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Italian Nut Roll Cookies

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Italian Nut Roll Cookies are delicate pastries filled with a sweet, spiced nut mixture, rolled and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for holidays or cozy treats year-round, they offer a comforting blend of rich filling and tender dough.

  • Author: Ella
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling)
  • Yield: 24–30 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup butter (cold, cut into small cubes)
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups walnuts or mix of walnuts and pecans, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Milk (for brushing)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix flour, cold butter, and cream cheese until a smooth dough forms. Chill for at least 1 hour.
  2. While the dough chills, combine chopped nuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla to create the filling.
  3. Divide chilled dough into portions and roll each into a rectangle on a floured surface.
  4. Spread a layer of nut filling over the dough and roll up tightly like a jelly roll.
  5. Slice each roll into 1 to 2-inch pieces and place seam-side down on a baking sheet.
  6. Brush tops with milk and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
  7. Cool completely and dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

Notes

  • Try hazelnuts or almonds for a flavor variation.
  • Add orange or lemon zest for a citrusy touch.
  • Mix mini chocolate chips into the filling for a chocolate version.
  • Roll into a log and slice for easier preparation.
  • Freeze baked or unbaked cookies for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

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