Description
These Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a classic holiday favorite featuring a buttery, tender dough rolled around a sweet, spiced walnut filling. Perfect with a cup of coffee or for sharing during the festive season
Ingredients
For the Dough:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
1 cup finely ground walnuts
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Divide the dough in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
In a bowl, combine the ground walnuts, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll out one half of the dough on a lightly floured surface to a 1/4-inch thickness.
Spread the nut filling evenly over the rolled-out dough.
Roll up the dough tightly in a jelly-roll style.
Cut the roll into 1-inch slices.
Place the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
-
These cookies freeze well—store in airtight containers with layers separated by parchment.
-
You can substitute walnuts with pecans or hazelnuts if desired.
-
For extra sweetness, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg