Few treats evoke the warmth of a cozy kitchen and the nostalgia of family holidays quite like Italian Nut Roll Cookies. These delicate, flaky, nut-filled cookies are a staple across Italian-American households, especially around the holidays. Whether you’re carrying on a family tradition or discovering this classic for the first time, these cookies are a delicious journey into Italian baking heritage.
This recipe is perfect for home bakers of all levels, especially those who enjoy working with rich doughs and crave a combination of sweet and earthy flavors. With a buttery dough made with cream cheese and a filling of cinnamon-spiced walnuts, these cookies are just as ideal for gifting as they are for savoring with an espresso.
Let’s dive into how to make Italian Nut Roll Cookies that will have your guests begging for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
Italian Nut Roll Cookies are not just cookies—they’re an experience. Each bite brings together tender, flaky pastry and a rich, spiced nut filling that feels simultaneously comforting and indulgent. Here’s why these cookies deserve a spot in your baking repertoire:
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Perfect for Holidays: Their elegant swirl makes them a showstopper on any dessert tray.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be chilled overnight, and the cookies freeze beautifully.
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Customizable: You can adapt the filling with different nuts or spices to suit your preferences.
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Crowd-Pleasers: These are the kind of cookies that people remember long after the plate is empty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Dough:
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2¼ cups all-purpose flour
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½ teaspoon baking powder
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¼ teaspoon salt
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
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1½ cups finely chopped walnuts
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½ cup brown sugar, packed
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 egg white (for brushing edges)
For Finishing:
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Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
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Mixing bowls (medium and large)
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Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
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Rubber spatula
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Rolling pin
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Pastry brush
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Sharp knife or bench scraper
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Parchment paper
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Baking sheets
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Wire cooling rack
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Plastic wrap for chilling dough
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy—this is your flavor base, so take your time here.
Add in the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is light and airy.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Prepare the Filling
While the dough chills, combine finely chopped walnuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. This aromatic mixture will become the flavorful heart of your cookies.
3. Assemble the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough disks into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
Lightly brush the edges with egg white to help seal the dough after rolling. Spread half of the walnut mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border.
Starting from the long side, roll the dough gently but tightly into a log. Slice into 1-inch pieces using a sharp knife or bench scraper.
Repeat the process with the second disk of dough.
4. Bake the Cookies
Place the cut cookies cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
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Chill is Key: Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll and helps maintain the shape during baking.
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Uniform Rolling: Roll the dough evenly so each cookie bakes at the same rate.
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Finely Chop Nuts: This ensures a cohesive filling that doesn’t tear the dough.
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Use a Serrated Knife: For cleaner cuts through the log, especially with a dense filling.
Variations and Swaps
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Nut Swap: Substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts.
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Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a warmer flavor profile.
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Fruit Add-In: Mix in finely chopped dried cranberries or raisins with the nuts for extra texture.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Melt semi-sweet chocolate and drizzle over the top for a more decadent presentation.
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Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and vegan cream cheese, and brush the edges with water instead of egg white.
Storage Instructions
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Refrigerator: Extend freshness to a week by storing in the fridge.
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Freezer-Friendly: Place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven.
Perfect Pairings
These cookies are subtly sweet and nutty, which makes them highly versatile. Here are a few pairing suggestions:
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Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness perfectly.
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Vin Santo or Marsala Wine: For a traditional Italian dessert course.
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Chai Tea: Cinnamon-forward and spicy teas highlight the filling’s warmth.
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Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve warm cookies with a scoop for a dessert that wows.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made up to 48 hours in advance. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until ready to use.
What’s the best way to chop the walnuts?
Use a food processor and pulse until the texture is fine but not a paste. You want small, even pieces that stay within the dough without tearing it.
Can I use store-bought dough?
While not traditional, you could use store-bought pie crust in a pinch—but you’ll lose some of the richness and flakiness from the butter-cream cheese combo.
Why did my cookies unroll during baking?
This usually happens if the roll wasn’t tight enough or if the dough was too warm when it went into the oven. Always chill slightly after rolling if the dough feels soft.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe scales beautifully and is perfect for holiday baking batches.
Final Thoughts
Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a timeless classic that bring together simple ingredients in an extraordinary way. With their tender dough, spiced nut filling, and elegant appearance, they’re bound to become a favorite in your home.
Whether you’re making them for a festive holiday tray, a thoughtful gift, or just to treat yourself with a cup of coffee, these cookies deliver every time.
Did you try this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below! Don’t forget to share the recipe with your friends and subscribe to the blog for more gourmet-style recipes with a homemade touch. Happy baking!