Italian Nut Roll Cookies

The Italian nut roll cookie is a classic treat, loved for its flaky dough and sweet, nutty filling. It’s a staple at holidays and family gatherings. But making them at home can seem daunting.

This guide breaks down each step, making the process easy and enjoyable. You’ll learn how to create a truly memorable cookie. Get ready to impress your friends and family!

Why You’ll Love These Italian Nut Roll Cookies:

• The homemade walnut filling is sweet and nutty, plus I can freeze it for future batches!
• Rolling the dough in granulated sugar creates a caramelized crust on the bottom and a crunchy, sweet topping. Since there’s no sugar in the dough, this adds the perfect touch of sweetness!

Why These Cookies Are Special

• They bring back fond memories.
• They are great for sharing with loved ones.
• The flavor is both comforting and special.

For more delightful variations and recipes, explore our collection of delicious desserts.

What You Need for Italian Nut Roll Cookies

Making Italian Nut Roll Cookies starts with choosing high-quality ingredients that enhance their texture and flavor. Here’s a closer look at what makes both the dough and filling essential to this recipe.

For the Dough

This simple yet rich dough comes together with a few classic ingredients. Unsalted butter provides a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture without overpowering the cookies’ flavor. Using fresh, high-quality butter ensures a soft and light pastry. All-purpose flour gives structure to the dough, and opting for a finely milled variety makes it easier to roll out. A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, adding a subtle sweetness that’s essential in many traditional Italian desserts.

For the Filling

The filling is what makes these cookies truly irresistible! Finely ground walnuts create a rich, nutty base that pairs beautifully with the buttery dough. Cinnamon brings a warm, spiced aroma, while a touch of nutmeg adds depth, a signature element in many Italian sweets. These spices not only boost flavor but also highlight the classic, comforting taste of this beloved cookie.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Italian Nut Roll Cookies

Making the Dough

Preparing the dough correctly ensures that the cookies turn out tender and flavorful. Follow these key steps for the perfect pastry.

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. This step aerates the dough, making the cookies softer. Using softened butter helps achieve the right consistency.
2. Add eggs one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated before mixing in vanilla extract for a smooth, well-balanced dough.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the dough tough.

Refrigerating the Dough

Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes is crucial for both texture and handling. Cooling solidifies the butter, preventing the cookies from spreading too much while baking. It also makes rolling and shaping the dough easier.

Tips for a Perfect Dough

• Lightly dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking while rolling.
• If the dough feels too soft, chill it for a few more minutes before working with it.
• Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to avoid excessive sticking, especially in warm kitchens.

By following these steps, the dough becomes easy to handle and perfect for wrapping around the sweet, nutty filling.

Preparing the Filling

The filling is what makes Italian Nut Roll Cookies truly special, blending sweetness and spice to complement the buttery dough. Follow these steps to create a perfectly balanced and flavorful nut mixture.

Assembling the Nut Mixture

Start with finely ground walnuts to achieve a smooth, easy-to-spread filling that won’t tear the dough. A food processor helps create a consistent grind, allowing the flavors to blend seamlessly.

Balancing Sweetness and Spice

A touch of cinnamon brings warm sweetness, while a hint of nutmeg adds earthy depth. These classic Italian spices enhance the walnuts without overpowering them, creating a well-rounded filling.

Common Substitutions and Variations

• Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds to explore different textures and flavors.
• Experiment with spices like clove or ginger for a unique twist on the traditional filling.

Assembling and Baking the Cookies

Once the dough is chilled and the filling is ready, it’s time to assemble and bake these delicious Italian Nut Roll Cookies.

Rolling Out the Dough

1. Lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking.
2. Roll out half of the dough to ¼-inch thickness, keeping the surface even for uniform baking.
3. Use gentle, steady pressure and rotate the dough occasionally to prevent tearing.

Adding the Nut Filling

• Spread the filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
• A small offset spatula helps create a consistent layer for even flavor in every bite.
• Roll the dough tightly jelly-roll style, ensuring no air pockets form to maintain shape during baking.

Slicing and Baking

1. Slice the rolled dough into 1-inch pieces for even-sized cookies.
2. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space for slight expansion.
3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes, until golden brown around the edges.

Cooling and Storage

• Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
• Proper cooling allows the flavors to develop and ensures the cookies firm up for easy handling.

Tips for Serving Italian Nut Roll Cookies

These nut-filled treats make a delightful addition to any dessert spread. Their rich, nutty flavor pairs beautifully with various beverages.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with coffee: Serve alongside espresso, cappuccino, or Italian roast coffee to complement the cookies’ sweet and nutty notes.
• Holiday favorite: Arrange on a festive platter for a classic Italian holiday treat.
• Gift idea: Package them in a decorative tin for a homemade gift that’s sure to impress!

Enjoy these Italian Nut Roll Cookies as a comforting treat with family and friends!

Variations & Substitutions

Filling Options

While walnuts create a rich, nutty filling, you can switch things up with apricot filling for a fruity twist or a traditional poppyseed filling for a classic variation. If you prefer a different nut flavor, pecans make a great substitute for walnuts.

Adjusting the Size

These cookies can be made large or small, depending on your preference. Bite-sized versions are adorable and perfect for serving at gatherings, but they require more careful handling when rolling and slicing.

How to Store Nut Roll Cookies

Storing Baked Cookies

To keep them crisp, store cooled cookies at room temperature between layers of wax paper, then wrap them loosely in foil. This method helps maintain their texture.

For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to three months.

Freezing Raw Cookies

• Freeze raw, assembled cookies in a single layer before transferring them to a zip-top bag. Thaw at room temperature before baking.
• Freeze dough and filling separately for later assembly. This allows for fresh, homemade cookies whenever you’re ready to bake!

These storage tips help preserve the flaky pastry and flavorful filling, so you can enjoy Italian Nut Roll Cookies anytime!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the most popular Italian cookie?

While preferences vary, many consider biscotti one of the most popular Italian cookies. However, the Italian nut roll cookie also holds a special place in many hearts.

What is the Italian cookie called?

The Italian nut roll cookie doesn’t have one definitive Italian name. It can be referred to by various regional names or simply as “biscotti con noci” (cookies with nuts).

Why did my Italian wedding cookies flatten?

Italian wedding cookies often flatten due to overmixing the dough, using warm butter, or not chilling the dough sufficiently before baking. Ensure you use cold butter, mix until just combined, and chill the dough thoroughly.

How to roll cookie dough?

To roll cookie dough, start with a lightly floured surface. Use a rolling pin, applying even pressure to roll the dough to the desired thickness. Turn the dough frequently to prevent sticking.

Should you refrigerate cookie dough before rolling?

Yes, refrigerating cookie dough before rolling is often recommended. Chilling the dough helps the fats solidify, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

What is the best way to roll dough?

The best way to roll dough involves using a rolling pin with consistent pressure, turning the dough often, and ensuring the surface and rolling pin are lightly floured to prevent sticking.

What is the best surface for rolling cookie dough?

A clean, lightly floured surface such as a countertop, pastry board, or silicone mat works best for rolling cookie dough.

What is the rolled cookie method?

The rolled cookie method involves rolling out cookie dough to a uniform thickness, cutting out shapes with cookie cutters or a knife, and then baking the shaped cookies. This method is common for sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, and Italian nut roll cookies.

Related Recipes

Puff Pastry Dessert Recipes: For readers interested in exploring more puff pastry delights, consider linking to our article on Puff Pastry Dessert Recipes: Top 10 Ideas & Baking Tips. This resource offers a variety of creative and delicious puff pastry dessert ideas.

Unique Cookie Recipes: For those interested in expanding their cookie repertoire, our compilation of 20+ Unique Cookie Recipes to Transform Your Baking Adventures offers innovative and diverse cookie ideas that go beyond traditional flavors

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