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Authentic Italian Nut Roll Cookies: Tender Pastry with Sweet Walnut Filling

Close-up of two halves of Italian nut roll cookies, showing the rich walnut filling and heavy dusting of powdered sugar.
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Make these classic Italian Nut Roll Cookies featuring a tender, buttery dough wrapped around a sweet, spiced walnut filling. This reliable recipe gives you the perfect festive treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

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  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 egg yolk
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 ½ cups finely ground walnuts
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (for filling)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (for filling)
  • 1 beaten egg (for egg wash)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, sour cream, egg yolk, salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Mix until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
  2. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  3. Prepare the nut filling: In a separate bowl, combine the ground walnuts, ½ cup granulated sugar, cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  5. Divide the chilled dough into two equal halves. Work with one half at a time, keeping the other chilled.
  6. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a thin rectangle, approximately 1/8 inch thick.
  7. Spread half of the nut filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border on one long edge.
  8. Starting from the long edge opposite the border, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam closed.
  9. Brush the outside of the log lightly with the beaten egg wash.
  10. Slice the log into 1-inch thick pieces. Place the cookies cut-side up on the prepared baking sheets.
  11. Repeat the rolling and cutting process with the second half of the dough and filling.
  12. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  13. Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet.
  14. While still warm, generously dust the Italian nut roll cookies with powdered sugar.
  15. Let the cookies cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can substitute pecans for walnuts in the filling.
  • If you prefer a slightly different texture, you can add 1/4 cup of raisins or chocolate chips to the nut filling mixture.
  • This recipe yields a large batch, making it perfect for holiday cookie exchanges.

Nutrition

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