There’s something special about Italian Nut Roll Cookies the way its aroma fills the kitchen and makes everyone wander in for a taste. They carry the warmth of family gatherings and the delight of sweet moments shared over a cup of coffee. Whether you are preparing them during the holiday season or simply looking for a cozy treat, these cookies are sure to bring joy and comfort. Each bite is a wonderful blend of buttery dough and a rich, nutty filling, topped off with a hint of cinnamon.

If you are new to baking or a seasoned home cook, making Italian Nut Roll Cookies can be a rewarding experience that stitches wonderful memories together. So, let’s dive in and explore how to create these delightful treats step by step.

Why You’ll Love Making These Italian Nut Roll Cookies

What makes Italian Nut Roll Cookies truly special? For one, they are incredibly easy to prepare. Despite their elegant appearance, the steps are straightforward, and you can feel confident at every turn. The rich flavor of butter, the crunch of nuts, and the subtle sweetness create a symphony of taste and texture that never fails to impress.

Moreover, these cookies are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them as a snack, serve them at parties, or give them as heartfelt gifts to loved ones. Guests will admire your baking skills, and you might just find a new family tradition. Plus, the kitchen fills with an inviting aroma that can make even the most hectic days feel a little calmer.

If you’ve ever felt intimidated by baking, you’re not alone. Many of us have been there. But I’m here to help you navigate through it, giving you clear instructions that will have you stepping confidently into your kitchen.

“Cooking isn’t about perfection. It’s about enjoying every delicious step.”

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

Let’s start our culinary adventure. Gather your ingredients and get ready to mix, roll, and bake. The following sections will guide you through each step, ensuring you have everything you need to successfully create Italian Nut Roll Cookies.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Italian Nut Roll Cookies

To make those lovely Italian Nut Roll Cookies, you will need:

For the Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (use real butter for rich flavor)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 1 cup walnuts or pecans, finely chopped
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (this adds a cozy spice)

Gather everything on your countertop before we start. It will help streamline the process.

Directions: Cooking with Confidence

Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The combination should look pale and feel airy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This is important to ensure the eggs are well incorporated.
3. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract. The mixture will start to come together beautifully, smelling rich and inviting.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This will help to evenly distribute the leavening agent and prevent clumps in your dough.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms. This might take a little elbow grease, but it will be worth it. Don’t overmix; just stir until combined.
6. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough will make it easier to roll out later.

Make the Filling

7. In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped nuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed. The nutty aroma will excite your senses.

Roll Out the Dough

8. After the dough has chilled, divide it into portions. Roll each portion out into a thin rectangle on a floured surface. Aim for about 1/8-inch thickness. This takes some practice, but try to keep it even.

Add the Filling

9. Evenly spread the nut mixture over the rolled-out dough. Leave a small border around the edges. This will prevent the filling from spilling out when you roll it up.

Roll and Slice

10. Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from one of the long edges. Take your time, rolling it slowly to ensure it stays tight.
11. Once rolled, slice the log into individual cookies, about 1 inch thick. Lay them out gently on your cutting board.

Bake

12. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet.
13. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet with some space between them, as they will spread slightly while baking.
14. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t over-bake.

Cool and Serve

15. Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving. This is the hardest part, as the aroma is simply irresistible!

How to Serve Italian Nut Roll Cookies and Make It Shine

When it comes to enjoying Italian Nut Roll Cookies, presentation makes all the difference. Arrange them on a lovely serving plate. You can serve them with a hot cup of coffee or tea, allowing their delightful flavors to mingle with the warmth of your beverage.

For an extra touch, consider dusting the cookies with powdered sugar before serving. Not only does this add a lovely visual appeal, but it also enhances the sweetness without overwhelming the palate.

If you feel adventurous, try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a beautiful dessert treat.

How to Store Italian Nut Roll Cookies for Later

If you find yourself with leftover cookies (or if you simply want to make them ahead), storing Italian Nut Roll Cookies is quite easy. Place them in an airtight container and keep them stored at room temperature. They will remain fresh for about a week.

If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored this way for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to refresh their texture.

Clara’s Tips for Success

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth dough. It combines more easily this way.
2. Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the refrigeration step. It really helps with rolling out the dough neatly.
3. Test Bake: If you are unsure about the baking time, try baking one or two cookies first to get a sense of how your oven performs.
4. Nuts Choice: While walnuts are traditional, feel free to experiment with pecans or hazelnuts for a unique twist that suits your taste.
5. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling slightly trust your palate.

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Simple Variations to Try

While Italian Nut Roll Cookies are delightful as they are, feel free to get creative with the recipe.

• Add Zest: Incorporating some lemon or orange zest into the dough can add a fresh citrus flavor.
• Spice It Up: Enhance the filling with a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an unexpected warmth in flavor.
• Dried Fruit: For a twist on texture, add some finely chopped dried fruit such as cranberries or apricots to the nut filling.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an elegant touch that chocolate lovers will adore.

Italian Nut Roll Cookies

Irresistible Italian Nut Roll Cookies filled with a rich nutty filling and topped with aromatic cinnamon, perfect for family gatherings and cozy moments.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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For the Dough

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Use real butter for rich flavor
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Filling

• 1 cup walnuts or pecans, finely chopped
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon This adds a cozy spice

Method

 

Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Make the Filling

1. In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped nuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

Roll Out the Dough

1. After the dough has chilled, divide it into portions and roll each into a thin rectangle on a floured surface.

Add the Filling

1. Evenly spread the nut mixture over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Roll and Slice

1. Carefully roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from one of the long edges.
2. Slice the log into individual cookies, about 1 inch thick.

Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the cookies on a prepared baking sheet with some space between them.
3. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden brown around the edges.

Cool and Serve

1. Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 50mgSugar: 5g

Notes

For serving, dust with powdered sugar for added visual appeal. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

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FAQs About Italian Nut Roll Cookies

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe keeps beautifully. You can make the dough and store it in the refrigerator up to a couple of days ahead or freeze it for future use.

What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute with plain yogurt or buttermilk. These alternatives will provide similar moisture and tanginess.

How can I tell if the cookies are done?
Look for a golden brown edge; that’s your cue that they are ready. If the tops are still pale but the edges are brown, they might need just a few more minutes.

Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough isn’t essential, but it makes rolling so much easier and improves the texture of the cookies.

How do I know if I rolled the dough thick enough?
Aim for about 1/8 inch thick. If it feels sturdy to the touch and maintains its shape, you’re on the right track.

Final Encouragement or Closing Note

I hope making these Italian Nut Roll Cookies helps you discover how simple and rewarding homemade cooking can be. Whether shared with family, enjoyed during a coffee break, or given as gifts, these cookies hold warmth that’s created in the kitchen. You have the skills to make something truly delicious. You’ve got this!