Italian Nut Roll Cookies

Savor the Sweet Tradition of Italian Nut Roll Cookies

Embark on a delightful baking journey with these exquisite Italian Nut Roll Cookies, where buttery pastry embraces a rich walnut filling to create the perfect sweet treat. If you love these traditional cookies, you might also enjoy our Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies for another festive option.

Whether you're preparing for a holiday gathering or simply craving a taste of authentic Italian baking, these cookies bring warmth and comfort to any occasion. Speaking of holiday treats, our Italian Christmas Cookies offer another delicious option from the same culinary tradition.

Ready to master the art of Italian cookie making? Let's dive into this cherished recipe that's been passed down through generations. For more nutty delights, you might want to try our Pecan Cookie Balls as well.

Italian Nut Roll Cookies: A Perfect Balance of Texture and Taste

These Italian Nut Roll Cookies showcase the perfect marriage of flaky pastry and sweet nutty filling, creating an irresistible treat that's both elegant and comforting. If you enjoy working with nuts in your baking, you'll also love our Almond Pillow Cookies for another delightful variation.

Here's your comprehensive guide to creating these beloved cookies, complete with expert tips to ensure success every time. The beauty of these rolls lies in their versatility – they're perfect for everything from holiday celebrations to afternoon coffee breaks.

Pro Tips for Perfect Italian Nut Roll Cookies:

1. Cold Butter Success: Keep your butter properly chilled until needed, ensuring the dough maintains its flaky texture.
2. Filling Consistency: Mix the walnut filling thoroughly to achieve a uniform texture that spreads easily.
3. Rolling Technique: Use light, even pressure when rolling the dough to maintain consistent thickness.
4. Sealing Secrets: Pinch and seal the edges well to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
5. Storage Strategy: Store in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to maintain freshness.

Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe

• Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling)
• Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
• Equipment: Rolling pin, baking sheets, parchment paper, mixing bowls

Transform your kitchen into an Italian bakery with these delightful cookies that combine old-world charm with irresistible flavor.

Ingredients:

For the Cookie Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract

For the Walnut Filling:

• 2 cups finely ground walnuts
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 egg white (for sealing)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Cut in the softened butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in sour cream and extracts until a soft dough forms. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least one hour.
2. Create the Filling: While the dough chills, combine ground walnuts, sugar, honey, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Mix until well blended and slightly sticky.
3. Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Dust your work surface with flour.
4. Roll the Dough: Divide chilled dough into four portions. Roll each portion into a 10x12-inch rectangle on the floured surface.
5. Add Filling and Shape: Spread walnut filling evenly over each rectangle, leaving a ½-inch border. Roll up each rectangle from the long side, jelly-roll style. Brush edges with egg white and seal carefully.
6. Cut and Arrange: Cut each roll into 6 equal pieces. Place seam-side down on prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
8. Final Touch: Dust cooled cookies generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Storage Solutions

These Italian Nut Roll Cookies maintain their delicious taste for up to a week when stored properly:

• Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 5-7 days
• Layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking
• Freeze undusted cookies for up to 3 months
• Thaw frozen cookies overnight in the refrigerator
• Dust with fresh powdered sugar before serving

The rich heritage of Italian baking comes alive in these meticulously crafted cookies, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a special treat with your afternoon coffee. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of flaky pastry and sweet, nutty filling that has made these cookies a beloved tradition for generations.

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