Italian Nut Roll Cookies

If you’re in the mood for something that feels like a warm hug from your nonna (grandmother), these Italian Nut Roll Cookies are exactly what you need. They’re sweet, buttery, and filled with a rich nutty filling, all wrapped in a soft, flaky dough. Every bite is a little piece of heaven, and trust me, once you taste these, you’ll understand why they’re a beloved holiday treat in Italian kitchens. Whether it’s for a family gathering, a festive occasion, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these cookies will bring joy to everyone who gets a taste.

Why You’ll Love Italian Nut Roll Cookies

Classic Comfort: These cookies have that nostalgic feel—like something you’d find in your grandma’s kitchen during the holidays. But even if it’s not the holiday season, they’re perfect for anytime you want a sweet, comforting treat.

Perfectly Sweet and Nutty: The balance between the soft dough and the rich nut filling is out of this world. A sweet, nutty filling tucked into a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust—it’s the kind of cookie that makes you go “Mmm!” with every bite.

Great for Sharing: These cookies make a stunning addition to cookie trays or dessert platters at gatherings. They look beautiful and are sure to impress guests with their intricate shape and delicious flavor.

Customizable Filling: Feel free to experiment with the type of nuts you use. Walnuts, pecans, or even almonds all work wonderfully in this recipe. You can make these cookies your own!

Ingredients

These ingredients may seem simple, but together they make magic happen. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dough:

• All-purpose flour: This is the base for the dough, giving it that perfect texture.
• Butter: Cold and cubed, it creates a rich, flaky dough.
• Cream cheese: The secret to the tenderness of the dough. It makes the cookies soft and melt-in-your-mouth.
• Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the dough.
• Egg: To bind the dough and give it structure.
• Vanilla extract: For a warm, aromatic touch.

For the Nut Filling:

• Ground nuts: You can use walnuts, pecans, or a combination of both. The ground nuts create the rich, nutty filling.
• Sugar: For sweetness.
• Honey: To bind the nuts together and add a bit of floral sweetness.
• Cinnamon: A warm spice that complements the nuts and adds a hint of coziness.

For the Glaze (Optional):

• Powdered sugar: For the sweet glaze that will finish off the cookies.
• Milk: To thin out the glaze and make it easy to drizzle.
• Vanilla extract: A touch to enhance the flavor of the glaze.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

Start by combining the cold, cubed butter and cream cheese in a large bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter and cream cheese into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Then, add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix everything until the dough comes together.

Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.

Step 2: Prepare the Nut Filling

While the dough chills, it’s time to prepare the filling. In a bowl, combine the ground nuts, sugar, cinnamon, and honey. Mix everything together until it’s fully incorporated. The honey will help bind the nuts into a thick, paste-like filling.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once the dough has chilled, lightly flour a clean surface and roll it out into a rectangle. Aim for about 1/8-inch thickness. You want the dough thin enough to roll up easily, but thick enough to hold the nut filling inside.

Step 4: Add the Nut Filling

Spread the nut mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Be generous with the filling—it’s the heart and soul of these cookies!

Step 5: Roll and Slice

Starting from one edge of the dough, carefully roll it up like a jelly roll, sealing the edges as you go. Once rolled, slice the dough into about 1-inch wide sections. You should have little pinwheel-shaped cookies ready to bake.

Step 6: Bake

Place the cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown around the edges.

Step 7: Glaze (Optional)

If you want to add a finishing touch, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a simple glaze. Once the cookies are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of the cookies for a sweet shine.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee, or just as a delightful snack anytime you’re craving something sweet!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 120
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 50mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 6g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

How to Serve Italian Nut Roll Cookies

With a Hot Drink
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of espresso, cappuccino, or even a nice black tea. The rich, nutty flavor of the cookies and the warmth of the drink are a match made in heaven.

On a Cookie Tray
These cookies are perfect for a holiday cookie tray or dessert platter. Their beautiful swirled shape and sweet glaze make them look like a showstopper!

As a Gift
Wrap them up in a cute box or tin for a homemade gift that’s sure to be a hit. Who doesn’t love a sweet treat that’s made with love?

Additional Tips

Chilling the Dough

Chilling the dough is essential to get the flaky texture. Don’t skip this step! The cold dough will hold its shape better while you roll it out and ensure the cookies bake perfectly.

Nut Variety

Feel free to experiment with different nuts. Walnuts are classic, but pecans or almonds work wonderfully too. You can even use a mix of nuts for added depth of flavor.

Glaze or No Glaze

The glaze is optional, but it adds a beautiful touch of sweetness and shine. If you prefer a more traditional version, you can skip it, and the cookies will still be fantastic.

Make-Ahead

These cookies store beautifully in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just thaw and enjoy when you’re craving something sweet!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of nut for the filling?
A1: Yes! Walnuts, pecans, or almonds all work well in this recipe. Feel free to get creative and experiment with your favorite nuts.

Q2: Do I have to chill the dough?
A2: Yes, chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut. It also ensures a flaky texture in the finished cookies.

Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! These cookies can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Q4: Can I use a store-bought dough for this recipe?
A4: While homemade dough gives the best results, you can use store-bought dough as a shortcut in a pinch. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!

Q5: How can I store leftovers?
A5: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q6: What kind of glaze should I use?
A6: A simple powdered sugar glaze with milk and vanilla works wonderfully. You can also skip the glaze if you prefer the cookies without it.

Q7: Can I add a little citrus zest to the filling?
A7: Absolutely! A touch of lemon or orange zest in the filling adds a refreshing brightness and complements the nuts beautifully.

Q8: Can I make these cookies smaller?
A8: Yes, you can slice the dough into smaller pieces for mini cookies. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q9: Can I freeze the dough?
A9: Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then proceed with the recipe.

Q10: How do I make these cookies extra crispy?
A10: If you prefer a crunchier texture, bake them for a few extra minutes until they’re golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

Conclusion

These Italian Nut Roll Cookies are the perfect combination of buttery, flaky dough and sweet, nutty filling. Whether you make them for a special occasion or just because you’re in the mood for something delicious, they’re sure to become a family favorite. So roll up your sleeves, get baking, and enjoy every delicious bite of these sweet, nutty treats!

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