Irresistible Italian Nut Roll Cookies for the Holidays

Italian Nut Roll Cookies bring a touch of nostalgia and joy to holiday celebrations. This delightful treat features a tender, buttery dough wrapped around a sweet and spiced nut filling. Perfect for Christmas cookie platters, these cookies embody the warmth of Old-World Italian traditions. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or gifting them to loved ones, they are sure to impress with their irresistible flavor and festive appeal.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Nut Roll Cookies

There are countless reasons to adore these Italian Nut Roll Cookies. First, they are a unique addition to any dessert table, standing out among typical holiday cookies. Second, the combination of finely chopped walnuts or pecans with a hint of cinnamon creates a rich, flavorful filling that is hard to resist. Third, the cookies are easy to make, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Fourth, they can be made ahead of time, making them a convenient choice for busy holiday schedules. Fifth, these cookies can be beautifully packaged as gifts, showcasing your thoughtfulness. Sixth, their festive appearance makes them a delightful centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Lastly, they are vegetarian, accommodating many dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Italian Nut Roll Cookies

Gather these items:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 cups finely chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Zest of 1 orange (optional)

How to Make Italian Nut Roll Cookies Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the texture is crumbly. In another bowl, mix sugar, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream. Combine wet and dry ingredients, knead gently, wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine chopped nuts, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, and orange zest until sticky and well mixed.
3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into rectangles about 1/8-inch thick. Spread filling evenly, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Roll tightly into logs and slice into 1-inch cookies.
4. Step 4: Arrange cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes or until lightly golden. Cool completely on a rack.
5. Step 5: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Garnish with chopped nuts or sprinkles if desired.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Italian Nut Roll Cookies

Keep these in mind:

• These cookies are great for holiday gatherings.
• They make excellent gifts when packaged nicely.
• Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• For a richer flavor, toast the nuts before chopping.

Best Ways to Serve Italian Nut Roll Cookies

These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate your presentation by serving them on a festive platter alongside other holiday treats. Pair them with a cup of coffee or a warm beverage for a cozy afternoon snack. They also make a charming addition to cookie exchange parties or as part of an edible gift basket.

How to Store and Reheat Italian Nut Roll Cookies

To store your cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their freshness for up to a week. If you want to make them in advance, prepare the dough and filling, then freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw and continue from Step 3.

Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Nut Roll Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Italian Nut Roll Cookies?

The secret lies in chilling the dough before rolling it out. This prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking, ensuring that they maintain their lovely shape. Additionally, using high-quality nuts will enhance the flavor of the filling.

Can I make Italian Nut Roll Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and filling in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Just make sure to allow time for thawing before you roll and bake.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Italian Nut Roll Cookies?

One common mistake is overworking the dough, which can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined and handle the dough gently. Also, ensure that your oven is properly preheated to avoid uneven baking.

Variations of Italian Nut Roll Cookies You Can Try

Consider trying different fillings such as a chocolate or marzipan filling for a unique twist. You can also substitute the walnuts with other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts to create your own version of traditional Italian nut cookies. For a festive touch, add dried fruit or a splash of liqueur to the filling.

For more delicious recipes, check out Cinnamon Orange Jam Linzer Cookies or Easy Cinnamon Rolls. If you’re interested in learning about the health benefits of nuts, visit Healthline’s article on nuts.

Irresistible Italian Nut Roll Cookies for the Holidays

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Irresistible Italian Nut Roll Cookies: A Classic Homemade Holiday Dessert

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 cups finely chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Zest of 1 orange (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the texture is crumbly. In another bowl, mix sugar, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream. Combine wet and dry ingredients, knead gently, wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
2. In a bowl, combine chopped nuts, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, and orange zest until sticky and well mixed.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into rectangles about 1/8-inch thick. Spread filling evenly, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Roll tightly into logs and slice into 1-inch cookies.
4. Arrange cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes or until lightly golden. Cool completely on a rack.
5. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Garnish with chopped nuts or sprinkles if desired.

Notes

• These cookies are great for holiday gatherings.
• They make excellent gifts when packaged nicely.
• Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 140
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg