Name: Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small pieces); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; Zest of one lemon (optional); 1 cup walnuts or hazelnuts (finely chopped); ½ cup fruit jam or preserves (apricot, raspberry, or your choice); ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe

If you have a soft spot for traditional, nutty treats with a hint of fruity sweetness, then you absolutely need to try these Italian Nut Roll Cookies. This delightful recipe offers a perfect balance of buttery dough, rich nut filling, and a kiss of jam that creates a texture and flavor combination you’ll find utterly irresistible. With roots deep in Italian baking traditions, these cookies are as charming as they are delicious, making them an ideal choice for sharing with family or impressing friends during holiday gatherings or cozy coffee breaks.

Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Italian Nut Roll Cookies recipe plays an important role, whether it’s adding richness, a touch of sweetness, or that characteristic nutty crunch. These simple staples come together to create a cookie that is both comforting and sophisticated.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the dough, providing structure and tenderness.
½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps brown the cookies beautifully.
1 teaspoon baking powder: A leavening agent that gives the dough just a bit of lift for a light texture.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small pieces): Contributes flakiness and a rich, buttery taste.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture for a tender bite.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth of flavor.
Zest of one lemon (optional): Adds a bright, citrusy note that lifts the overall flavor.
1 cup walnuts (or hazelnuts, finely chopped): The star ingredient—nuts provide texture and that signature Italian flavor.
½ cup fruit jam (apricot, raspberry, or your choice): Provides a sweet, fruity contrast to the nutty filling.
¼ cup granulated sugar (for filling): Sweetens the nut mixture perfectly.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice to the filling.

How to Make Italian Nut Roll Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and optional lemon zest in a large mixing bowl. Add the cold butter pieces and work them in using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Then, beat together the eggs and vanilla extract, adding that to the flour mixture. Mix gently until the dough just comes together—if it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of cold water to help it hold. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it well in plastic wrap, and pop it into the fridge for at least an hour. This chilling step is crucial for that perfect texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Nut Filling

While your dough is chilling, combine the finely chopped walnuts or hazelnuts with sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl. This aromatic nut blend is what sets these cookies apart, giving each bite that wonderful crunch with just the right touch of sweetness and spice.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to ensure your nut rolls bake evenly and come off the tray without sticking. Proper preparation here means your cookies will bake beautifully golden.

Step 4: Roll Out and Assemble

Divide your chilled dough into two equal parts. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each piece into a rectangle around ¼ inch thick. Spread a generous, even layer of fruit jam across the dough, making sure to leave a small border on the edges. Sprinkle half your nut mixture evenly over the jam, then carefully roll the dough up from one long side to form a tight log. Seal the seams and ends by pinching gently, then place the logs seam-side down on your baking tray. Repeat with the second half of dough and filling.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake your nut rolls in the preheated oven for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are a gorgeous golden brown and the aroma makes your whole kitchen feel like a cozy Italian bakery. Let the rolls cool for about 10 minutes right on the baking sheet—this not only firms them up but makes slicing easier.

Step 6: Slice and Finish

Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the rolls diagonally into half-inch thick cookies while they’re still warm but cool enough to handle. Place the slices on a wire rack to cool completely. If you want to add a touch of elegance, dust them lightly with powdered sugar just before serving for that classic finishing touch.

How to Serve Italian Nut Roll Cookies

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar is all you need to beautifully finish these Italian Nut Roll Cookies, but don’t be afraid to add a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts around the edges for extra crunch and eye appeal. A few fresh berries on the side can also complement the jam inside.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot espresso, cappuccino, or even a creamy latte. They balance out the bitterness of coffee with their sweet nuttiness. For a cozy brunch, serve them alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream to keep things light and indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing these Italian Nut Roll Cookies to a gathering, slice them onto an elegant platter arranged in a circular pattern. You could also thread a few onto skewers alternating with fresh fruit chunks for a fun, portable treat. Wrapping individual cookies in parchment with a ribbon also makes them perfect for gifting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Italian Nut Roll Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their lovely texture and flavor for up to a week, making them perfect to bake ahead and enjoy over several days.

Freezing

If you want to keep these cookies longer, freeze the whole logs before slicing. Wrap them tightly in plastic and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and slice fresh for an almost-baked-from-scratch experience.

Reheating

To bring back their warm, tender perfection, gently heat slices in a low oven for 5 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can soften the texture too much. A slight warmth brings out the aroma of nuts and spices wonderfully.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! Hazelnuts are a fantastic alternative and give a slightly sweeter, richer flavor. You could also use pecans or almonds, but keep them finely chopped for the best texture.

What type of jam works best in Italian Nut Roll Cookies?

Traditional apricot or raspberry jams work beautifully because their sweetness and slight tartness complement the nuts perfectly. Feel free to experiment with your favorite fruit preserves—it’s about balance and what you enjoy.

Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to keep the dough together. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, Italian Nut Roll Cookies stay fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.

Can these cookies be made vegan?

With some substitutions like vegan butter and an egg replacer, you can make a version of these cookies vegan-friendly. Keep in mind the flavor and texture might vary slightly but the end result will still be delightful.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting and heartwarming about making and sharing Italian Nut Roll Cookies. They carry a story of tradition and celebration in every bite, and once you try them, they’re sure to become a cherished favorite. Dive in, enjoy the mixing, rolling, and baking, and most of all, savor every delightful morsel with people you love.

Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 22 reviews

Author: Harry
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a delightful homemade treat featuring a tender, buttery dough rolled with a sweet and spiced nut filling, perfect for tea time or festive occasions. These cookies combine the crunch of finely chopped walnuts or hazelnuts with the fruity sweetness of jam, wrapped into a neat roll and sliced into elegant pinwheel cookies.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest (if using). Add the cold butter pieces to the dry ingredients.
Cut in the Butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: In a small bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla extract together. Add this mixture to the flour mixture and mix until the dough comes together. If the dough feels too dry, add cold water one teaspoon at a time until it holds together.
Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped nuts, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Roll out Dough: Divide the chilled dough into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion into a rectangle approximately ¼ inch (6 mm) thick.
Assemble Rolls: Spread a thin layer of fruit jam evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle half of the nut mixture evenly over the jam.
Roll and Seal: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log like a jelly roll. Pinch the seams and ends to seal. Repeat with the second dough portion and remaining filling. Place the rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown.
Cool Slightly: Remove from oven and let the rolls cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
Slice the Cookies: While rolls are warm but manageable, use a sharp serrated knife to slice diagonally into ½-inch (1.3 cm) thick cookies.
Cool Completely: Transfer the slices to a wire rack and cool completely.
Optional Dusting: Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar if desired.
Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Notes

Use cold butter for best dough texture to achieve flakiness.
Lemon zest is optional but adds a bright flavor balance to the sweetness.
Any fruit jam or preserves can be used; apricot or raspberry are classic choices.
These cookies keep well and can be made ahead of time.
Slicing is easiest while rolls are still warm to avoid breaking.
For a nut-free version, consider a seed-based filling or omit nuts entirely.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cookie
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian