Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a special treat that I love to make during the holiday season. These cookies bring back so many wonderful memories of baking in the kitchen with my family, filling the house with the comforting aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and toasted walnuts. With a buttery, tender dough wrapped around a spiced walnut filling, these cookies are a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Whether you’re serving them as a festive dessert or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, these Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a delicious way to spread holiday cheer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Italian Nut Roll Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting:
- Festive Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and walnuts makes these cookies taste like the holidays.
- Buttery and Tender Dough: The soft, buttery dough wraps around the filling to create a cookie that melts in your mouth.
- Classic Holiday Tradition: Making these cookies is a wonderful tradition that brings joy and togetherness during the holiday season.
Recipe: Italian Nut Roll Cookies
Ingredients
For the 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
For the Filling:
- 1 cup finely ground walnuts
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough in half, shape it into discs, and wrap each in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Make the Walnut Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the finely ground walnuts, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until well blended.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. Trim the edges for a clean shape.
Step 4: Add the Filling
Sprinkle half of the walnut filling mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough. Gently press the filling into the dough with a rolling pin to help it stick.
Step 5: Roll and Cut the Cookies
Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, similar to a jelly roll. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into ½-inch slices and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Repeat with the Second Disc of Dough
Repeat the rolling, filling, and baking process with the second disc of dough.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving:
These Italian Nut Roll Cookies are perfect served with a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch. They pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.
Storage:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze them in an airtight container for up to a month—just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Helpful Notes
- Chilling the Dough: Chilling is essential to ensure the dough is firm enough to roll and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Rolling the Dough: Roll the dough as evenly as possible to ensure that the cookies bake uniformly.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste—add more cinnamon or a pinch of cloves for extra warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, you can substitute the walnuts with pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different flavor.
Q2: Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
Q3: Can I add a glaze?
Absolutely! A simple powdered sugar glaze drizzled over the top adds a lovely sweetness and festive look.
Q4: Do I need to toast the walnuts?
Toasting the walnuts before grinding them enhances their flavor, but it’s optional.
Q5: How do I keep the cookies fresh?
Store the cookies in an airtight container, and add a piece of bread to keep them soft for longer.
Final Thoughts
These Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that’s sure to become a family favorite. With a tender, buttery dough and a spiced walnut filling, they’re everything you want in a holiday cookie. The recipe may take a little extra time, but the result is worth every minute. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday cookie tray, gifting them to loved ones, or simply enjoying them with family, these cookies bring a taste of holiday magic to any table. Enjoy!
Italian Nut Roll Cookies
Ingredients
For the 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
For the Filling:
- 1 cup finely ground walnuts
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough in half, shape it into discs, and wrap each in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Make the Walnut Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine the finely ground walnuts, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until well blended.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a rectangle, about ¼-inch thick. Trim the edges for a clean shape.
Step 4: Add the Filling
- Sprinkle half of the walnut filling mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough. Gently press the filling into the dough with a rolling pin to help it stick.
Step 5: Roll and Cut the Cookies
- Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, similar to a jelly roll. Using a sharp knife, cut the log into ½-inch slices and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Repeat with the Second Disc of Dough
- Repeat the rolling, filling, and baking process with the second disc of dough.
Notes
- Chilling the Dough: Chilling is essential to ensure the dough is firm enough to roll and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Rolling the Dough: Roll the dough as evenly as possible to ensure that the cookies bake uniformly.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste—add more cinnamon or a pinch of cloves for extra warmth.
