Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite Italian nut roll cookies! These little beauties are a classic treat that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up. Seriously, if you’ve got a few basic ingredients and about 35 minutes to spare, you’re in for a delightful experience. The combination of ground nuts creates this lovely, rich flavor that just melts in your mouth, while the hint of vanilla adds a cozy warmth. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion—holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or just because you want something sweet! Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked and wanting to make them again and again!
Ingredients for Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful Italian nut roll cookies. Each component plays a crucial role in creating that mouthwatering flavor and texture you’re going to love!
Essential Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the foundation of your cookie dough, giving it structure and that perfect crumb!
- 1 cup ground nuts (walnuts or hazelnuts): These nuts are the star of the show, adding richness and a lovely crunch. I personally love using walnuts for their earthy flavor!
- 1/2 cup sugar: This sweetens the cookies perfectly. You can adjust it slightly to your taste, but this amount strikes a nice balance!
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter brings in that luscious flavor and helps create a tender texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing!
- 1 egg: This binds everything together and gives the cookies that lovely, chewy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth of flavor, making each bite just a little more special.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: This little leavener helps the cookies rise slightly and gives them a wonderful lightness.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: This is the finishing touch! A light dusting of powdered sugar makes these cookies look oh-so-elegant.
Optional Variations
Feeling adventurous? You can easily customize these cookies to suit your taste! Here are some fun variations:
- Different nuts: Swap out the walnuts or hazelnuts for pecans or almonds for a unique twist. Each nut brings its own flavor profile!
- Add spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor and give a warm, cozy vibe, especially around the holidays.
- Chocolate chips: For a sweeter treat, throw in some mini chocolate chips. They melt beautifully and add a rich contrast to the nuttiness!
- Citrus zest: A bit of lemon or orange zest can brighten the flavor and bring a refreshing note to the cookies.
How to Prepare Italian Nut Roll Cookies
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these scrumptious Italian nut roll cookies! I promise, it’s easier than you might think. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful batch in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden!
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes—don’t rush it, as this step adds wonderful airiness to your cookies!
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should look smooth and creamy; it’s really starting to come together!
- Mix the dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, ground nuts, and baking powder. This will ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and nuts throughout the dough.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is nicely combined. Be careful not to overmix—just until you don’t see any flour streaks!
- Shape the dough: On a clean surface, take the dough and roll it into a log shape. Don’t worry about it being perfect; a rustic look just adds to the charm!
- Slice into rounds: Using a sharp knife, slice the log into rounds about 1/2 inch thick. You should get about 24 cookies from this batch—perfect for sharing, or not!
- Prepare for baking: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your cookie rounds on it, leaving a bit of space between each one to allow for spreading.
- Bake to golden perfection: Pop them in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden on the edges. You’ll know they’re done when your kitchen starts smelling heavenly!
- Cool and dust: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once they’re completely cool, dust them with powdered sugar for that lovely finishing touch!
And there you have it! These Italian nut roll cookies are ready to be devoured. I can’t wait for you to try this out—each bite is just pure bliss!
Tips for Success
Making the perfect Italian nut roll cookies is all about a few simple tricks! Trust me, with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to impressing everyone with your baking skills.
- Measure your ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, so make sure to measure your flour and nuts precisely. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies, and nobody wants that!
- Chill the dough: If you find the dough a bit sticky, don’t hesitate to chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and shape, plus it helps the cookies retain their form while baking!
- Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies a minute or two before the recommended time. You want them to be just lightly golden, not overly brown!
- Let them cool: Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents breaking!
- Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to add your own twist! Whether it’s a sprinkle of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract, little adjustments can elevate your cookies to a whole new level!
- Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay delicious for about a week—if they last that long!
With these tips, I know you’ll nail this recipe! Get ready for some serious cookie love!
Nutritional Information
Let’s chat about the nutritional side of these delightful Italian nut roll cookies! Knowing what you’re indulging in can be just as satisfying as the cookies themselves, right? Here’s a breakdown of the typical values for one cookie:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 2g
These cookies are a lovely treat, and while they do have some sugar and fat, they’re also packed with that nutty goodness! Enjoy them in moderation, and you’ll be all set to satisfy that sweet tooth without a worry!
FAQ about Italian Nut Roll Cookies
Got questions? No worries! I’ve gathered some of the most common queries about these delightful Italian nut roll cookies, just for you. Let’s dive in!
Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can swap out walnuts or hazelnuts for pecans, almonds, or even pistachios if you’re feeling adventurous! Each nut brings its own unique flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment until you find your perfect combo.
How should I store the cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for about a week—if they last that long! If you want to keep them longer, you can also freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
You sure can! If you want to get a head start, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just make sure to wrap it well so it doesn’t dry out. When you’re ready to bake, simply slice it into rounds and follow the baking instructions as usual. It’s perfect for when you want freshly baked cookies in a pinch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple to Make: With just a handful of basic ingredients and straightforward steps, whipping up these cookies is a breeze! Perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros.
- Deliciously Nutty Flavor: The rich taste of ground nuts really shines through, creating a delightful depth of flavor that’s just irresistible!
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the nuts or add in your favorite spices, making this recipe versatile and adaptable to your taste—how fun is that?
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a cozy afternoon with tea, or simply a sweet treat for yourself, these cookies are always a hit!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves cookies, and these little beauties are no exception. They’re sure to impress family and friends with their flavor and charming appearance!
- Great for Sharing: With a yield of about 24 cookies, you’ll have plenty to share—or to keep all to yourself if you prefer!
- Quick to Bake: From start to finish, you can have these cookies ready in just 35 minutes—talk about a quick and satisfying baking project!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve made these delightful Italian nut roll cookies, let’s talk about how to serve them for maximum enjoyment! They’re fabulous on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate your experience even more.
- Coffee or Espresso: There’s nothing quite like enjoying these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or a rich shot of espresso. The nutty flavors complement the boldness of the coffee perfectly!
- Tea Time: For a cozy afternoon treat, serve them alongside your favorite herbal or black tea. The warmth of the tea enhances the sweetness of the cookies, making for a lovely pairing.
- Fresh Fruit: Brighten up your plate with some fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or citrus slices. The freshness and acidity of the fruit balance the richness of the cookies beautifully!
- Dessert Platter: If you’re hosting a gathering, arrange these cookies on a dessert platter with other sweets like biscotti, pastries, or chocolate truffles. It makes for an impressive spread that everyone will love!
- Ice Cream: For a decadent treat, serve the cookies with a scoop of vanilla or hazelnut ice cream. The creamy texture and cool temperature create a delightful contrast to the warm cookies!
Whichever way you choose to serve them, these Italian nut roll cookies are sure to be a hit! Enjoy every delicious bite and the joy they bring to your table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve indulged in these scrumptious Italian nut roll cookies, you might be wondering how to keep the leftovers fresh and delicious. No worries, I’ve got you covered with some easy storage tips!
- Airtight Container: To maintain their delightful texture and flavor, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them fresh for up to a week. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up!
- Freezing for Later: If you want to save some for a rainy day (or just to hide them away for yourself!), these cookies freeze beautifully. Wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. They’ll taste just as fresh as the day you baked them!
- Reheating: If you love the idea of a warm cookie, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or they might get a bit too soft. Alternatively, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will give them that delightful fresh-out-of-the-oven feel!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your Italian nut roll cookies for days to come! Happy munching!
Print
Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe: 7 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Italian nut roll cookie recipe that is easy to make and delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ground nuts (walnuts or hazelnuts)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 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 until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, ground nuts, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- Roll the dough into a log shape and slice into rounds.
- Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Let cool and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use different nuts for variation.
- Chill the dough for easier handling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: italian nut roll cookies recipe