Name: Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2.5 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 2 large eggs; 0.5 cup granulated sugar; 0.5 cup brown sugar; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 0.5 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1.5 cups walnuts or pecans, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream; 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling); 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk or lemon juice; 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze); Sprinkles or chopped nuts for garnish (optional)

Grandma’s cherished italian nut roll cookies always sparked magic in our kitchen during holiday gatherings.

Her weathered recipe card held treasured memories of sweet traditions.

Delicate dough wrapped around fragrant nuts created delightful crescents that melted in your mouth.

Generations of our family celebrated with these tender, flaky treats passed down through decades.

Warm spices and rich filling make these cookies more than just a dessert – they’re a connection to heritage.

Delicate yet robust, these cookies invite you to experience a slice of culinary nostalgia.

Bake a batch and watch how quickly they disappear from the plate.

What Goes Into Italian Nut Roll Cookies

Dry Ingredients:

Flour: Provides structure and base for the cookie dough.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the cookies.
Baking Powder: Helps the dough rise and become light.

Wet Ingredients:

Eggs, Sour Cream: Provide moisture and richness to the dough.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet flavor to both dough and filling.
Cold Butter: Creates flaky texture in the cookie dough.

Filling and Topping Ingredients:

Chopped Nuts, Brown Sugar: Create a rich, sweet, and crunchy filling.
Cinnamon: Provides warm, spicy flavor to the nut mixture.
Honey: Helps bind the filling and adds natural sweetness.
Milk: Helps achieve spreadable consistency in the filling.
Powdered Sugar, Milk or Lemon Juice: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze for finishing.

How To Roll And Bake Italian Nut Cookies

Step 1: Whip Up the Dough

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Crumble cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or food processor until the mixture looks like rough sand. In a separate bowl, whisk together:

Eggs
Sour cream
Vanilla extract

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and blend until a soft, pillowy dough forms. Divide the dough into two round discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and let them chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight.

Step 2: Create Nutty Filling

In a medium bowl, blend together:

Chopped nuts
Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Honey
Milk
Vanilla extract

Mix until the filling becomes a slightly sticky, spreadable consistency. Set aside and let the flavors mingle.

Step 3: Shape the Rolls

Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disc into a long, thin rectangle. Spread half the nut filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully roll the dough into a compact log, starting from the long side. Place the roll seam-side down on the baking sheet. Repeat the process with the second dough disc and remaining filling.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the rolls turn a beautiful golden brown. Allow the rolls to cool for 10 minutes, then slice into delightful bite-sized cookies while they’re still warm.

Step 5: Add Sweet Finishing Touches

Prepare a glossy glaze by whisking together:

Powdered sugar
Milk (or lemon juice)
Vanilla extract

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with additional nuts or festive decorations. Let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes before serving these delectable treats.

Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerate the dough for at least an hour to prevent spreading and ensure a tender, flaky texture during baking.
Choose Nuts Wisely: Select freshly roasted walnuts or pecans for maximum flavor, and chop them finely to create a smooth, even filling that spreads easily.
Control Moisture Levels: Drain excess liquid from the nut filling to prevent soggy cookies and maintain a perfect balance of crunch and sweetness.
Roll with Precision: Use a light touch when rolling the dough to keep the log tight and uniform, which helps create consistent, beautiful cookie slices.
Customize Glaze Options: Experiment with different flavor variations like adding orange zest to the glaze or using almond extract for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.

How To Keep Italian Nut Roll Cookies Fresh

Preserve these delightful nut rolls with care to maintain their scrumptious flavor and texture.
Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Refrigerate glazed cookies in a sealed container for extended freshness, keeping them good for about a week.
Freeze unglazed nut rolls for up to 3 months by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe container; thaw at room temperature and add glaze just before serving to ensure maximum taste and quality.

What Pairs With Italian Nut Roll Cookies

Brew Rich Espresso Pairing: Complement the nutty, sweet cookies with a bold Italian espresso that cuts through the richness and enhances the cinnamon and honey flavors.
Serve Dessert Wine Companion: Select a sweet Moscato d'Asti or Vin Santo to match the cookie's sweetness, creating a harmonious dessert experience with balanced nutty undertones.
Create Creamy Milk Match: Offer cold whole milk or a creamy almond milk to soften the cookie's texture and provide a smooth, refreshing contrast to the crunchy nuts and sweet glaze.
Offer Tea Time Delight: Steep a warm chai or cinnamon tea that echoes the spices in the cookie, providing a cozy and comforting accompaniment to these traditional Italian treats.

Ways To Change Up Italian Nut Roll Cookies

Nutty Chocolate Swirl: Incorporate cocoa powder into the dough and add melted dark chocolate to the nut filling for a rich, decadent version that chocolate lovers will adore.
Citrus Almond Crunch: Replace some nuts with orange zest and almond extract, then add a hint of cardamom to the filling for a bright, aromatic cookie with a Mediterranean flair.
Maple Pecan Fusion: Swap honey with pure maple syrup, use pecans instead of mixed nuts, and add a splash of bourbon to create a Southern-inspired cookie with deep, complex flavors.
Spiced Fruit Fusion: Mix dried cranberries or chopped apricots into the nut filling, sprinkle ground ginger and nutmeg for a warm, festive cookie that celebrates seasonal ingredients.

All The FAQs For Italian Nut Roll Cookies

What makes these Italian Nut Roll Cookies special?

These cookies are a traditional Italian treat that combines a buttery, tender dough with a rich, sweet nut filling. The combination of chopped nuts, brown sugar, and honey creates a delightful flavor that’s both comforting and nostalgic.

Can I use different types of nuts in the filling?

Absolutely! While the recipe typically uses walnuts, you can easily substitute with pecans, almonds, or a mix of nuts. Each type of nut will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the cookies.

How do I prevent the dough from sticking when rolling it out?

Make sure to use a lightly floured surface and work with cold dough. If the dough becomes too soft, pop it back in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to firm up. This will make rolling much easier and prevent sticking.

Are these cookies good for holiday gatherings?

Yes! These Italian Nut Roll Cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations. They’re not only delicious but also have a festive look that makes them great for cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or as a special homemade gift.

Why Italian Nut Roll Cookies Feel Like Tradition

Quick Weekend Baking Project: These Italian nut roll cookies are perfect for bakers who want a delightful weekend treat that doesn't require professional skills, offering a manageable and enjoyable baking experience.
Festive Family Gathering Dessert: Easily impress your loved ones with these elegant cookies that bring a traditional Italian touch to family celebrations, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
Make-Ahead Friendly Delight: The recipe allows you to prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate overnight, making it incredibly convenient for busy home bakers who want to plan ahead and reduce day-of stress.
Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: With a simple glaze option and the ability to customize nut and sprinkle toppings, these cookies appeal to various taste preferences and can be adapted for different occasions and preferences.

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing, Fusion Cuisine, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation.

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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