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Delicious Italian nut roll cookies with creamy filling and coconut coating on a white plate.

ITALIAN NUT ROLL COOKIES

Sana Umer
These Italian Nut Roll Cookies are tender, buttery, and filled with a sweet nut mixture. Perfect for holiday baking, special occasions, or gifting, they’re rich in flavor and delightfully satisfying with every bite.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 140 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Dough:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg

For the Filling:

  • 1 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons milk

For Decoration (Optional):

  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
  • Make Dough: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until combined. Gradually add dry ingredients until dough forms.
  • Prepare Filling: Mix nuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, and milk in a small bowl.
  • Shape Cookies: Roll dough into rectangles. Spread filling evenly, roll up tightly, and slice into ½-inch pieces.
  • Bake: Place on prepared baking sheet and bake 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
  • Cool & Serve: Allow to cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Dough can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated.
  • Customizing the Flavor: Use a mix of nuts or add a splash of almond extract for extra flavor.
  • Serving Suggestions: Perfect for holiday cookie trays, gifting, or enjoying with tea or coffee.
  • Allergy-Friendly Options: Substitute nuts with seeds for a nut-free version.
  • Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Keyword buttery cookies, Christmas baking, festive dessert, holiday cookies, nut-filled cookies, traditional Italian cookies