If you’ve been on the hunt for a warm, comforting treat that perfectly marries buttery dough with a spiced nutty filling, you’re going to fall in love with this Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe. These cookies deliver a crisp exterior with a tender, flavorful core of cinnamon and nutmeg-kissed walnuts, making each bite a delightful journey to cozy afternoons and festive gatherings. Whether you’re sharing these with friends or savoring them with a cup of coffee, this recipe is pure joy baked into every golden slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe is how it transforms simple, everyday pantry staples into something truly special. Each ingredient plays its part, contributing to the cookie’s rich flavor, pleasant texture, and inviting aroma.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup / 2 sticks): Softened butter brings richness and a tender crumb to the dough.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a light texture when creamed with butter.
- Large eggs (2): Provide structure and moisture, binding everything together beautifully.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Gives a warm, aromatic depth to the dough’s flavor.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): The foundation of the dough, creating stretch and structure.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle lift to ensure the cookies aren’t too dense.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors in the dough.
- Finely ground walnuts (1 cup): The star of the filling, offering a wonderful crunch and nutty richness.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the filling while balancing the nuts’ earthiness.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Adds smooth sweetness to the filling and helps with texture.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings warm spice that complements the nuts perfectly.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, fragrant spice that elevates the filling.
How to Make Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
Start by whipping the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until you have a light and fluffy mixture. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, which gives the dough a lovely, tender texture. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully blended before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with its signature warm aroma.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and seasonings are evenly distributed in the flour, which helps your cookies bake evenly.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until the dough forms. Then divide the dough into two halves, wrap each in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out later.
Step 4: Prepare the Nut Filling
Mix together the finely ground walnuts with the granulated sugar, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. This filling is the heart of the cookie, infusing each bite with a perfect blend of sweet and spiced complexity.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Spread the walnut filling evenly over the dough, then roll it up tightly like a jelly roll, making sure the filling stays inside. Slice the roll into 1-inch cookies, space them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden and firm. Let the cookies cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack to cool fully.
How to Serve Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these Italian Nut Roll Cookies are delightful on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving adds just the right touch of sweetness and elegance. For a festive flair, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
Pairing these nut roll cookies with a warm beverage elevates the experience. Think along the lines of a rich espresso, a creamy cappuccino, or even a spiced chai tea. These drinks complement the cinnamon and nutmeg notes, making every bite feel even more special.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider arranging the cookies on a rustic wooden platter lined with parchment paper, perhaps accompanied by small bowls of extra ground nuts or cinnamon sticks. You can also serve the slices beside a small dish of mascarpone or honey for guests to add as a finishing touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Italian Nut Roll Cookies keep beautifully stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This makes them great for prepping in advance for parties or as a treat to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch to last longer, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months.
Reheating
To bring your frozen or stored cookies back to their fresh-from-the-oven charm, warm them for a few minutes in a preheated 300°F oven. This revives the delicate crunch and warms the fragrant nut filling deliciously.
FAQs
Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts in this Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts are traditional and offer a classic flavor, you can experiment with pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the dough before rolling?
Yes, chilling the dough firms it up, which makes rolling easier and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. It also enhances the flavor by allowing the ingredients to meld.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but keep in mind that texture might slightly vary. Be sure to choose a blend designed for baking to get the best results.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out during baking?
Rolling the dough tightly like a jelly roll and making sure the ends are sealed helps keep the filling inside. Also, slicing gently and spacing the cookies properly on the baking sheet minimizes spreading and leakage.
What is the best way to grind walnuts finely for the filling?
Use a food processor and pulse just until the walnuts are finely ground but not turned into a paste. You want a bit of texture to complement the spices in the filling.
Final Thoughts
This Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe is one of those treasured culinary gifts that feels both nostalgic and exciting every time you make it. It’s easy to prepare but yields a cookie that carries the warmth of home and tradition in each bite. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe and share it with the people you love — you might just find it becoming a beloved favorite in your own collection of baked treats.
Print
Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a delightful treat featuring a buttery, tender dough filled with a spiced walnut mixture. Rolled jelly-roll style and baked to golden perfection, they offer a perfect combination of rich flavors and a crisp texture. Ideal for holiday celebrations or any time you want a special homemade cookie.
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, which will create a smooth base for your dough.
- Incorporate Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next, to maintain the dough’s perfect texture.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse a warm aromatic flavor into the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to distribute the leavening and seasoning evenly.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, wrap each with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up and enhance handling.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine finely ground walnuts, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well to blend all spices and sugars uniformly.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness, preparing it for filling.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the walnut filling over the rolled dough ensuring complete coverage for balanced flavor.
- Roll the Dough: Roll up the dough jelly-roll style tightly so the filling stays enclosed and forms a swirl inside.
- Slice Rolls: Cut the roll into 1-inch thick slices to create individual cookie portions.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet with about 1-inch spacing to allow even baking and expansion.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown and firm to the touch, signaling they are perfectly cooked.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, helping them set and crisp.
- Enjoy: Once cooled, enjoy your delicious homemade Italian Nut Roll Cookies fresh or store them for later indulgence.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is properly softened to achieve the best creaming results for the dough.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep the texture tender.
- Chilling the dough is crucial for easier rolling and better cookie shape.
- For extra flavor, you can toast the walnuts lightly before grinding.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
