If you have a soft spot for cozy, nutty treats that melt in your mouth and carry the warmth of home baking, then this Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe will become your new favorite. These delightful cookies pair tender, buttery dough with a fragrant filling of cinnamon-spiced nuts and luscious fruit jam, creating a beautiful balance of textures and flavors in every bite. Whether shared at holiday gatherings or enjoyed alongside your afternoon coffee, these Italian nut roll cookies offer a comforting homemade charm that’s both irresistible and timeless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe comes from its simple, carefully chosen ingredients that come together to build layers of flavor and texture. Each element plays an essential role, from the flaky all-purpose flour dough to the aromatic cinnamon in the spiced nut filling, ensuring a cookie that’s both rich and delightfully tender.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and lightness to the dough for tender cookies.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness but also helps achieve a slightly crisp crumb when baked.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives the dough just enough lift for a soft, tender roll.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small pieces): Delivers rich, flaky layers in the cookie dough.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide moisture for the dough.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the dough’s flavor.
- Zest of one lemon (optional): Adds a subtle brightness and fresh aroma to the dough.
- 1 cup walnuts (or hazelnuts, finely chopped): Adds crunch and a nutty richness to the filling.
- ½ cup fruit jam (apricot, raspberry, or choice): Offers a sweet, fruity contrast to the nuts that keeps each bite interesting.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the nut filling to complement the jam.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the nut mixture with cozy spice for that signature Italian flavor.
How to Make Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and optional lemon zest in a large bowl. Adding the cold butter pieces to the dry ingredients next is key — when you cut the butter in until the mix resembles coarse crumbs, you create a dough that will be flaky and tender after baking. Then, beat the eggs with vanilla and mix into the flour mixture until the dough just comes together. If it feels too dry, add a little cold water by the teaspoon until you can form the dough into a firm ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it for at least an hour. This resting time helps strengthen the dough and makes rolling much easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the dough chills, mix together the finely chopped walnuts (or hazelnuts), sugar, and cinnamon. This blend is where the flavor really shines through—a sweet and fragrant contrast that complements the buttery dough perfectly.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Divide the chilled dough into two equal parts. On a lightly floured surface, roll one portion into a flat rectangle about a quarter of an inch thick. Spread a thin, even layer of your chosen fruit jam over the dough, taking care to leave a small border around the edges. Next, sprinkle half of the nut mixture on top of the jam. Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough into a tight log, much like a jelly roll, and seal the edges by pinching the dough together. Repeat this process with the second portion of dough and filling. Place both logs seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Step 4: Bake and Slice
Bake the rolls in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until they’re beautifully golden brown. After removing from the oven, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes to set up. Then, while still warm but cool enough to handle, use a sharp serrated knife to slice the logs diagonally into half-inch-thick cookies. These slices reveal the gorgeous swirl of jam and nut filling inside. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can optionally dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and charm.
How to Serve Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To really highlight the loveliness of your Italian Nut Roll Cookies, a light dusting of powdered sugar works wonders, adding a delicate sweetness and a festive look that’s perfect for special occasions. You can also consider a thin drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts for an extra touch that enhances the visual appeal and flavor layers.
Side Dishes
These cookies are wonderful alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea, making them perfect for an afternoon treat or a relaxed breakfast. They also pair beautifully with dessert wines or a scoop of vanilla gelato, turning a simple cookie into an indulgent experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Italian Nut Roll Cookies on a pretty platter with a handful of fresh berries or alongside small jars of different jams to allow guests to add a little extra sweetness if they wish. Wrapping individual cookies in parchment and tying them with a ribbon makes for an inviting gift that’s just as delicious as it looks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Italian Nut Roll Cookies stay fresh and flavorful when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Keeping them sealed prevents the cookies from drying out and preserves that tender, buttery texture that makes this recipe so beloved.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies well beyond a week, they freeze beautifully. After slicing, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag with parchment between layers. Frozen cookies can last up to three months without losing their flavor or texture.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-baked warmth of Italian Nut Roll Cookies, gently reheat them in a 300°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This will restore their soft yet slightly crisp texture, making them taste freshly baked. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them too soft or chewy.
FAQs
Can I substitute other nuts for walnuts?
Absolutely! Hazelnuts, almonds, or pecans all work wonderfully in this Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe. Just make sure to finely chop the nuts for an even texture and consistent flavor throughout the roll.
Is there a gluten-free alternative for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Since gluten-free flours behave differently, you may need to adjust the liquid slightly. Adding a teaspoon of xanthan gum can help mimic the dough’s elasticity.
Can I use homemade jam for the filling?
Definitely! Homemade jam adds a lovely personal touch and flavor to this Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe. Just be sure your jam isn’t too runny, or it could make the dough soggy. Thicker preserves like apricot or raspberry work best.
How long do these cookies keep their best flavor?
Stored well in an airtight container, these cookies remain delicious for up to a week. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet to keep them tasting fresh and flavorful.
Can this recipe be doubled or halved?
Yes, this recipe is very flexible. You can easily halve it for a smaller batch or double it when you want to share with a crowd. Just be sure to adjust baking times slightly if the cookie thickness changes.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about making and sharing a batch of these Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe. Their golden swirls of nuts and jam wrapped in buttery dough bring a sense of homemade warmth that’s hard to resist. I hope you find as much joy baking and eating these cookies as I do sharing them—it’s a recipe that turns any ordinary day into a special occasion!
Print
Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Italian Nut Roll Cookies are delightful, tender cookies made by rolling a buttery dough around a sweet nut and fruit jam filling. The dough is chilled, rolled out, filled with a spiced nut mixture and fruit preserves, then baked to golden perfection. These cookies offer a wonderful balance of nutty crunch, fruity sweetness, and delicate crumb, perfect for festive occasions or everyday treats.
Ingredients
Dough
- 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)
Filling
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and optional lemon zest. Add the cold butter pieces to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: In a small bowl, beat the eggs and vanilla extract together. Add this egg mixture to the flour and butter mixture. Mix until the dough comes together. If the dough is 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 tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to relax the gluten and firm up the dough for easier rolling.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped walnuts (or hazelnuts), granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.
- Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Roll Out the Dough: Divide the chilled dough into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion into a thin rectangle approximately ¼ inch (6 mm) thick.
- Add Filling: Spread a thin, even layer of fruit jam over the rolled dough, leaving a small border on all sides. Sprinkle half the nut, sugar, and cinnamon mixture evenly over the jam layer.
- Form the Roll: Starting from one long edge, carefully roll the dough up tightly like a jelly roll. Pinch the seams and ends to seal completely. Repeat this process with the second dough portion and remaining filling. Place both logs seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Rolls: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the rolls turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Cool the Rolls: Remove the rolls from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes to firm up for slicing.
- Slice into Cookies: While warm but cool enough to handle, use a sharp serrated knife to slice the rolls diagonally into ½-inch (1.3 cm) thick cookies. Transfer the sliced cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Dusting and Storage: Once completely cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar if desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Use cold butter and chill the dough well to achieve a tender, flaky texture.
- Choice of nuts can vary; walnuts or hazelnuts both work wonderfully for the filling.
- Fruit jam can be apricot, raspberry, or your preferred flavor for a fruity contrast.
- Slicing the rolls when slightly warm makes cutting easier and neater.
- Powdered sugar dusting is optional but adds a lovely finishing touch.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness up to 1 week.
