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Italian Nut Roll Cookies

Italian Nut Roll Cookies: How to Bake the Best 3-Step Holiday Treat


  • Author: Sarah Recipes
  • Total Time: PT50M
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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