Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. These tender, buttery cookies filled with crunchy nuts combine simple ingredients into a flavorful classic everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder until combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Fold in the chopped nuts evenly.
6. Step 6: Divide the dough into portions. Roll each portion out into a rectangle about ½ inch thick, then roll the rectangle tightly into a log shape.
7. Step 7: Slice the rolled dough into individual cookie slices and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Step 8: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cookies turn golden around the edges. Let cool before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, toast the nuts lightly before chopping and folding into the dough.
• You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds depending on your preference.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of melted chocolate for a twist on the classic recipe.
• Chill the dough briefly before rolling if it feels too soft to handle easily.

Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They also freeze well—just thaw at room temperature before serving. To refresh cookies, warm them briefly in a low oven for a few minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts besides walnuts or pecans?

Yes, almonds or hazelnuts are great alternatives and will provide a different but delicious flavor and texture.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

You can lightly grease your baking sheets with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking, but parchment paper is recommended for easier cleanup and even baking.

Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.6 from 505 reviews

These Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a delightful treat combining a buttery, tender dough with a rich filling of chopped walnuts or pecans. Rolled into elegant spirals and baked to a golden perfection, they offer a perfect balance of crunchy nuts and soft cookie texture, making them ideal for holidays or any special occasion.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert/Cookie
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Filling

• 1 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder thoroughly to distribute the leavening agent evenly.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition, then add the vanilla extract for flavor.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
6. Fold in Nuts: Gently fold the chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough to evenly distribute the nuts without breaking them up too much.
7. Shape the Dough: Divide the dough into equal portions. Roll each portion into a flat rectangle about ½ inch thick, then roll each rectangle tightly into a log shape to create the spiral effect.
8. Slice the Rolls: Cut each rolled log into slices to form the individual cookies.
9. Bake: Arrange the slices on the prepared baking sheets and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cookies turn golden brown around the edges.

Notes

• For a different nut flavor, substitute walnuts with pecans or hazelnuts.
• Ensure butter is soft but not melted for best creaming results.
• Rolling dough tightly is key to getting the classic nut roll swirl.
• Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to prevent breakage.
• Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Keywords: Italian nut roll cookies, walnut cookies, pecan cookies, holiday cookies, rolled cookies, nut spiral cookies