Italian Nut Rolls/Cookies Recipe
Welcome to the wonderful world of Italian baking! Today, we are excited to share a delicious recipe for Italian Nut Rolls, also known as nut cookies. These delightful treats offer a perfect blend of buttery dough and sweet walnut filling, making them an irresistible addition to any dessert table. Perfect for holiday gatherings or simply as an everyday snack, these cookies are sure to impress friends and family alike.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Italian Nut Rolls are not just cookies; they are little pieces of bliss! Here are a few reasons why you will fall in love with this recipe:
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery dough and sweet walnuts creates a harmonious flavor that melts in your mouth.
- Simple Ingredients: You can make these cookies with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. No need for fancy or hard-to-find items!
- Flexible Recipe: You can customize the filling to include other nuts or even chocolate if you prefer. This makes the recipe versatile for different tastes.
- Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are great for sharing with friends and family during special occasions or holidays, making them a delightful gift.
- Fulfilling Baking Experience: The process of making these rolls is enjoyable and rewarding. You will feel proud to serve them!
Now, let’s get to the fun part – how to prepare these delicious Italian Nut Rolls!
How to Prepare Italian Nut Rolls
Ingredients
To make Italian Nut Rolls, you will need the following ingredients:
- For the dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For the filling:
- 2 cups walnuts, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg white
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For topping (optional):
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Let’s get started on making these scrumptious cookies!
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and mix well.
- In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a separate bowl, mix the finely chopped walnuts, granulated sugar, egg white, and vanilla extract until everything is combined. This mixture will create a sweet and nutty filling.
- Roll Out the Dough:
- Once the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a rectangle about 1/8 inch thick.
- Fill and Roll:
- Spread the walnut filling evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Starting from one end, carefully roll the dough tightly into a log shape. Pinch the edges to seal the roll.
- Cut the rolled dough into slices about 1 inch thick.
- Bake:
- Place the cookie slices onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie as they may spread while baking.
- Bake in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
- If you like, dust them with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve Italian Nut Rolls
Italian Nut Rolls can be served in many delightful ways:
- As a Snack: Enjoy them with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- At Gatherings: Place them on a serving platter at parties or holiday gatherings for guests to enjoy.
- As Gifts: Pack them in decorative boxes or bags to share with friends and family as a homemade gift.
How to Store Italian Nut Rolls
To keep your Italian Nut Rolls fresh:
- In an Airtight Container: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about a week.
- In the Freezer: If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the baked cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container separated by parchment paper. They can last for up to three months in the freezer.
Tips for Preparing Italian Nut Rolls
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the refrigeration step. Chilling the dough helps with rolling and prevents it from getting too sticky.
- Finely Chop the Walnuts: The walnut filling should be finely chopped so that it spreads evenly and stays nicely wrapped in the dough.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sugar in both the dough and filling according to your taste preferences.
Variations
While the classic walnut filling is delightful, you can try different variations:
- Nut Combinations: Mix walnuts with other nuts like almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts for a different taste.
- Chocolate: Add some chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolatey twist.
- Fruit Filling: Consider making a fruit filling using dried fruits like apricots or figs if you want a new flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts in the filling?
Yes! Feel free to use any nuts you like, such as pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts. Just chop them finely before using.
2. Do I have to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is important for easier handling and to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. It’s recommended, but if you’re in a hurry, you can skip it.
3. Can I freeze the dough before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the dough. Form it into a log, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. You can slice and bake straight from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
4. How can I make these cookies even more festive?
You can drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies or top them with colorful sprinkles to make them more festive. They are perfect for holiday celebrations!
We hope you enjoy making and sharing these Italian Nut Rolls as much as we do! Whether you follow the traditional recipe or put your unique spin on it, these treats are sure to bring happiness and warmth to your home. Happy baking!
