Print

Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe

Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 20 reviews

Delight in these classic Italian Nut Roll Cookies, featuring a tender, buttery dough filled with a sweet and spiced walnut or pecan mixture. Perfectly golden-baked and ideal for festive occasions or everyday treats, these cookies combine rich flavors and a satisfying crunch in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

  • 1 cup walnuts or pecans, finely chopped
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, providing a smooth base for the dough.
  2. Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract to add moisture and flavor.
  3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft, cohesive dough forms, careful not to overmix.
  5. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out.
  6. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped walnuts or pecans with brown sugar and cinnamon, blending the flavors evenly.
  7. Roll Out the Dough: Divide the chilled dough into portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a thin rectangle, approximately 1/8 inch thick.
  8. Spread the Filling: Evenly distribute the nut and sugar mixture across the surfaces of the dough rectangles, pressing lightly to adhere.
  9. Roll and Slice: Carefully roll each dough rectangle tightly into a log shape. Slice the logs into individual cookie pieces, about ½ inch thick.
  10. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
  11. Bake: Place the sliced cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
  12. Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, serve and enjoy the delicious nutty flavors.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the creaming step.
  • Chilling the dough solidifies the fats, which helps achieve a tender texture and easier handling.
  • Use finely chopped nuts to ensure the filling spreads evenly without rolling cracks.
  • For variation, try mixing walnuts and pecans together or adding a pinch of nutmeg to the filling.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian nut roll cookies, walnut cookies, pecan nut roll, cinnamon nut filling, homemade Italian cookies

Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/italian-nut-roll-cookies-recipe/