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Italian Nut Roll Cookies: A Timeless Holiday Treat
When the holiday season rolls around, the kitchen is often filled with the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked treats. Among the many delicious cookies that make their annual appearance, Italian Nut Roll Cookies stand out as a beloved classic. With their delicate pastry dough and rich, nutty filling, these cookies are a true labor of love that perfectly capture the spirit of festive baking.
Whether you’re making them for a holiday cookie exchange, a family gathering, or just to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee, Italian Nut Roll Cookies are sure to impress. Let’s explore why these cookies have become a holiday tradition in many homes and how you can make them yourself.
What Are Italian Nut Roll Cookies?
Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a traditional Italian-American treat that features a flaky, buttery dough wrapped around a sweet and nutty filling, typically made with ground walnuts or pecans, sugar, and a touch of vanilla. They’re often finished with a light glaze or powdered sugar for added sweetness and a beautiful presentation. The dough itself is soft and tender, similar to a pie crust, while the nut filling is slightly sweet and crunchy, making for a perfect balance of flavors and textures in each bite.
These cookies are rolled into logs or spirals, which not only make them visually appealing but also create a delightful layered effect when you bite into them. Italian Nut Roll Cookies are often associated with the holiday season, particularly Christmas, but their delicious flavor and unique texture make them a great treat year-round.
Why You’ll Love Italian Nut Roll Cookies
- Delicate and Delicious: The contrast between the flaky dough and the crunchy, sweet nut filling makes each bite an irresistible combination of textures and flavors.
- Family Tradition: For many, these cookies are passed down from generation to generation, making them a part of cherished family traditions. Whether you’re making them for the first time or perfecting a family recipe, they hold sentimental value that makes baking them extra special.
- Customizable: While the traditional filling is made with walnuts or pecans, you can easily switch up the nuts based on your preferences. You can also experiment with adding a touch of cinnamon, chocolate chips, or even a bit of orange zest for a unique twist.
- Impressive Yet Easy to Make: Despite their sophisticated appearance, Italian Nut Roll Cookies are surprisingly easy to prepare. The dough comes together quickly, and the rolling process is straightforward. Once baked, they look and taste like they came straight from a bakery.
Ingredients for Italian Nut Roll Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cookies:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, cold and cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed to bring dough together)
For the Nut Filling:
- 1 ½ cups finely ground walnuts or pecans (you can also use a mix of both)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon honey or light corn syrup (optional, for added stickiness)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
For the Glaze (optional):
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 teaspoons milk or water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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