Ingredients
Scale
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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the 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
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, blend softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before stirring in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing just until a smooth dough forms.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Make the Nut Filling:
- In a bowl, mix finely ground walnuts with granulated sugar, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to ¼-inch thickness.
- Evenly spread the nut filling over the dough, leaving a slight border along the edges.
- Carefully roll the dough into a log, jelly-roll style, ensuring it stays tight to prevent air gaps.
- Slice the roll into 1-inch pieces using a sharp knife.
- Arrange the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges turn a light golden brown.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, chill the filled pastry roll in the freezer for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Variations: Swap walnuts for pecans or add orange zest for a citrusy twist.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kca
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Keywords: Italian nut roll, puff pastry cookies, nut-filled pastries, holiday cookies