Description
These Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a nostalgic and festive treat straight from Old-World Italian traditions. With tender, buttery dough wrapped around a sweet, spiced nut filling, they’re perfect for Christmas cookie platters, edible gifts, or cozy holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
For the Nut Filling:
- 2 cups finely chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the texture is crumbly. In another bowl, mix sugar, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream. Combine wet and dry ingredients, knead gently, wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
- Make the Nut Filling: In a bowl, combine chopped nuts, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, and orange zest until sticky and well mixed.
- Roll, Fill, and Slice: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into rectangles about 1/8-inch thick. Spread filling evenly, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Roll tightly into logs and slice into 1-inch cookies.
- Bake: Arrange cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes or until lightly golden. Cool completely on a rack.
- Optional Glaze: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Garnish with chopped nuts or sprinkles if desired.
Notes
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature or refrigerate up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Freeze baked or unbaked rolls for up to 2 months. Slice before baking for fresh cookies anytime.
- Tips: Chill dough before rolling, use finely chopped nuts, and roll tightly to prevent gaps.
- Flavor Variations: Try fig & walnut, pistachio-almond, cranberry walnut, or chocolate hazelnut fillings.
- Serving Ideas: Enjoy with espresso, cappuccino, or holiday teas for the perfect Italian-style dessert experience.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Italian Nut Roll Cookies, Holiday Cookies, Italian Christmas Cookies, Nut Roll Pastry, Old World Desserts