Name: Irresistible Italian Nut Roll Cookies for Holiday Cheer
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 165 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Can substitute with gluten-free flour blend.); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (Acts as a leavening agent.); 1 teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavor.); ½ cup Unsalted Butter (Can use margarine or vegan butter.); ¾ cup Granulated Sugar (Sweetens the dough.); 2 large Eggs (For a vegan option, substitute with flax eggs.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Almond extract can also be used.); ½ cup Sour Cream (Introduces moisture.); 1 cup Finely Ground Walnuts (Can use almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans.); ½ cup Milk (Non-dairy milk options available.); 1 tablespoon Butter; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon; ½ cup Granulated Sugar (For the filling.); 1 beaten egg Beaten Egg (For egg wash.); Powdered Sugar Powdered Sugar (For dusting.)

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As the heavenly aroma wafts through the kitchen, I’m transported back to my childhood, where baking Italian Nut Roll Cookies meant gathering around the family table. Known affectionately as “Susumelle” in Southern Italy, these delightful cookies feature a crispy exterior that gives way to a chewy, nut-filled center—a nostalgic nod to tradition. Not only are they an absolute joy to prepare, but they also serve as a perfect crowd-pleaser for festive gatherings or a delightful afternoon treat. With their easy prep and ability to impress guests, these Italian Nut Roll Cookies are destined to become a cherished part of your holiday baking repertoire. Curious to see how these can transform your dessert table? Let’s dive in!

Why Love Italian Nut Roll Cookies?

Amazingly Versatile: Feeling creative? You can easily personalize these cookies! Swap out walnuts for almonds or pistachios for unique flavor adventures.

Nostalgic Flavor: With rich honey sweetness and citrus brightness, each bite evokes heartwarming memories of family gatherings and holiday cheer.

Effortless Preparation: Easy-to-follow steps make these delightful treats perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.

Impressive Presentation: Dust them with powdered sugar for that gorgeous, festive touch that impresses guests. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea – they’re sure to be a hit!

Ready to explore more delicious cookie recipes? Check out Salted Honey Cookies or dive into the rich world of Flourless Dark Cookies!

Italian Nut Roll Cookie Ingredients

• These essential ingredients will guide you on your festive baking journey!

For the Dough

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cookie; can substitute with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent to give the cookies lightness.
Salt – Enhances the flavor of the cookies.
Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; use margarine or vegan butter as a dairy-free option.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and contributes to texture.
Eggs – Bind the ingredients together and provide moisture; for a vegan option, substitute with flax eggs.
Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor; almond extract can also be used for a distinct taste.
Sour Cream – Introduces moisture and tanginess.

For the Nut Filling

Finely Ground Walnuts – The primary filling ingredient, lending nuttiness; can use almonds, hazelnuts, or pecans as substitutions.
Milk – Helps to achieve the right consistency in the filling; non-dairy milk options like almond or soy milk can be used.
Ground Cinnamon – Adds warm spice notes to the filling.

For Finishing Touches

Beaten Egg – For an egg wash, gives a shiny finish to the cookies.
Powdered Sugar – For dusting, adds sweetness and aesthetic appeal.

Now that you have everything you need, let’s bring these delightful Italian Nut Roll Cookies to life and impress your loved ones!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Italian Nut Roll Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt until well combined. This blends the dry ingredients and helps aerate them, ensuring your Italian Nut Roll Cookies have a light texture. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and ¾ cup of granulated sugar using a hand mixer on medium speed. Beat for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which will give your cookies a delightful texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Follow with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, blending until fully incorporated. The mixture will appear silky, and this step combines essential moisture and flavor that’s vital for the Italian Nut Roll Cookies.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with ½ cup of sour cream. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky, revealing the perfect balance for rolling later.

Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to roll out without tearing, and enhances the flavors, which is essential for crafting your delightful Italian Nut Roll Cookies.

Step 6: Prepare the Nut Filling
While the dough chills, prepare the nut filling by combining 1 cup of finely ground walnuts, ½ cup of sugar, ½ cup of milk, 1 tablespoon of butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and thick. Allow it to cool completely before using.

Step 7: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures that your Italian Nut Roll Cookies bake evenly, giving them that beautiful golden-brown color that’s so tempting.

Step 8: Roll Out the Dough
Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and lightly flour your work surface. Roll out one portion of dough into a rectangular shape, about ¼ inch thick. Spread a portion of your nut filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small margin at the edges for sealing the cookies.

Step 9: Form the Cookies
Starting from one end, carefully roll the dough into a log shape. Make sure the filling remains inside as you roll; this is where the magic happens with your Italian Nut Roll Cookies! Pinch the edges to seal, and then slice the log into 1-inch wide cookies.

Step 10: Bake the Cookies
Arrange the sliced cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each one. Brush the tops with a beaten egg for a glossy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are slightly firm to the touch.

Step 11: Cool and Dust
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. After they’ve cooled completely, dust the tops with powdered sugar to add a touch of sweetness and visual charm, making your Italian Nut Roll Cookies ready to serve to family and friends.

Expert Tips for Italian Nut Roll Cookies

Butter Temperature: Ensure the butter is softened but not melted. This will create a light, fluffy texture when creaming with sugar, essential for Italian Nut Roll Cookies.
Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! Chilling makes the dough easier to roll and allows flavors to meld, preventing sogginess.
Nut Filling Cool: Allow the nut filling to cool completely before spreading it on the dough. A warm filling can make the dough too soft to handle effectively.
Gentle Rolling: Roll the dough gently to avoid tearing. If you notice cracks, simply patch them with small pieces of dough before slicing.
Even Slices: Use a sharp knife to slice the logs evenly. This ensures that all cookies bake at the same rate, achieving that perfectly golden finish.

What to Serve with Italian Nut Roll Cookies

Indulging in Italian Nut Roll Cookies creates a delightful treat for the senses, perfect for complementing your festive gatherings.

Rich Coffee: The nutty flavors of the cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of rich coffee, enhancing the cookie’s texture and bringing warmth.
Classic Espresso: Embrace Italian tradition with a shot of strong espresso; its bold flavors contrast perfectly with the sweet, nutty filling.
Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creamy richness, balancing the chewy nature of the cookies for an irresistible dessert!
Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of citrus and berries introduces bright flavors and textures, making each bite of cookie feel lighter and zestier.
Warm Spiced Tea: Pair the cookies with a fragrant spiced tea like chai or cinnamon; the warm spices amplify the cookie’s flavors while soothing the soul.
Decadent Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling melted chocolate over the cookies brings a lavish touch, uniting chocolate and nuts in a sweet harmony that’s nothing short of heavenly.
Gourmet Cheese Platter: Serve a selection of soft cheeses alongside; the creaminess cuts through the sweetness while offering an indulgent twist to your dessert table.
Honey Glaze: A drizzle of honey on the warm cookies adds a touch of sweetness that enhances the honey notes already present in the cookies.
Sweet Red Wine: A glass of sweet red wine pairs well, as its fruity notes complement the cookie’s sweetness and create a sophisticated finish to any meal.

Make Ahead Options

Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a fantastic option for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating to maintain freshness. The nut filling can also be made ahead, stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; just ensure it cools completely to prevent sogginess. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll out the chilled dough, spread the filling, and slice into cookies. This method not only saves time on busy weeknights but ensures your Italian Nut Roll Cookies will be just as delicious as when freshly made!

Italian Nut Roll Cookies: Customizations Galore!

Feel the urge to put your own spin on these delightful cookies? Embrace your creativity in the kitchen and let your taste buds guide you!

Nut Substitutes: Swap walnuts for almonds or pistachios to explore exciting flavor variations.
Add Dried Fruits: Toss in some cranberries or candied orange peel for a fruity explosion that complements the nutty filling beautifully.
Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these treat accessible for everyone.
Dairy-Free Delight: Use margarine or vegan butter in place of regular butter, along with non-dairy milk, to cater to dairy-intolerant friends.
Flavor Boost: Enhance the dough with a dash of almond extract or even a splash of rum for a festive twist that will wow your taste testers.
Spicy Kick: Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the nut filling for an unexpected kick of heat that balances out the sweetness.
Citrus Zing: Incorporate the zest of lemon or orange into the dough for a bright, aromatic dimension that highlights the rich flavors.
Different Textures: Fold in some toasted coconut flakes into the nut filling for a crunchy surprise that adds both flavor and texture.

Each of these variations adds a personal touch, making your Italian Nut Roll Cookies uniquely yours. And if you’re looking for more delightful cookie recipes, don’t miss out on 3-Ingredient Chewy Cookies for an easy treat or discover the comforting flavors of Soft Pumpkin Rolls!

How to Store and Freeze Italian Nut Roll Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their freshness and chewy texture.

Fridge: If you prefer, Italian Nut Roll Cookies can be stored in the fridge for a similar timeframe, but this may affect their texture slightly.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag, where they will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy cookies warm, simply microwave them for a few seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes, bringing back their delightful freshness.

Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best nuts for the filling?
Absolutely! For a truly delightful flavor, choose fresh, unsalted nuts to ensure the best taste. If you’re unsure, check for any dark spots or rancid smells, which indicate old nuts. I often prefer finely ground walnuts for their rich texture, but almonds, hazelnuts, and pecans make excellent alternatives as well!

How should I store my Italian Nut Roll Cookies?
To maintain freshness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also refrigerate them for a similar duration. However, this may alter their texture slightly. Adding a piece of bread to the container can help retain moisture!

Can I freeze Italian Nut Roll Cookies?
Absolutely! For longer preservation, freeze the cookies. First, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be kept for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply microwave for a few seconds or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes to regain that fresh-baked goodness.

What if my dough is too sticky to roll out?
No worries! If your dough seems too sticky, try chilling it for an additional 30 minutes. It should become easier to manage. If it’s still too sticky, dust your work surface with a bit of flour as you roll it out. This ensures you’re working with a more manageable consistency!

Are Italian Nut Roll Cookies safe for pets or people with nut allergies?
These delightful cookies are not suitable for pets, especially dogs, as nuts can pose various health risks. If you’re baking for someone with a nut allergy, consider substituting the nut filling with a mix of seeds, like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, which can provide a different yet enjoyable flavor. Always double-check with friends or family about allergies before sharing!