Oh, let me tell you about Italian nut roll cookies! The first time I tasted these beauties, I was at my grandmother’s kitchen, and the warm, nutty aroma filled the air. I remember sneaking a bite before they even cooled, and wow, the buttery goodness combined with the crunch of walnuts was just heavenly! These cookies have this delightful balance of sweetness and a rich, nutty flavor that makes every bite feel like a cozy hug. Plus, they have this wonderful texture—slightly chewy on the outside and tender on the inside. Trust me, once you make these Italian nut roll cookies, they’ll become a beloved treat in your home, just like they did in mine. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful recipe that’s steeped in tradition and love!
Ingredients for Italian Nut Roll Cookies
To get started on these delicious Italian nut roll cookies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Make sure your butter is nice and softened; it really helps in creaming it with the sugar for that perfect texture. And don’t skimp on the walnuts—finely chopping them is key to getting that irresistible nutty flavor in every bite!
How to Prepare Italian Nut Roll Cookies
Getting ready to make these delightful Italian nut roll cookies is half the fun! Let’s dive into the process step by step, and before you know it, your kitchen will be filled with the most amazing aroma. Here’s how you do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Trust me, this step is crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth texture!
- Next, crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and give it another stir until everything is well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want those cookies to stay tender!
- Now it’s time to fold in the finely chopped walnuts. This is where the nutty magic happens. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Divide the dough into manageable sections and roll them into logs, about 1-2 inches in diameter. Place the logs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them some space to spread out while baking.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly by now!
- Once baked, let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, and voilà—you’ve got yourself some scrumptious Italian nut roll cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly easy to make, perfect for bakers of all levels!
- Delightful combination of buttery goodness and crunchy walnuts.
- Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with your afternoon coffee.
- Beautifully dusted with powdered sugar, they look as good as they taste!
- They stay fresh for days, making them a great make-ahead treat.
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my best tips to ensure your Italian nut roll cookies turn out perfectly every time! First, make sure your butter is at room temperature—this really helps in achieving that creamy texture when you’re creaming it with sugar. If it’s too cold, it just won’t blend well, and we want that fluffy mix!
Now, when it comes to baking, keep an eye on the cookies as they approach the 20-minute mark. They should be a lovely golden brown, but don’t be afraid to trust your instincts. Ovens can vary, so if they look perfect at 22 minutes, go ahead and take them out! And remember, letting them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack is key to keeping them intact. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for that extra touch of sweetness!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Italian nut roll cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay delicious for up to a week, but trust me, they might not last that long! If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours.
If you prefer them warm, you can reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Just enough to take the chill off and revive that delightful buttery aroma!
FAQ About Italian Nut Roll Cookies
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! While walnuts give these cookies a lovely flavor and texture, you can easily substitute them with pecans, hazelnuts, or even almonds. Just make sure to chop them finely for the best results!
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Great question! You’ll want to keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should turn a beautiful golden brown around the edges. If they look set and slightly firm to the touch, they’re ready to come out of the oven!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! If you want to prepare the dough in advance, just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before rolling into logs.
What’s the best way to dust the cookies with powdered sugar?
To get that perfect dusting, use a fine mesh sieve or sifter to sprinkle the powdered sugar evenly over the cookies. This way, you’ll achieve that beautiful snowy finish without clumps!
Can I add spices to the cookie dough?
Definitely! If you want to add a little extra flavor, consider mixing in some cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. Just a pinch will elevate the flavor profile and make these Italian nut roll cookies even more delightful!
Nutritional Information for Italian Nut Roll Cookies
When you indulge in one of these delightful Italian nut roll cookies, you’re enjoying a treat that’s not only delicious but also relatively balanced. Here’s the estimated nutritional information for a single cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. So, while you’re treating yourself, enjoy each bite knowing it’s a delightful indulgence!
Serving Suggestions
To truly elevate your experience with these Italian nut roll cookies, pair them with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a soothing herbal tea. The rich, nutty flavors of the cookies complement the warmth of the drinks perfectly! For an extra touch, consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every bite!
Italian Nut Roll Cookies: 7 Heavenly Treats to Savor
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Italian nut roll cookies are a delightful treat filled with nuts and sweetened with sugar.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Roll the dough into logs and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Let cool and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies can be frozen for later use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: italian nut roll cookies, cookies, dessert, italian cookies