Italian Nut Roll Cookie

Introduction

Italian Nut Roll Cookies have been a part of my family’s holiday tradition for as long as I can remember. Every year, my grandmother would bake a batch, filling the house with the warm aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and freshly baked cookies. The rich, nutty filling wrapped in soft, slightly sweet dough made each bite irresistible. Over time, this recipe became a family favorite, and now I continue the tradition, sharing these cookies with friends and loved ones during the holidays.

These cookies are a delightful mix of flavors and textures, with a delicate dough that perfectly complements the sweet and spiced walnut filling. The process of rolling them up and slicing them into little spirals makes them not only delicious but also visually appealing. Whether you’re looking for a special treat to serve at a family gathering or simply craving something homemade, these Italian Nut Roll Cookies will not disappoint.

Ingredients

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

1. Make the Dough:

• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for this step to ensure the mixture is smooth.
• Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
• Stir in the vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
• Divide the dough in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is important to make the dough easier to handle when rolling it out.

1. Make the Filling:

• In a medium-sized bowl, combine the finely ground walnuts, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir well to combine, ensuring that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

1. Assemble and Bake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Roll out one half of the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness.
• Spread the walnut filling evenly over the dough, covering it completely from edge to edge.
• Carefully roll up the dough, jelly-roll style, starting from one edge and rolling toward the other. Be gentle as you roll to avoid the filling spilling out.
• Once rolled, cut the log into 1-inch slices. You should have about 12-14 slices, depending on how tightly the dough is rolled.
• Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown on the edges and firm to the touch.
• Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

1. Enjoy: Once cooled, these cookies are ready to be enjoyed! They’re perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24 cookies (based on cutting each roll into 12 slices)
Calories per Serving: 150 kcal (approximate)

• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 35mg
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 2g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes (including refrigeration)
• Yield: 24 cookies

How to Serve

These Italian Nut Roll Cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some ideas:

• As a Dessert: Serve them as a sweet end to a meal, alongside a cup of coffee or tea.
• For Holiday Celebrations: These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings like Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving.
• At Parties: Set out a platter of these bite-sized cookies for guests to enjoy during a celebration or party.
• As a Gift: These cookies make a wonderful homemade gift. Package them in a decorative tin or box and share with friends and family.
• With Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Pair these cookies with your favorite warm beverage for a cozy snack.

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh, Ripe Walnuts: For the best flavor, make sure your walnuts are fresh and not stale. You can lightly toast them to bring out their nuttiness if desired.
2. Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the refrigeration step. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
3. Roll Dough Evenly: When rolling out the dough, try to keep the thickness consistent. This will help ensure even baking and uniform cookie sizes.
4. Make the Filling Ahead of Time: You can prepare the walnut filling ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
5. Use Parchment Paper: Parchment paper not only helps with easy cleanup but also prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.

Recipe Variations

While these Italian Nut Roll Cookies are delicious as written, there are a few variations you can try:

• Use Different Nuts: You can substitute the walnuts with other nuts like pecans, hazelnuts, or almonds for a different flavor.
• Add Chocolate: For a richer flavor, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top of the walnut filling before rolling up the dough.
• Glazed Nut Roll Cookies: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Spicy Nut Rolls: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the walnut filling for a spicier, holiday-inspired twist.

Serving Suggestions

• On a Dessert Platter: Arrange the cookies alongside other treats like biscotti, shortbread, and fruit tarts for a delightful spread.
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve the cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert experience.
• As Part of a Gift Basket: Include a batch of these cookies in a homemade gift basket along with other baked goods or jam for a thoughtful present.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These cookies freeze well for up to 2-3 months. After baking, let the cookies cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or ziplock bag. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
• Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They will stay fresh and soft for several days.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use other types of nuts?
   Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans, hazelnuts, or almonds. Each type of nut will bring a different flavor to the cookies.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before using.
3. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
   Be sure to refrigerate the dough before baking. This helps the dough firm up and prevents excessive spreading.
4. Can I use a food processor to chop the walnuts?
   Yes, using a food processor is a quick and efficient way to chop the walnuts finely. Just be sure not to overprocess them into a paste.
5. What can I do if I don’t have a rolling pin?
   If you don’t have a rolling pin, you can use a bottle or other smooth, cylindrical object to roll out the dough.
6. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for the all-purpose flour in the dough.
7. Can I freeze the dough?
   Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. After rolling it into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. When ready to use, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
8. How do I get my cookies to have the perfect texture?
   Be sure to measure your ingredients correctly, especially the flour, and don’t overwork the dough. Chilling the dough is also key to achieving the perfect texture.
9. Can I make mini versions of these cookies?
   Yes, you can roll out the dough thinner and make mini nut roll cookies for bite-sized treats.
10. Can I add a glaze to these cookies?
    Yes, a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk would complement the flavors of these cookies nicely.

Conclusion

Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a timeless treat

that brings together the rich flavors of walnuts, cinnamon, and vanilla, wrapped in a tender, slightly sweet dough. Whether you’re making them for a holiday celebration, a family gathering, or just because, these cookies are sure to be a hit. With their warm, comforting flavors and festive appearance, they’re a perfect addition to any dessert table. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process of making these delicious, homemade cookies with your loved ones!

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