Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a cherished holiday favorite, passed down through generations in many Italian-American households. With buttery dough and a sweet, nutty filling, these rolled cookies are elegant, nostalgic, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re preparing them for a festive celebration or as a heartfelt homemade gift, this classic treat always brings joy.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the perfect Italian Nut Roll Cookies, from dough to glaze — plus tips, filling variations, and answers to common baking questions.
🛒 Ingredients
Dough
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup sour cream
Note: The sour cream adds moisture and richness, giving your dough the perfect texture.
Filling
- 2 cups finely chopped walnuts (or nuts of your choice)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk
Optional Twist: Try toasted pecans or a spoonful of cinnamon for added warmth.
Glaze (Optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnish: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate for extra flair.
🧁 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Slowly incorporate into the wet ingredients. Stir in sour cream until evenly mixed.
Divide dough into four pieces, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results).
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Combine chopped walnuts and sugar in a bowl. Stir in vanilla and milk gradually until you get a spreadable, moist (not runny) mixture.
Step 3: Assemble
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll one chilled dough portion on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, ⅛ inch thick. Spread the filling evenly, leaving a 1-inch border.
Roll up jelly-roll style and pinch the seam to seal. Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely. Slice each roll into ½-inch cookies using a sharp knife.
Step 5: Glaze (Optional)
Whisk together glaze ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies or dip the tops. Let sit until the glaze sets.
🍽 Serving and Storage
Serving Tips
- Serve with coffee or tea for a comforting treat.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a festive look.
- Add fresh berries to your cookie platter for an elegant party presentation.
Storing Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze unglazed cookies individually wrapped and tightly sealed. Thaw and glaze when ready to serve.
💡 Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overwork the dough. It can make the cookies tough.
- Always chill the dough to make rolling easier and neater.
- Use fresh, high-quality nuts and toast them for better flavor.
- Lightly flour your surface — too much flour dries out the dough.
- Add citrus zest or a pinch of cinnamon to the filling for variety.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping chilling time – makes dough sticky and hard to roll.
- Stacking warm cookies – causes sogginess. Cool completely first.
- Overbaking – leads to dryness. Keep an eye around the 25-minute mark.
- Skipping preheating – uneven baking results. Preheat your oven for 15 mins minimum.
❓FAQs
Q: What are Italian Nut Roll Cookies?
A traditional rolled pastry filled with a nut-sugar mixture, often served during holidays.
Q: Can I customize the filling?
Absolutely! Try pecans, almonds, dried fruits, or even mini chocolate chips.
Q: Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes. You can freeze the unbaked rolls or baked, unglazed slices for later use.
Q: Are there gluten-free options?
Yes — substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though texture may slightly vary.
Q: How long does the full process take?
Prep + chill: 2–3 hours (mostly passive), Baking: 30 mins, Cooling/Glazing: 30 mins.
🎁 Final Thoughts
Italian Nut Roll Cookies are more than just baked goods — they’re little pieces of tradition and love. With this easy-to-follow recipe, a few baking tricks, and your own creative twist, you’ll create cookies that are worthy of any celebration. Serve them with pride or gift them with care — they’re bound to become a family favorite.
