There’s something incredibly nostalgic about Italian nut roll cookies, isn’t there? These little gems are steeped in tradition, often made during family gatherings or special occasions. Their unique flavor profile combines the rich earthiness of ground walnuts with a hint of warm cinnamon, making each bite a delightful adventure. The texture is a perfect balance of soft and slightly chewy, with that lovely golden exterior that beckons you to take another. Trust me, once you try this Italian nut roll cookies recipe, you’ll find it hard to resist their charm, and they might just become a cherished part of your own baking tradition!
Ingredients for Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create your Italian nut roll cookies. Trust me, having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ground walnuts (make sure they’re finely ground for the best texture)
- 1/2 cup sugar (you can adjust this if you like it sweeter!)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (let it sit at room temperature for easy mixing)
- 1/4 cup milk (whole milk works best, but any kind will do)
- 1 egg (large, preferably at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for that lovely aroma)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (this will help your cookies rise)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (adds a warm spice flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (just a pinch to balance the sweetness)
How to Prepare Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the delightful process of making these Italian nut roll cookies! I promise, it’s easier than it looks, and the smell that fills your kitchen while they bake is absolutely irresistible. First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want those cookies to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This is your dry mixture, and it’s important to blend these ingredients well to ensure an even rise.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. It’s such a satisfying step!
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. You want everything to be nice and smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix; you want to keep that lovely texture!
- Now, fold in the ground walnuts and milk, mixing until a dough forms. It should be soft and slightly sticky but not overly wet.
- Shape the dough into logs, about 1-2 inches thick, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to give them some space as they’ll puff up a bit while baking.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown. Let them cool completely before slicing into cookies, so they hold their shape beautifully.
Tips for Success
To truly elevate your Italian nut roll cookies, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure your butter is softened enough; this helps achieve that light and fluffy texture when creaming with sugar. Also, don’t skip the resting time for the dough if you can; letting it chill for about 30 minutes can help the flavors meld beautifully and makes shaping easier. And here’s a little secret—if you want an extra flavor boost, toast your ground walnuts lightly before adding them to the dough. It really enhances their nuttiness! Lastly, keep an eye on them while baking; every oven is different, and you want that perfect golden brown without overdoing it. Happy baking!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
Let’s talk about some ingredient swaps and notes to make your Italian nut roll cookies truly your own! If you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can easily substitute with ground almonds or pecans for a different flavor profile. Need a dairy-free option? Swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based butter and use almond or oat milk instead. If you’re watching your sugar intake, try using a sugar alternative like coconut sugar or a sugar substitute that’s suitable for baking. And don’t forget, for a fun twist, you can add a splash of almond extract instead of vanilla for an even more nutty aroma!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up, perfect for busy days!
- Deliciously nutty flavor that’s a hit with family and friends.
- Great for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual snacks.
- Versatile and adaptable, allowing for ingredient swaps based on preference.
- Perfectly golden cookies that look as good as they taste!
- They store well, so you can enjoy them for days to come.
Nutritional Information
These Italian nut roll cookies are a delightful treat, and here’s a quick look at their estimated nutritional data per cookie. Each cookie contains approximately 150 calories, with about 7 grams of fat, 2 grams of protein, and 20 grams of carbohydrates. They also have around 6 grams of sugar and 50 milligrams of sodium. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so feel free to adjust them to fit your dietary needs!
FAQ Section
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These Italian nut roll cookies stay fresh for several days when stored in an airtight container. You can even bake them a day or two in advance for parties or gatherings.
What’s the best way to store the cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them—just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn!
Can I use different nuts for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely switch up the nuts! Almonds, pecans, or even hazelnuts can be used to create your own twist on this classic Italian nut roll cookies recipe.
Why did my cookies come out dry?
Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, so keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time. Each oven is different, so adjust as necessary!
Can I add chocolate to the dough?
Of course! For a delicious variation, consider folding in some chocolate chips or chunks to the dough for an extra indulgent treat.
Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe That Will Melt Hearts
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Italian cookie filled with nuts and spices.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ground walnuts
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light.
- Add egg and vanilla to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Stir in ground walnuts and milk to form dough.
- Shape dough into logs and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden.
- Cool and slice into cookies.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use different nuts for variation.
- Adjust sugar to taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: italian nut roll cookies recipe