Introduction
Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a beloved treat that bring together a rich, buttery dough and a spiced walnut filling, creating a perfect combination of textures and flavors. These cookies are especially popular during the holidays or at family gatherings, where they are sure to impress with their beautiful spiral design and irresistible taste. I decided to give this recipe a try during our family’s Christmas cookie-baking session, and it quickly became a favorite. The dough is soft yet holds its shape perfectly, while the walnut filling offers a sweet, nutty bite with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. The best part? They’re easy to make, and they can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for later indulgence. My family couldn’t get enough of them, and I’m sure yours will love them just as much.
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
- Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This can take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that sweet aroma and depth of flavor. - Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and prevents clumps in the dough. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender. - Refrigerate the Dough:
Once your dough is mixed, divide it in half and wrap each portion in plastic wrap. Place both portions in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it firms up the dough, making it easier to roll out later. - Prepare the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix the finely ground walnuts with the granulated sugar, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend creates a flavorful and aromatic filling that will perfectly complement the buttery dough. - Assemble the Cookies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take one half of the dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a 1/4-inch thickness. Spread a generous amount of the nut filling evenly over the dough, making sure to cover it from edge to edge. - Roll and Slice:
Carefully roll up the dough jelly-roll style, ensuring that the filling stays inside the roll. Once rolled, use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 1-inch slices. Place each slice on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one for even baking. - Bake:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cookies towards the end. - Cool:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them firm up and retain their shape.
Enjoy your homemade Italian Nut Roll Cookies, a delightful treat for any occasion!
Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)
- Servings: 24 cookies (depending on thickness)
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 2g
Preparation Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
How to Serve
- Fresh out of the oven: Serve the cookies warm as a delightful treat with tea or coffee.
- With a dusting of powdered sugar: Lightly dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for a decorative touch and added sweetness.
- As part of a cookie platter: These cookies are perfect for holiday cookie trays or as part of a dessert spread at family gatherings.
- Store for later: You can store these cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, enjoying them at your convenience.
Additional Tips
- Use finely ground walnuts: Ensure that the walnuts are ground finely for a smooth, even filling that blends well with the dough.
- Chill the dough: Don’t skip the refrigeration step. Chilled dough is much easier to roll and handle, preventing it from sticking to surfaces.
- Roll dough evenly: When rolling out the dough, aim for a consistent 1/4-inch thickness to ensure uniform baking.
- Baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overbaking. They should be golden brown around the edges.
- Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices in the filling. Try adding a bit of ground cloves or allspice for a unique flavor twist.
Recipe Variations
- Nut Variations: Swap the walnuts for other nuts like almonds or pecans for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate Chip Addition: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolatey twist that will please those with a sweet tooth.
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough or filling for a fresh, zesty note.
- Cranberry Pecan: For a festive variation, try replacing the walnuts with chopped pecans and adding dried cranberries for a burst of color and tang.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these cookies as part of your holiday dessert table, especially for Christmas or Thanksgiving.
- Pair them with a warm drink, such as hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced tea.
- These cookies also make a wonderful gift idea when packaged in decorative tins or boxes for friends and family.
- Enjoy them as an afternoon snack with a cup of your favorite tea or espresso.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: You can freeze the dough before rolling it out. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before proceeding with the recipe.
- Storing Baked Cookies: Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months. Just make sure they are fully cooled before freezing.
FAQ Section
- Can I use different nuts instead of walnuts?
Yes! Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts would all work well as substitutes. - How do I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them. - Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before using it. - Can I freeze the cookies after baking?
Yes, freeze the cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. - Can I add chocolate to these cookies?
Yes, mini chocolate chips would be a great addition to the nut filling. - Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. - How can I tell if the cookies are done?
The cookies should be golden brown around the edges. If they are slightly firm when touched, they are ready. - Can I make these cookies with margarine instead of butter?
While butter provides the best flavor and texture, margarine can be used as a substitute if necessary. - Is the dough supposed to be very soft?
The dough should be soft, but if it’s too sticky, chill it longer in the refrigerator before rolling. - Can I skip the cinnamon and nutmeg?
Yes, you can omit the spices or replace them with your favorite flavorings, like cardamom or ginger.
Conclusion
Italian Nut Roll Cookies are the perfect combination of rich, buttery dough and sweet, spiced walnut filling. These cookies are a hit during the holidays and are sure to become a family favorite. Whether served fresh out of the oven, shared at a holiday party, or gifted to friends and loved ones, they are guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone who tastes them. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, these cookies offer a comforting and delicious experience that will make your holiday season even sweeter. Enjoy!