Italian Nut Rolls/Cookies

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

1. Beat the egg yolks.
2. Cream the butter and sugar together, then add the beaten egg yolks.
3. Gradually incorporate the remaining dough ingredients.
4. Refrigerate the dough overnight.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Beat 2 egg whites and mix in the vanilla and honey.
2. Combine the ground walnuts and sugar in a separate bowl.
3. Mix the egg white mixture into the walnut mixture until fully combined.
4. Refrigerate the filling overnight.

Step 3: Assembly

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out the dough on a surface dusted with a mix of flour and powdered sugar.
3. Cut the dough into 3-inch squares.
4. Place 1/2 teaspoon of filling in the center of each square.
5. Fold up two opposite corners of the square and press gently to seal.
6. Brush the tops of the cookies with the remaining egg white.
7. Roll the cookies in powdered sugar.
8. 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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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Italian Nut Rolls/Cookies, holiday cookies, nut-filled cookies, traditional Italian recipe, homemade cookies, dessert recipe

Prep Time: 45 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

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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