Delightfully sweet and nutty, Italian Nut Roll Cookies feature a flaky, buttery dough wrapped around a spiced walnut filling. Perfect for holidays, tea time, or whenever you crave a classic homemade treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flaky and Buttery Texture: The rich dough melts in your mouth with every bite.
Warm and Nutty Flavor: The walnut filling, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, creates a cozy and irresistible flavor.

Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday baking, or afternoon tea.
Customizable: Easily swap walnuts for your favorite nuts or adjust the spices.
Family Tradition: A nostalgic recipe that brings warmth and joy to the table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough

unsalted butter, softened
granulated sugar

eggs
vanilla extract
all-purpose flour

baking powder
salt

For the Filling

ground walnuts

granulated sugar
powdered sugar
ground cinnamon

ground nutmeg

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Cream together the softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, mix together the ground walnuts, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out one portion of the dough on a floured surface to ¼-inch thickness.
Spread half of the nut filling evenly over the dough, then roll it tightly into a log.

Slice the log into 1-inch pieces. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Nut Substitutes: Use pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts instead of walnuts.
Fruit Add-Ins: Add a thin layer of fruit preserves for a sweet twist.

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
Chocolate Lovers: Mix mini chocolate chips into the filling for a touch of sweetness.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or cloves to the filling for extra warmth.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: Warm the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to refresh their flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before rolling and baking.

What type of nuts work best for this recipe?

Walnuts are traditional, but pecans or almonds are great alternatives.

Do I have to chill the dough?

Chilling the dough helps it firm up, making it easier to roll and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Can I use a food processor to grind the nuts?

Yes, a food processor works well to achieve a finely ground texture for the nuts.

How do I ensure my cookies don’t burn?

Keep a close eye on the cookies and bake until just golden brown. Ovens vary, so adjust the baking time if needed.

Can I add icing to these cookies?

While not traditional, a drizzle of powdered sugar glaze or melted chocolate would be a delicious addition.

What can I use if I don’t have powdered sugar for the filling?

You can use an equal amount of granulated sugar or skip it entirely, though powdered sugar adds a finer texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles well to make a larger batch.

How do I keep the cookies fresh?

Store them in an airtight container with a piece of bread to help maintain moisture.

Can I make these cookies without a nut filling?

The nut filling is central to the recipe, but you could substitute with a sweetened cream cheese or fruit-based filling for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a delightful treat that combines a buttery dough with a warmly spiced nut filling. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, these cookies are perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or anytime you want to enjoy a classic homemade dessert. Bake a batch today and share the love with friends and family!