Description
Italian Nut Roll Cookies are tender, buttery cookies filled with sweet jam and a spiced nut mixture. These nostalgic treats are perfect for holidays or cozy weekends, featuring a flaky pastry-like dough and a warm, flavorful filling that captures the essence of Italian baking traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- 1 cup walnuts or hazelnuts, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fruit jam or preserves (apricot or raspberry recommended)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest if using.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, beat the eggs with vanilla extract and add to the dry mixture. Stir until a dough forms. If too dry, add a teaspoon of cold water at a time.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- In a separate bowl, mix the chopped nuts, 1/4 cup sugar, and cinnamon for the filling.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide the chilled dough in half. Roll out one portion into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
- Spread a thin layer of jam over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle half the nut mixture evenly over the jam.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, jelly-roll style, and pinch the seams and ends to seal.
- Repeat with the second half of dough and remaining filling.
- Place both logs seam-side down on the baking sheet and bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool for 10 minutes, then slice diagonally into 1/2-inch cookies using a serrated knife.
- Cool completely on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- Use cold butter for the best flaky dough texture.
- Chill the dough to make rolling easier and prevent spreading.
- Use thick jam to avoid leaking during baking.
- Finely chop nuts for a smooth roll and clean swirl.
- Slice while warm for clean edges without crumbling.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Cookies, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 154
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 33mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 26mg