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Authentic Italian Nut Roll Cookies

  • Author: Christopher

Description

Authentic Italian Nut Roll Cookies – A Sweet Tradition 🍪✨

These homemade Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a deliciously flaky, buttery pastry filled with a rich walnut-cinnamon filling and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. A beloved Italian dessert, these cookies are perfect for Christmas, Easter, or any special occasion. Whether paired with an espresso or gifted in a festive tin, these nut roll cookies bring a taste of traditional Italian baking into your home.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

  • 1 ½ cups finely ground walnuts
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Topping:

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Set aside.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
  3. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into two portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  4. In a small bowl, mix walnuts, granulated sugar, honey, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined. Set aside.
  5. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Roll out one portion of the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle about ⅛-inch thick. Spread half of the nut filling evenly over the dough.
  7. Roll the dough tightly into a log, starting from the long edge. Repeat with the second portion of dough.
  8. Slice each roll into 1-inch pieces and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
  9. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown.
  10. Let cool, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

  • Dough must be chilled before rolling for easier handling.
  • Use finely ground nuts for a smoother filling texture.
  • Brush with egg wash for a golden-brown, bakery-style finish.
  • Store in an airtight container for maximum freshness.
  • Customize the filling with hazelnuts, almonds, or dried fruits for a unique twist.

Now, you’re ready to bake the perfect Italian Nut Roll Cookies—a timeless treat filled with tradition, flavor, and nostalgia! 🍪✨

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Find it online: https://yummyycravings.com/authentic-italian-nut-roll-cookies/