Homemade Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe: A Sweet Family Treat

Sweet memories of childhood bakeries swirl through this authentic italian nut roll recipe, weaving a delectable tapestry of tradition.

Generations have cherished these delicate pastries passed down through warm kitchen conversations.

Crumbly, nutty, and subtly sweet, these cookies connect you to generations of Italian baking artistry.

Each tender bite carries whispers of old-world techniques and family gatherings.

The delicate dough embraces a rich nut filling that melts softly on your tongue.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can recreate this beloved classic in your own kitchen.

These cookies promise to transport you straight to a cozy Italian grandmother’s home, where love is baked into every single morsel.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes (+1 hour chilling)

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 25

Ingredients Needed For Italian Nut Roll Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture to the cookie base, choose unbleached flour for better flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with browning, opt for fine-crystal sugar for smooth mixing.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Baking Powder: Helps dough rise and creates light texture, ensure it's fresh for maximum leavening.

• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds richness, select large, room-temperature eggs for best results.
• Sour Cream: Creates tender, soft dough with tangy undertone, full-fat version provides best consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds deep, warm flavor, choose pure extract over imitation for authentic taste.
• Cold Butter: Creates flaky layers, use high-quality unsalted butter straight from refrigerator.

• Chopped Nuts, Brown Sugar, Honey: Create sweet, nutty filling with complex flavor profile, select freshly roasted nuts for maximum crunch.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice to filling, use freshly ground for most intense flavor.
• Milk: Helps bind filling ingredients, whole milk provides richer texture.
• Powdered Sugar, Milk/Lemon Juice: Create glossy, smooth glaze, adjust liquid for desired consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances glaze flavor, use pure extract for best taste.

Baking Tools For Italian Nut Roll Cookies

• Large mixing bowl: For combining dry and wet ingredients easily.
• Pastry cutter or food processor: To cut cold butter into flour mixture quickly.
• Whisk: To blend eggs, sour cream, and dry ingredients smoothly.
• Rolling pin: To roll out dough into thin, even rectangles.
• Baking sheet: For baking the nut roll logs.
• Parchment paper: To prevent sticking and easy cookie removal.
• Sharp knife: For slicing warm cookies into perfect 1-inch pieces.
• Small bowl: To prepare nut filling and glaze.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient amounts.

Easy Steps For Italian Nut Roll Cookies

• Whip Up the Dough Base

Mix flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a large bowl. Crumble cold butter into the dry ingredients until it looks like rough sand. In another bowl, blend eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry mixtures until soft dough forms. Divide into two round discs, wrap in plastic, and chill in refrigerator for minimum one hour.

• Craft the Nutty Filling

Blend chopped nuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, honey, milk, and vanilla in a bowl. Ensure mixture is slightly sticky but spreadable.

• Roll and Shape the Cookies

Heat oven to 350F. Dust work surface with flour. Roll out each dough disc into rectangular shape. Spread nutty mixture across dough, leaving small border. Roll dough into tight log from long edge. Place seam-side down on baking sheet.

• Bake and Transform

Slide logs into oven. Bake 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Cool briefly, then slice into bite-sized pieces while still warm.

• Dress and Serve

Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for smooth glaze. Drizzle over cookies. Sprinkle with extra nuts if desired. Let glaze set before serving.

Baking Tips For Italian Nut Roll Cookies

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare dough and filling up to 3 days in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator for stress-free baking when you're ready.
• Nut-Free Option: Replace chopped nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for allergy-friendly version that maintains similar texture and crunch.
• Gluten-Free Transformation: Swap regular flour with gluten-free blend, ensuring 1:1 replacement ratio and adding xanthan gum for better dough structure and binding.
• Flavor Twist: Experiment with different nut combinations like walnuts, pecans, and almonds or add orange zest to filling for vibrant, unexpected flavor profile that elevates traditional recipe.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap unbaked rolls tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month, thawing overnight in refrigerator before baking for convenient make-ahead dessert option.

How To Serve Italian Nut Roll Cookies Neatly

• Holiday Gift Packaging: Wrap these delightful nut rolls in clear cellophane with festive ribbons, creating a charming homemade treat perfect for gifting during Christmas or family gatherings.
• Dessert Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a warm espresso or rich hot chocolate to complement the nutty, sweet flavors and enhance the cookie's delectable texture.
• Breakfast Companion: Slice the cookies slightly thinner and enjoy with morning coffee or as a sweet accompaniment to a weekend brunch spread, adding a touch of indulgence to your morning routine.
• Nutty Presentation Style: Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board with scattered whole nuts and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant, Instagram-worthy display that highlights their beautiful swirled interior.

Store Italian Nut Roll Cookies The Easy Way

• Fridge-Ready Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container layered between parchment paper. These delicate treats stay fresh for 5-7 days when refrigerated at 40°F, maintaining their delicious nutty texture.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual cookies or entire roll tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving to retain original flavor and softness.
• Make-Ahead Wisdom: Prepare dough and nut filling 2-3 days before baking. Store dough discs and filling separately in sealed containers in refrigerator. This strategy saves time and allows flavors to develop beautifully.
• Room Temperature Trick: Allow baked cookies to cool completely before storing. Room temperature storage works best for 3-4 days in sealed container. Keep away from direct sunlight and humidity to prevent texture breakdown.

Nostalgic Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Dolce di Noci, a cherished Italian nut roll, weaves together generations of family tradition and rich nutty flavors. Festive holiday gatherings come alive with these delicate, spiraled cookies that connect you to Italy’s sweet culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

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• 2.5 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup (110 g) brown sugar
• 1.5 cups (170 g) walnuts or pecans, finely chopped
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 2 tbsps milk or heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.5 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsps milk or lemon juice
• 0.5 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)
• Sprinkles or chopped nuts for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl. Incorporate cold butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
2. Liquid Integration: Whisk eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold liquid ingredients into dry mixture, creating a soft, cohesive dough.
3. Chilling Process: Divide dough into two equal discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour to develop rich flavors and optimal texture.
4. Filling Creation: Blend chopped nuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, honey, milk, and vanilla extract into a smooth, spreadable mixture.
5. Rolling and Filling: Preheat oven to 350F. On a floured surface, roll out first dough disc into a rectangle. Spread half the nut filling evenly, leaving a small border. Carefully roll the dough from the long side into a compact log.
6. Second Log Formation: Repeat filling and rolling process with the second dough disc. Position both logs seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Baking and Cooling: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing into delicate cookies.
8. Finishing Touch: Optional – Whisk powdered sugar, milk (or lemon juice), and vanilla extract into a silky glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies and sprinkle with additional nuts or decorative elements.
9. Serving: Allow glaze to set for 10-15 minutes, then present these delectable Italian nut roll cookies for enjoyment.

Notes

• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerate dough for at least 1 hour to develop robust flavors and make rolling easier, preventing sticky texture and improving overall cookie structure.
• Control Nut Filling Consistency: Ensure filling is slightly tacky but not runny, preventing leakage during baking and maintaining a balanced nut-to-dough ratio.
• Maintain Even Rolling Technique: Roll dough into uniform rectangular shape with consistent thickness to guarantee even baking and prevent undercooked or burnt sections.
• Customize Glaze Options: Experiment with lemon juice or alternative liquid bases to adjust glaze flavor profile, accommodating different taste preferences and dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (+1 hour chilling)
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg