Go Back

Italian Nut Roll Cookies

Delicious slice-and-bake cookies with a buttery dough and a nutty filling, perfect for holidays and gatherings.
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Use salted if preferred, reduce added salt slightly.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar For the dough.
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
Filling Ingredients
  • 2 cups ground walnuts About 2½–3 cups whole walnuts; pulse in a food processor.
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar For the filling.
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar For the filling.
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2–2/3 cup jam of your choice Fig, apricot, cherry, etc.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and stir in the vanilla.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overwork the dough.
  6. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc or short log, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Making the Filling
  1. In a bowl, combine ground walnuts, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  2. Stir in jam a spoonful at a time until the mixture is spreadable but not runny.
Assembling and Baking the Cookies
  1. On a lightly floured surface, roll one chilled dough half into a rectangle roughly 9x12 inches and about 1/4-inch thick.
  2. Spread half of the nut filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/4-inch border around the edges.
  3. Roll the dough tightly from the long edge into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
  4. Slice the log into 1-inch pieces and place them cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the second dough half.
  5. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are just turning golden.
  6. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

Chilling the logs for 10–15 minutes before slicing will yield cleaner, round slices. These cookies pair well with espresso, tea, or gelato.