Description
Italian Nut Roll Cookies are buttery, spiral-shaped cookies filled with a sweet cinnamon-nut filling and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. They’re soft, tender, and perfect for holidays, brunch, or gifting!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– ½ tsp salt
For the Nut Filling:
– 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tbsp milk
For Garnish:
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
2. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Divide into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. In a small bowl, mix together chopped nuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, and milk.
4. On a floured surface, roll one dough disk into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
5. Spread half the nut filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Roll the dough tightly from the long side to form a log. Slice into ¾-inch thick cookies.
7. Place cookies cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
8. Repeat with the second dough disk.
9. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are golden.
10. Cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
– Use walnuts, pecans, or almonds for variety.
– Dough can be made a day ahead and chilled overnight.
– Logs can be frozen before slicing for make-ahead baking.
– Try adding orange zest to the filling for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chill time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian, Traditional Baking
Keywords: Italian nut roll cookies, pecan spiral cookies, nut pinwheel cookies, holiday cookies, cinnamon nut rolls, Italian Christmas cookies