Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a delightful treat featuring a tender, flaky dough wrapped around a rich and flavorful nut filling. These cookies are a staple in many Italian households, especially during the holiday season. They offer a perfect balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and buttery goodness, making them a favorite for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Holidays and Special Occasions – These cookies are often made for Christmas, weddings, and celebrations.
Rich and Buttery Flavor – The dough is tender, while the filling is packed with sweet, nutty goodness.
Great for Gifting – Their beautiful spiral shape makes them a wonderful homemade gift.
Make-Ahead Friendly – You can prepare them in advance and store them for later.
Versatile Filling Options – While traditionally made with walnuts, you can experiment with different nuts and flavors.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Flour
Butter
Eggs
Sugar
Sour cream
Baking powder
Vanilla extract
Walnuts (or preferred nuts)
Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Milk
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions

Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and butter until crumbly. Add sugar, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream. Mix until a soft dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours.
Make the Filling: In a food processor, finely chop walnuts. Mix with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of milk until well combined.
Roll and Fill: Divide the chilled dough into portions. Roll each portion into a rectangle and spread an even layer of the nut filling over the dough.
Shape the Cookies: Roll up the dough tightly like a jelly roll, then slice into individual cookies.
Bake: Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool and Dust: Let the cookies cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus chilling time)
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for extra indulgence.
Different Nuts: Substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts.
Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a refreshing twist.
Jam Filling: Spread a thin layer of fruit preserves before adding the nut mixture.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerator: Keep them fresh for up to 2 weeks in a sealed container.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: Warm in a low oven for a few minutes to restore freshness if needed.

FAQs

How do I prevent the dough from cracking?

Make sure the dough is well-chilled but not too cold when rolling it out. If it cracks, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and refrigerate the dough overnight or freeze the rolled logs before baking.

What nuts work best for the filling?

Walnuts are traditional, but pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts also work well.

Can I use a store-bought dough?

You can, but homemade dough gives the best texture and flavor.

Why is my filling too dry?

Add a little milk or honey to loosen the mixture if it feels too dry.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to substitute the all-purpose flour.

Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?

Not necessarily, but refrigeration extends their freshness.

Can I use a different sweetener?

Brown sugar is preferred for its moisture, but coconut sugar or maple syrup can be used.

How do I get evenly shaped cookies?

Use a sharp knife and cut evenly spaced slices from the rolled dough log.

Can I add spices to the dough?

Yes! A pinch of nutmeg or allspice can add extra warmth to the flavor.

Conclusion

Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a delightful addition to any dessert table. Their buttery dough and sweet, nutty filling make them a timeless classic. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday, gifting them to loved ones, or simply indulging in a homemade treat, these cookies are sure to impress. Try out different variations and enjoy this traditional Italian favorite!