There’s something magical about the aromas wafting through the kitchen when you’re baking Italian Nut Roll Cookies. The sweet scent of dough mingled with fragrant nuts and spices fills the air, making your taste buds dance with anticipation. Each bite promises a delightful crunch followed by a soft, chewy texture that’ll have you reaching for seconds (or thirds… no judgment here).

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Italian Nut Roll Cookies</strong>: </strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What type of nuts work best for Italian Nut Roll Cookies?
- Can I freeze Italian Nut Roll Cookies?
- How long do these cookies stay fresh?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Growing up in an Italian household, these cookies were a staple during holiday gatherings and family celebrations. I remember my Nonna’s flour-dusted kitchen, filled with laughter and the sound of rolling pins at work. Each cookie held stories of love and tradition, making them not just a treat but a cherished memory.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Italian Nut Roll Cookies are easy to make and require minimal ingredients
- Their unique flavor profile combines sweet and nutty notes that everyone will adore
- Visually stunning with their flaky finish, they make a perfect addition to any dessert table
- These cookies are versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round or during special occasions like Christmas or birthdays
I once made these cookies for a holiday party, and my friends were convinced I had some sort of dark magic in my kitchen because they disappeared faster than I could say “Mangia!”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cookies:
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the dough’s structure; choose a high-quality brand for the best results.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough; I like to use organic sugar for its richer flavor.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness in your cookies.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs help bind everything together nicely; they also add richness.
Nuts (Walnuts or Pecans): Finely chopped nuts provide that signature crunch; choose fresh nuts for optimal flavor.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice; feel free to sprinkle extra on top before baking if you’re feeling adventurous.
Powdered Sugar: For dusting on top after baking; it gives a lovely finishing touch.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Italian Nut Roll Cookies:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve that golden-brown perfection.
Prepare Your Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together sugar and butter until fluffy—about 3-4 minutes should do it. The mixture should look light and airy.
Add Eggs and Flour: Beat in the eggs one at a time while gradually adding flour until fully incorporated. You want a smooth, soft dough that holds together nicely.
Mix in Nuts and Spices: Fold in your finely chopped nuts and cinnamon gently using a spatula; this step adds those delightful crunchy bits throughout your cookies.
Roll Out Your Cookies: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into rectangles about 1/4 inch thick. The thinner you roll them, the crispier they’ll be—if you like ’em crunchy!
Bake Them Up!: Place each rectangle on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for about 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Your kitchen will smell heavenly as they bake!
After removing from the oven, allow them to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar—this is when they transform into edible clouds of joy!
These Italian Nut Roll Cookies are not just desserts; they’re little bites of nostalgia wrapped in flavor! Enjoy them with coffee or tea, or simply savor each bite as you reminisce about family gatherings where love was served alongside dessert. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert recipes recipe.
You Must Know
- Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a delightful treat, combining a rich dough with a nutty filling that melts in your mouth
- Their unique flavor profile and texture make them an irresistible addition to any dessert table
- Prepare for your kitchen to smell heavenly while baking!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the dough first, allowing it to rest while you mix the filling. This ensures a softer texture and easier rolling.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap walnuts for pecans or add chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor. Get creative with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Italian Nut Roll Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Reheat gently in the oven for a few minutes if desired.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect Italian Nut Roll Cookies, ensure your dough is well-chilled before rolling
- This prevents sticking and makes handling easier
- Use fresh nuts for optimal flavor; stale nuts can ruin the taste of your cookies
- Lastly, don’t skip letting cookies cool completely before serving to enhance their texture
Sharing these cookies at family gatherings always evokes smiles and stories; they truly bring everyone together around the table.
FAQ
What type of nuts work best for Italian Nut Roll Cookies?
Walnuts are traditional, but pecans or almonds also add delicious variations.
Can I freeze Italian Nut Roll Cookies?
Yes, they freeze well; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
These cookies remain fresh for about five days when stored properly at room temperature.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Italian Nut Roll Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in the irresistible charm of Italian Nut Roll Cookies, where each bite offers a harmonious blend of crunchy nuts and soft, chewy dough. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are reminiscent of cherished family gatherings and are sure to impress your loved ones. With a simple recipe that requires minimal ingredients, you’ll create a visually stunning treat that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dessert table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, gradually adding flour until fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in nuts and cinnamon.
- Roll the dough into rectangles about 1/4 inch thick.
- Place on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden.
- Dust with powdered sugar after cooling slightly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 18mg