Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe
These Italian Nut Roll Cookies feature a tender, buttery dough filled with a sweet cinnamon-nut mixture. Perfectly rolled and sliced, they bake up golden and crisp on the edges with a soft, flavorful center. Ideal for festive occasions or a delightful tea-time treat.
- Author: Isla
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 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
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps to create a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract to add moisture and depth of flavor to the dough.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough tender.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to roll and helps develop flavor.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped walnuts or pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mixing these together ensures the filling is evenly flavorful.
- Roll Out the Dough: Divide the chilled dough into manageable portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a thin rectangle to create even layers for rolling.
- Add the Filling: Spread the nut and cinnamon mixture evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges for sealing.
- Roll and Slice: Starting from one edge, roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into individual cookies about ½ inch thick to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the cookie slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space in between. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack to stop the cooking process and help them firm up before serving.
Notes
- For a finer texture in the filling, use a food processor to chop the nuts evenly.
- To avoid the dough sticking, roll it out on a generously floured surface.
- These cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 25g)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 2.5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Italian nut roll cookies, walnut cookies, pecan cookies, cinnamon nut cookies, Christmas cookies, holiday baking, nut-filled cookies