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Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.3 from 33 reviews

This Italian Nut Roll Cookies recipe features tender, buttery cookies filled with a sweet, spiced walnut mixture rolled into delightful spirals. Perfectly golden-baked and dusted with powdered sugar, these festive treats combine a soft dough with crunchy nut filling, ideal for holiday celebrations or any cozy occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients and Dough

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup milk

Filling

  • 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Finishing

  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure an even distribution of the leavening agents and seasoning.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate them, then mix in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
  4. Combine Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with the milk. Mix until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overwork it.
  5. Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts, flatten each into a disc, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up for easier handling.
  6. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  7. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one chilled dough disc into a rectangle approximately 1/8-inch thick to ensure even baking and adequate space for the filling.
  8. Make Filling: In a small bowl, combine finely chopped walnuts, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter; mix until well blended.
  9. Fill and Roll: Spread half of the walnut filling evenly over the rolled dough. Starting from the long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log to create spiral layers of dough and filling.
  10. Slice Cookies: Cut the log into 1-inch thick slices and place each slice cut side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them to allow for expansion.
  11. Repeat: Repeat the rolling, filling, and slicing steps with the second chilled dough disc and remaining walnut filling.
  12. Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown, indicating they are cooked through.
  13. Cool and Dust: Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving for a sweet finishing touch.

Notes

  • To enhance walnut flavor, lightly toast the walnuts before chopping.
  • Allow dough to chill fully for easier handling and better texture.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
  • Powdered sugar dusting is optional but adds a nice decorative touch and sweetness.
  • Use parchment paper or silicone mats on baking sheets to prevent sticking.

Keywords: Italian nut roll cookies, walnut cookies, cinnamon nut roll, holiday cookies, rolled cookies, baked cookies, nut filling

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/italian-nut-roll-cookies-recipe/