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Italian Nut Roll Cookies

The Secret to Perfect Italian Nut Roll Cookies: A Family Recipe Unveiled


  • Author: Erin
  • Total Time: PT50M
  • Yield: 2428 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Flaky, buttery dough wrapped around a warmly spiced walnut-honey filling — Italian Nut Roll Cookies are festive, nostalgic, and impossible to eat just one. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just love nutty sweets, these are a must-bake classic.


Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Dough:
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free blend)
  • 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 for depth)
  • ½ cup honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla. Gradually add flour until the dough comes together — soft but not sticky. Do not overmix.
  2. Prepare the Filling: Toast walnuts at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. Cool, then pulse in a food processor until sandy. Mix with honey, cinnamon, and cloves. If needed, add a splash of milk for spreadability.
  3. Roll & Fill: Divide dough into 4 pieces. Roll each into a 10×8-inch rectangle on a floured surface. Spread filling evenly, leaving a ½-inch edge. Roll tightly and pinch seams closed. Slice into 1-inch rolls.
  4. Bake: Place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes or until golden at the edges. Cool completely.
  5. Finish: Dust with powdered sugar before serving or storing in an airtight tin.

Notes

Pro Tip: Double the batch — these freeze beautifully and vanish even faster. Let cookies cool completely before slicing for the cleanest presentation. Swap walnuts with pecans or hazelnuts for a twist.

  • Prep Time: PT30M
  • Cook Time: PT20M
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 140
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 20mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: italian nut rolls, holiday cookies, walnut honey cookies, rolled cookies