Looking for a delightful Italian treat perfect for the holidays or any special occasion? These Italian Nut Rolls/Cookies are a cherished recipe that will impress your family and friends. With a pastry-like dough and a sweet nut filling, these cookies are a labor of love—but every moment spent preparing them is worth it.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Nut Rolls/Cookies Recipe
- Labor of Love: While these cookies take time to prepare, the results are truly rewarding.
- Unique Flavor: A distinctive taste reminiscent of pecan tassies, but with walnuts.
- Festive Touch: Dusting them with powdered sugar adds a holiday charm.
- Crowd Pleaser: This recipe yields a generous batch, perfect for sharing during gatherings.
Ingredient Notes
Dough Ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour: 4 1/2 cups
- Baking Powder: 3 teaspoons
- Sour Cream: 1/2 pint
- Egg Yolks: 4 large
- Butter or Margarine: 1 pound
- Granulated Sugar: 1 1/2 teaspoons
Filling Ingredients:
- Walnuts (Ground Fine): 3/4 pound
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup
- Egg Whites (Divided): 3 large
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Honey: 1 1/2 teaspoons
How to Make Italian Nut Rolls/Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Beat the egg yolks.
- Cream the butter and sugar together, then add the beaten egg yolks.
- Gradually incorporate the remaining dough ingredients.
- Refrigerate the dough overnight.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Beat 2 egg whites and mix in the vanilla and honey.
- Combine the ground walnuts and sugar in a separate bowl.
- Mix the egg white mixture into the walnut mixture until fully combined.
- Refrigerate the filling overnight.
Step 3: Assembly
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Roll out the dough on a surface dusted with a mix of flour and powdered sugar.
- Cut the dough into 3-inch squares.
- Place 1/2 teaspoon of filling in the center of each square.
- Fold up two opposite corners of the square and press gently to seal.
- Brush the tops of the cookies with the remaining egg white.
- Roll the cookies in powdered sugar.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Storage Options
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven or microwave for a fresh-baked taste.
Variations and Substitutions
- Almond Filling: Substitute walnuts with ground almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for extra decadence.
- Lemon Zest: Incorporate lemon zest into the filling for a refreshing citrus twist.
- Spiced Filling: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, aromatic flavor.
What to Serve With Italian Nut Rolls/Cookies
- Hot Tea or Coffee: A warm beverage complements these cookies perfectly.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Fresh Berries: Serve with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast.
- Cold Milk: Dunk them in a glass of milk for a nostalgic treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
These cookies stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week or can be frozen for longer storage.
Can I use a different type of nut for the filling?
Yes, try almonds or pecans for a different flavor profile.
Can I make the dough and filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough and filling a day in advance to streamline the baking process.
Are these cookies suitable for gift-giving?
Yes! Package these cookies in a festive tin or box for a thoughtful homemade gift.
These Italian Nut Rolls/Cookies offer a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The tender, pastry-like dough perfectly complements the sweet, nutty filling, creating a treat that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for sharing, these cookies bring a touch of tradition and warmth to any special occasion.
Italian Nut Rolls/Cookies
A cherished Italian treat perfect for holidays or any occasion, these nut-filled cookies are a labor of love worth every moment. The blend of pastry-like dough and sweet nut filling will tantalize your taste buds.
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Servings: 48 cookies
Ingredients
Dough
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 pint sour cream
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 pound butter or margarine
- 1 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
Filling
- 3/4 pound walnuts, ground fine
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg whites, divided
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Beat the egg yolks and cream the butter and sugar.
- Incorporate the remaining dough ingredients.
- Refrigerate the dough overnight.
- Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Beat 2 egg whites and mix in the vanilla and honey.
- Combine the ground walnuts and sugar.
- Refrigerate the filling overnight.
- Step 3: Assembly
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Roll out the dough and cut into squares.
- Place filling in the center and fold up corners.
- Brush with egg white and roll in powdered sugar.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes.
Notes
To store, keep in an airtight container at room temperature for a week or freeze for longer. Reheat in the oven or microwave. Experiment with almond filling, chocolate drizzle, lemon zest, or spiced variations.
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