Italian Nut Roll Cookies: A Sweet Slice of Tradition

If you’re craving a holiday treat that blends nostalgia, warmth, and old-world charm, these Italian Nut Roll Cookies are just what your baking tray needs. Tender, buttery dough wraps around a sweet walnut-cinnamon filling, baked to golden perfection and dusted with powdered sugar. Every bite feels like home.

This is the kind of recipe passed down through generations—the one your Nonna (or someone else’s) would pull out during the holidays. It’s elegant enough for gift trays, yet humble enough to enjoy with a quiet afternoon coffee. And best of all? You don’t need to be a pastry chef to get it right.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Authentic & Heirloom-Worthy – Inspired by traditional Italian kitchens and family baking traditions.
✅ Soft, Nutty & Not Too Sweet – Perfectly balanced with just the right amount of crunch and spice.
✅ Freezer-Friendly – Make ahead and pull out whenever you need a sweet bite.
✅ Great for Gifting – Wrap in parchment and ribbon for heartfelt holiday presents.

💡 Want more cozy cookie recipes? Check out our Vermont Chewy Molasses Cookies—a soft and spiced favorite!

📌 Recipe Snapshot

⏱ Prep Time: 30 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 20 minutes
🌿 Other Time: 1 hour chill time
⏳ Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
🥣 Course: Dessert
🌍 Cuisine: Italian-American
🍽 Servings: 20–24 cookies

Ingredients & Equipment Needed

This recipe is made with simple, familiar ingredients—but when they come together, the result is something truly special. The dough is soft and tender, thanks to butter and sour cream, and the walnut filling brings that classic Italian flavor we all know and love.

It’s one of those recipes that makes your whole kitchen smell like the holidays.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

💡 Cathy’s Note: The sour cream gives the dough a rich, almost flaky texture—don’t skip it!

For the Walnut Filling:

• 1½ cups finely chopped walnuts
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons milk (or more as needed to moisten)

💡 Want extra richness? Substitute honey for part of the sugar.

For Finishing:

• 1 egg white (lightly beaten, for sealing)
• Powdered sugar for dusting after baking

🧰 Equipment You’ll Need

Nothing fancy here—just a few kitchen essentials:

• Mixing bowls (one large, one small)
• Pastry blender or food processor (optional, for cutting butter into flour)
• Rolling pin
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Baking sheets
• Pastry brush
• Sharp knife or pizza cutter
• Sifter or fine mesh strainer (for dusting powdered sugar)

💡 Helpful Tip: Chill your rolling pin and work surface slightly if your kitchen runs warm—this keeps the dough from getting too soft while you roll.

With everything prepped, you’re ready to bring these Italian Nut Roll Cookies to life. The dough rolls out like a dream, and the filling is rich, nutty, and full of warmth.

How to Make Italian Nut Roll Cookies

This is the kind of recipe you want to make with a little music playing, a warm drink nearby, and maybe a helping hand from someone who likes to roll or sprinkle. Trust me—once you bake these once, they’ll become part of your holiday tradition.

Step 1: Make the Dough

1️⃣ In a large bowl, whisk together 2¼ cups flour and ¼ teaspoon salt.
2️⃣ Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
3️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup sour cream, 1 egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
4️⃣ Stir the wet mixture into the flour mixture until a dough forms.
5️⃣ Turn out onto a floured surface and knead gently until smooth (don’t overwork!).
6️⃣ Divide into two disks, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.

💡 Cathy’s Tip: The dough is soft and delicate—chilling is key to making it rollable without sticking.

Step 2: Make the Nut Filling

While the dough chills, stir together the following in a bowl:

• 1½ cups finely chopped walnuts
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons milk (add more if needed for spreadable texture)

It should resemble a moist, grainy paste—easy to spread, but not runny.

Step 3: Roll & Fill the Dough

7️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
8️⃣ Roll one dough disk on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about ⅛ inch thick.
9️⃣ Spread half the nut filling across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
🔟 Roll the dough up tightly like a jelly roll, starting from the long edge.
1️⃣1️⃣ Pinch the seam and ends to seal, and place seam-side down on the prepared sheet.
1️⃣2️⃣ Repeat with second dough disk.

💡 Optional: Brush the tops with egg white for a slightly shiny, golden finish.

Step 4: Bake & Finish

1️⃣3️⃣ Bake for 20–22 minutes or until lightly golden.
1️⃣4️⃣ Let cool on the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
1️⃣5️⃣ Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar and slice into 1-inch pieces.

💡 Cathy’s Serving Tip: These look beautiful on a holiday cookie tray, especially when layered in paper cups.

And just like that, you’ve created an heirloom-worthy batch of Italian Nut Roll Cookies—soft, nutty, and gently sweet, with that perfect swirl in every bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Italian Nut Roll Cookies

1. Skipping the Chill Time

🚫 The Mistake: Trying to roll out soft, warm dough.
🟢 The Fix: Chill your dough for at least 1 hour. This firms up the butter and makes rolling much easier without sticking or tearing.

💡 Cathy’s Tip: If your kitchen runs warm, chill the dough between steps too—especially before slicing.

2. Overfilling the Dough

🚫 The Mistake: Spreading too much nut mixture, causing it to leak during baking.
🟢 The Fix: Spread a thin, even layer of filling. The flavor is rich—you don’t need much.

💡 Pro Tip: Leave a clean border around the edges so you can seal the roll completely.

3. Rolling the Dough Too Thick or Thin

🚫 The Mistake: Thick dough can lead to underbaked centers; too thin and it may tear.
🟢 The Fix: Aim for ⅛-inch thickness when rolling—just enough to hold the filling but still bake evenly.

💡 Use a ruler or pastry mat if you’re unsure—after a batch or two, you’ll do it by feel.

4. Not Using the Right Knife to Slice

🚫 The Mistake: Slicing with a dull or serrated knife can squish the cookies.
🟢 The Fix: Use a sharp chef’s knife and make gentle, even cuts once the rolls are cooled.

💡 For cleaner cuts, chill the rolls slightly before slicing and wipe the blade between cuts.

5. Baking Too Long

🚫 The Mistake: Waiting for deep golden color—by then, they may be dry.
🟢 The Fix: Bake until light golden, just barely turning color on the edges (about 20–22 minutes).

💡 They’ll continue to set as they cool—don’t overdo it in the oven.

Avoiding these little missteps keeps your Italian Nut Roll Cookies looking beautiful and tasting just like Nonna made them—tender, buttery, and filled with nutty goodness in every swirl.

Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Italian Nut Roll Cookies

Use Toasted Walnuts for Deeper Flavor

Sure, raw walnuts work—but toasting them first brings out their richness and gives the filling a subtle roasted flavor.

💡 How-To: Spread chopped walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes, just until fragrant. Let cool before mixing into your filling.

Chill the Rolled Dough Before Baking

Once your cookie rolls are filled and shaped, chill them for 15–20 minutes before slicing or baking. This firms everything up and helps maintain their shape.

💡 Bonus: This prevents the filling from leaking and gives cleaner, more even cookies.

Add Citrus Zest for Brightness

A little orange or lemon zest in the dough or filling gives the cookies a fresh twist that pairs beautifully with the nuts and cinnamon.

💡 I often add ½ teaspoon of orange zest to the dough for a subtle Mediterranean flair.

Make Them Ahead for Gifting

These cookies freeze beautifully—both before and after baking.

• Freeze the rolls before slicing and bake fresh.
• Or bake and freeze cookies in airtight containers with parchment between layers.

💡 They thaw quickly and taste just as delicious—ideal for cookie swaps or holiday trays.

Dress Them Up for the Holidays

While powdered sugar is classic, try these easy festive finishes:

• A drizzle of simple glaze (powdered sugar + milk)
• A sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios
• Cinnamon-sugar dusting instead of plain sugar

These tips make baking feel less like a task and more like a joyful tradition. Whether it’s your first time making Italian Nut Roll Cookies, or you’ve baked them for years, small upgrades like these make all the difference.

Serving Suggestions & Best Pairings for Italian Nut Roll Cookies

✅ Serve with Warm Beverages

These cookies are just begging to be paired with a hot drink. Their gently sweet, nutty flavor complements rich and creamy sips perfectly.

Try them with:

• A steamy cup of cappuccino or café latte
• Spiced chai tea or black tea with honey
• Homemade hot cocoa topped with whipped cream
• A splash of sambuca or amaretto in coffee for holiday gatherings

💡 Cathy’s Cozy Favorite: I love having one (or two) with my afternoon tea when the house is quiet and the light’s just starting to fade. It feels like a moment just for me.

✅ Add to Your Holiday Cookie Platter

Italian Nut Roll Cookies look so elegant and festive when sliced and arranged on a platter. They pair beautifully with:

• Vermont Chewy Molasses Cookies – for a chewy, spiced contrast
• Butterball snowball cookies or powdered sugar crescents
• Jam thumbprints or biscotti

💡 Presentation Tip: Use mini cupcake liners to hold each sliced cookie—so cute and tidy for guests or gifts.

✅ Dress Them Up with a Touch of Glam

For special occasions or edible gifts, give them a little extra flair:

• Drizzle with a simple vanilla or orange glaze
• Sprinkle finely chopped pistachios or crushed almonds on top
• Serve on a tiered tray with holiday greenery or a doily-lined plate

💡 Hosting a brunch? These cookies also go beautifully with soft cheeses and fruit spreads for a sweet-savory twist.

No matter how you serve them, these Italian Nut Roll Cookies bring a sense of tradition, care, and homemade love to every plate. They’re more than just dessert—they’re a story you get to share.

Storage & Reheating Tips for Italian Nut Roll Cookies

✅ Storing at Room Temperature

Once baked and cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.

• Shelf life: 4 to 5 days
• Line the container with parchment or wax paper between layers to keep them from sticking.
• Keep in a cool, dry spot away from sunlight.

💡 Cathy’s Tip: Slip in a slice of bread or a sugar cube to maintain softness (a classic old baker’s trick!).

✅ Refrigeration (Optional)

You don’t need to refrigerate these cookies, but if your kitchen is warm or you’re storing them longer, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 1 week.

• Allow cookies to come to room temp before serving so they soften a bit.

✅ Freezing for Later

These cookies were made for the freezer—both baked and unbaked versions freeze beautifully.

To Freeze Baked Cookies:

• Place fully cooled cookies on a tray to freeze individually.
• Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag.
• Label and freeze for up to 2 months.

💡 Stack between parchment for easy grabbing!

To Freeze Before Baking:

• Prepare the dough rolls and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place in a freezer-safe bag and freeze up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing and baking as usual.

✅ Reheating or Refreshing

While these cookies don’t need reheating, you can refresh them if desired:

• Pop baked cookies in a 325°F oven for 4–5 minutes to restore crisp edges.
• Dust again with powdered sugar after reheating for a fresh-from-the-oven look.

💡 Perfect for gift giving? Refresh, cool, and re-dust before packaging!

With proper storage, your Italian Nut Roll Cookies will keep their tender texture and nutty richness for days—making them just right for baking ahead, savoring slowly, or sharing with those you love.

Nutritional Information for Italian Nut Roll Cookies

Serving Size: 1 cookie (based on 24 cookies per batch)
Estimated values using whole walnuts, butter, sour cream, and sugar

✅ Want to lighten them up?

• Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt
• Use less sugar in the filling or try coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic version
• Go lighter on butter by substituting half with applesauce or cream cheese in the dough (texture will vary)

💡 Cathy’s Thought: I always say—if you’re going to enjoy a cookie, make it a really good one. And this one? Worth every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Italian Nut Roll Cookies

Got more questions? Drop them in the comments on the post—I love chatting baking with fellow cookie lovers!

Conclusion & More Delicious Recipes to Try

There’s something deeply comforting about baking a batch of Italian Nut Roll Cookies. Maybe it’s the gentle roll of the dough, the nutty cinnamon scent filling the kitchen, or the joy of slicing into each swirl and seeing the beautiful layers you created by hand.

These cookies aren’t just dessert—they’re a reminder of holidays past, family traditions, and slow, meaningful moments. Whether you’re sharing them with neighbors, setting them out for Santa, or saving a few just for you (go ahead—you’ve earned it), this recipe will quickly become part of your own story.

Simple, nostalgic, and full of flavor, they’re a celebration of everything that makes home baking so special.

More Delicious Recipes to Try

✅ Vermont Chewy Molasses Cookies – A spiced, chewy favorite for tea or gift tins
✅ Graduation Cookies – Fun, festive, and perfect for parties or cookie trays
✅ Apple and Pecan Danish Pastry Tart – Flaky and buttery with a sweet nutty filling

Join the Conversation!

💬 I’d love to hear how your Italian Nut Roll Cookies turned out!

• Did you try a different nut or add a glaze?
• Make them with a loved one?
• Freeze some for later?

Tell me in the comments—I read every single one. And if you loved them, don’t forget to leave a rating or share the recipe with a friend!

📌 Save this recipe on Pinterest so you can bake it again next holiday season (or sooner!).
And follow along for more cozy classics straight from my kitchen to yours:

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