a strong espresso or cappuccino, allowing the robust coffee notes to balance the sweetness and provide a classic Italian dessert experience.
• Elevate Dessert Plate: Garnish the cookie plate with fresh figs or dried apricots, adding a complementary fruity dimension that highlights the warm nutmeg and cinnamon undertones in the cookies.
• Recommend Nutty Liqueur: Pour a small glass of amaretto, whose almond essence perfectly echoes the walnut filling and creates a harmonious flavor connection between drink and cookie.

Traditional Twists on Italian Nut Roll Cookies

• Gluten-Free Nut Roll: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic cookie's rich flavor and texture.
• Nutty Alternative: Swap walnuts with pecans, almonds, or a mixed nut blend to create diverse flavor profiles while keeping the traditional cookie structure intact.
• Vegan Cookie Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, and select plant-based sugar to craft a completely dairy-free and egg-free cookie that still delivers delectable nutty goodness.
• Low-Sugar Adaptation: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while preserving the cookie's authentic taste and satisfying crunch.

FAQs

• Are these cookies traditional in a specific region of Italy?

Yes, these nut roll cookies are particularly popular in Southern Italy, especially in regions like Sicily and Calabria, where nuts and sweet pastries are deeply rooted in local culinary traditions.

• What type of nuts work best for this recipe?

Walnuts are the classic choice, but you can also use almonds or pecans. Ground nuts provide a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture that complements the sweet cookie dough perfectly.

• Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance. Chilling the dough actually helps develop better flavor and makes it easier to handle when rolling out.

• How do I prevent the cookies from unrolling during baking?

Make sure to pinch the seam and ends of the roll closed before slicing. Placing the cookies seam-side down on the baking sheet also helps them maintain their shape during baking.

Italian Nut Roll Cookies With Spiraled Flavor And Crunch

• Quick Holiday Showstopper: Perfect festive cookies that wow guests with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dough in advance and refrigerate, enabling stress-free baking during busy holiday seasons.
• Family Heritage Treat: Traditional Italian recipe passed through generations, connecting family members through shared culinary memories.
• Simple Baking Adventure: Beginner-friendly recipe with straightforward steps that even novice bakers can master confidently.

Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Festive Italian nut roll cookies bring nostalgic Mediterranean flavors to holiday celebrations. Delicate pastry swirled with rich walnut filling promises a sweet journey through traditional family recipes you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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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 and Spice Filling:

• 1 cup finely ground walnuts
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Cream softened butter and sugar in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture appears airy and pale, creating a smooth base for the cookie dough.
2. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly blending after each addition, then fold in fragrant vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor profile.
3. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate container, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
4. Gently fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring until just integrated to maintain a tender cookie texture.
5. Partition the dough into two equal segments, encase each in plastic membrane, and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of half an hour to firm up the mixture.
6. Prepare the filling by blending ground walnuts, granulated and powdered sugars, aromatic cinnamon, and warming nutmeg until thoroughly combined.
7. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal baking environment.
8. On a generously floured surface, roll out one dough portion to a precise 1/4-inch thickness, creating a delicate pastry base.
9. Distribute the nutty filling evenly across the rolled dough, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Carefully roll the dough into a compact cylinder, mimicking a jelly roll technique.
11. Slice the rolled dough into 1-inch segments, creating individual cookie portions.
12. Arrange the cookie slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing space between each piece.
13. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn a golden brown, signaling perfect doneness.
14. Allow cookies to rest briefly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to complete the cooling process.
15. Savor the delectable nutty confections, celebrating the harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Notes

• Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and maintain the cookie’s shape during baking.
• Toast walnuts beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Experiment with alternative nuts like pecans or almonds for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
• Use powdered sugar for a delicate dusting after cooling to add an elegant finishing touch and subtle sweetness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 178
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 54 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 32 mg