Description
These traditional Italian Nut Roll Cookies blend buttery, flaky dough with a warm spiced walnut-honey filling. Perfect for holidays or everyday indulgence, they’re a nostalgic treat inspired by old-world Sicilian kitchens and perfected for modern bakers.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (substitute 1:1 gluten-free flour if needed)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or almond extract)
- For the Filling:
- 2 cups finely ground walnuts (toasted)
- ½ cup honey
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Gradually add flour until dough forms. Divide and set aside.
- Prepare the Filling: Toast walnuts at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, cool, then pulse in a food processor. Mix with honey, cinnamon, and cloves until combined.
- Roll and Fill: Divide dough into four parts. Roll each into a 10×8-inch rectangle. Spread filling in a thin layer, leaving ½-inch border. Roll up and pinch seams.
- Slice and Bake: Slice into 1-inch cookies. Place on parchment-lined trays and bake at 375°F for 18–20 minutes or until golden. Cool completely.
- Dust and Serve: Once cool, dust with powdered sugar and enjoy. Store airtight or freeze for later.
Notes
Pro Tip: Chill the dough logs before slicing to keep the shape clean. For a festive twist, add citrus zest to the dough or cocoa to the filling!
- Prep Time: PT30M
- Cook Time: PT20M
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: italian nut roll cookies, holiday cookies, walnut rolls, honey walnut pastry, traditional italian desserts