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Italian Nut Roll Cookies

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These Italian Nut Roll Cookies are buttery, flaky, and filled with a sweet, spiced nut filling. A traditional holiday favorite, they’re similar to Italian cuccidati (fig cookies) but focus on a rich walnut or pecan filling, perfect with a cup of espresso or as a holiday treat!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for a tender texture)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Nut Filling:

  • 1 ½ cups walnuts or pecans, finely chopped (or a mix of both!)
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon (adds warmth to the filling)
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for a little sweetness and stickiness)
  • 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream (to bind the filling)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Glaze (Optional):

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk or lemon juice (for a bright touch!)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Sprinkles or chopped nuts for garnish (optional but festive!)


Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
  2. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms.
  5. Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).

Step 2: Make the Nut Filling

  1. In a medium bowl, mix together chopped nuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, honey, milk, and vanilla extract until combined.
  2. The mixture should be slightly sticky but spreadable. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Nut Rolls

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12×8-inch rectangle.
  3. Spread half of the nut filling evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border.
  4. Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from the long edge, and place seam-side down.
  5. Repeat with the second dough disc and remaining filling.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

  1. Place the rolled logs on the baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
  2. Let cool for 10 minutes, then slice into 1-inch cookies while still warm.

Step 5: Glaze & Serve (Optional but delicious!)

  1. Whisk together powdered sugar, milk (or lemon juice), and vanilla to make a smooth glaze.
  2. Drizzle over cooled cookies and sprinkle with nuts or festive sprinkles.
  3. Let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes, then enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

  • With Coffee: These pair perfectly with espresso, cappuccino, or tea.
  • Holiday Platter: Serve with Italian pizzelle, biscotti, or fig cookies for a festive spread.
  • Gift Idea: Wrap in decorative tins for a homemade holiday gift!

Notes

  • Add Orange Zest: For a classic Italian touch, add ½ tsp orange zest to the nut filling.
  • Use Almonds: Swap walnuts for toasted almonds for a different flavor.
  • Make Ahead: These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • No Glaze? Simply dust with powdered sugar for a light finish.