Italian Nut Roll Cookies – Best Homemade Holiday Treat

Tender, flaky, and loaded with warm spiced nuts and jam, Italian Nut Roll Cookies are the perfect holiday treat that marries tradition with comfort. These nostalgic cookies offer a melt-in-your-mouth experience, combining the richness of buttery pastry with sweet, jammy goodness and crunchy nuts. Whether you’re baking for festive gatherings or craving an old-world dessert, these cookies deliver elegance without the fuss — and they’re easier to make than they look.

Why You’ll Love These Italian Nut Roll Cookies

These cookies strike a delicious balance between flavor and texture. The cold butter dough bakes into golden, crumbly perfection, while the filling of jam and finely chopped nuts adds a soft, chewy contrast. Here’s why these Italian Nut Roll Cookies deserve a spot on your baking list:

• Classic and crowd-pleasing: Their nostalgic flavor and eye-catching swirl appeal to all ages.
• Customizable fillings: Choose your favorite jam or nut combo to make it your own.
• Make-ahead friendly: Roll and freeze in advance for stress-free baking.
• Simple ingredients, big flavor: No need for specialty tools or hard-to-find ingredients.

What You’ll Need to Make These Cookies

Dough Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the tender, flaky structure of the cookie dough.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dough.
• Baking Powder: Helps lift the dough slightly for a soft, light texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Unsalted Butter (Cold): Essential for a crumbly, pastry-like texture.
• Eggs: Bind the dough while adding richness.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall warmth of the flavor.
• Lemon Zest (Optional): Provides a subtle citrus brightness.

Filling Ingredients

• Walnuts or Hazelnuts: Provide crunch and depth; toast them for extra flavor.
• Fruit Jam (Apricot, Raspberry, etc.): Brings sweet and tart balance; choose thicker jams.
• Granulated Sugar: Lightly sweetens the nut mixture.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds cozy spice and warmth to the filling.

Ingredient Swaps and Customizations

Try These Alternatives for Flavor or Dietary Needs

• Nuts: Almonds, pecans, or pistachios can replace walnuts or hazelnuts. Just be sure they’re finely chopped for easy rolling.
• Jam Options: Fig, cherry, plum, or orange marmalade offer unique twists. Avoid watery jams to prevent soggy dough.
• Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter alternatives, but make sure it’s chilled and firm.
• Zest Variation: Try orange zest instead of lemon for a warmer citrus note.
• Low-Sugar: Opt for reduced sugar jams and trim the sugar in the nut mix if needed.

How to Make Italian Nut Roll Cookies

1. Prepare the Dough
   In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and optional lemon zest. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with vanilla and combine with the dry mix. Add cold water a teaspoon at a time if needed. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
2. Mix the Nut Filling
   In a separate bowl, combine chopped nuts, sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Roll and Fill
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Divide chilled dough in half. Roll one half into a ¼-inch thick rectangle on a floured surface. Spread a thin, even layer of jam, then sprinkle half the nut mixture over it.
4. Roll Into Logs
   Starting at the long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log (jelly-roll style). Pinch seams and ends to seal. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
5. Bake
   Place the logs seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
6. Cool and Slice
   Let logs cool for about 10 minutes. Slice diagonally into ½-inch cookies while still warm using a serrated knife.
7. Finish
   Once cooled completely, dust with powdered sugar if desired. Store in an airtight container.

Baking Tips for Flaky, Perfect Results

• Cold Butter is Key: The dough’s flakiness relies on chilled butter. Warm or softened butter will result in greasy cookies.
• Chilling is Non-Negotiable: Don’t skip the hour of chill time — it makes rolling easier and prevents spreading in the oven.
• Roll with Care: Lightly flour your surface to avoid sticking but don’t overdo it, or the dough will toughen.
• Even Jam Distribution: Too much jam can leak; spread just enough for flavor without overflow.
• Use a Serrated Knife: Slice while warm for neat, bakery-style edges.
• Seal Tightly: Pinch ends and seams to hold everything in — it makes a big difference in presentation.

Delicious Variations and Serving Ideas

• Holiday Edition: Add chopped candied orange peel or a splash of almond extract to the filling for festive flair.
• Chocolate Twist: Add mini chocolate chips with the nut mixture for a richer bite.
• Spiced Version: Incorporate cardamom or nutmeg into the filling for added warmth.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute designed for baking.
• Dipping Sauce: Serve with mascarpone cream, caramel, or a warm fruit compote for a decadent touch.

A Timeless Cookie with Rich Italian Roots

Italian Nut Roll Cookies capture the essence of homemade tradition. They’re comforting, elegant, and just sweet enough to satisfy. Whether you’re recreating Nonna’s recipes or building your own holiday traditions, these cookies deliver every time — flaky, flavorful, and filled with love. Their old-world charm and modern simplicity make them a must-bake for any season, especially when you’re craving something truly special.

A Sweet Finish Worth Savoring

Italian Nut Roll Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a taste of tradition and a celebration of home baking at its best. With their rich, buttery dough, warm spiced nuts, and just the right touch of jam, they strike the perfect balance between festive indulgence and everyday comfort. Whether you’re serving them during the holidays, gifting them to friends, or enjoying them with a quiet cup of coffee, these cookies deliver joy in every bite. Bake a batch, share the love, and savor the timeless charm of Italian baking.

Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Nut Roll Cookies

More Relevant Recipes

• Soft and Sweet Linzer Cookies: These delicate cookies feature a buttery almond-based dough and a sweet jam center, echoing the flavor and texture harmony found in Italian Nut Roll Cookies. A festive favorite for holiday platters.
• Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies: Packed with festive colors and a nutty crunch, these shortbread cookies pair tart cranberries with rich pistachios—perfect for fans of nut-filled Italian-style treats.
• Cream Cheese Pistachio Cookies: These soft, slightly tangy cookies feature cream cheese in the dough and crushed pistachios for texture, delivering a luxurious bite similar to traditional Italian holiday cookies.

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