Name: Italian Nut Roll Cookies: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 180 min
Yield: 48 cookies
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup sour cream; 3 cups finely ground walnuts (or a mix of walnuts, pecans, and almonds); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional); 1/4 cup apricot jam (optional, for added flavor and moisture); 1 large egg, beaten; 1 tablespoon milk or water; Powdered sugar (optional)

Italian Nut Roll Cookies, or "Susumelle" as my Nonna used to call them, are more than just a sweet treat; they're a warm hug from the past, a taste of tradition, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering. Have you ever bitten into a cookie that instantly transported you to a cozy kitchen filled with the aroma of toasted nuts and sweet spices? That's the magic of these delightful little rolls!

These cookies boast a rich history, deeply rooted in Southern Italian culture, particularly around Christmas time. Passed down through generations, each family has their own unique twist, but the essence remains the same: a tender, slightly sweet dough wrapped around a generous filling of finely ground nuts, honey, and spices. The result is a symphony of flavors and textures – the soft, yielding dough gives way to a nutty, slightly chewy center that's simply irresistible.

What makes Italian Nut Roll Cookies so beloved? It's a combination of factors. The comforting flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia. The satisfying crunch of the nuts provides a delightful textural contrast. And, let's be honest, they're incredibly easy to make! While they might look impressive, the recipe is surprisingly straightforward, making them perfect for both seasoned bakers and kitchen novices alike. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let's embark on a delicious journey to create these timeless treasures!

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream

For the Nut Filling:

3 cups finely ground walnuts (or a mix of walnuts, pecans, and almonds)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
1/4 cup apricot jam (optional, for added flavor and moisture)

For the Egg Wash:

1 large egg, beaten
1 tablespoon milk or water

For Dusting:

Powdered sugar (optional)

Preparing the Dough:

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed, leading to a better rise.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The mixture should be pale and airy. This step is crucial for creating a tender cookie.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough dough. I usually add about 1/3 of the dry ingredients, then half of the sour cream, then another 1/3 of the dry ingredients, the remaining sour cream, and finally the last 1/3 of the dry ingredients.
Divide and Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out, and it also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Making the Nut Filling:

Combine Filling Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the ground walnuts, granulated sugar, milk, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and cloves (if using). If you're using apricot jam, add it now too.
Cook the Filling: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth and thickened. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn the mixture. The filling should be thick enough to spread easily without being too runny.
Cool the Filling: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the filling cool completely. This is important because a hot filling will melt the butter in the dough and make the cookies difficult to roll.

Assembling and Baking the Cookies:

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a thin rectangle, about 12x16 inches. The thinner the dough, the more delicate the cookies will be.
Spread the Filling: Spread half of the cooled nut filling evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border along the edges.
Roll Up the Dough: Starting from one long edge, tightly roll up the dough into a log.
Cut the Log: Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 1/2-inch thick slices.
Repeat with Remaining Dough and Filling: Repeat steps 2-5 with the remaining dough and filling.
Arrange Cookies on Baking Sheets: Place the cookie slices on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk (or water).
Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the cookies with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color.
Bake the Cookies: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily.
Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional): Once the cookies are completely cool, dust them with powdered sugar, if desired. This adds a touch of sweetness and makes them look even more appealing.

Tips for Success:

Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the cookies will taste. Use good quality butter, nuts, and vanilla extract.
Don't Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten and result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Roll the Dough Thinly: The thinner the dough, the more delicate the cookies will be.
Cool the Filling Completely: A hot filling will melt the butter in the dough and make the cookies difficult to roll.
Don't Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly cookies. Bake until lightly golden brown.
Store Properly: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Variations:

Different Nuts: Experiment with different types of nuts, such as pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts.
Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough or filling for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Chocolate Chips: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolatey twist.
Dried Fruit: Add 1/4 cup of chopped dried cranberries or raisins to the filling for added texture and flavor.
Glaze: Instead of dusting with powdered sugar, you can drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Italian Nut Roll Cookies! They are perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just a sweet treat any time of year. I hope you love them as much as my family does!

Conclusion:

This recipe for Italian Nut Roll Cookies is more than just a baking project; it's an invitation to experience a taste of tradition, a journey into the heart of Italian-American baking. I truly believe you'll find these cookies to be an absolute must-try, and here's why. The combination of the delicate, slightly sweet dough with the rich, nutty filling creates a symphony of flavors and textures that's simply irresistible. They're not overly sweet, making them the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea, or even a glass of Vin Santo after dinner. But beyond the delightful taste, these cookies offer a unique baking experience. The process of rolling and shaping them is almost meditative, a chance to slow down and connect with the ingredients. And the aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake? Pure bliss! It's a scent that evokes memories of family gatherings and cherished traditions. I know that baking can sometimes seem daunting, but trust me, this recipe is surprisingly approachable. I've provided detailed instructions and helpful tips to guide you every step of the way. And even if your first batch isn't perfect, don't worry! Imperfection is part of the charm of homemade baking. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. Now, let's talk about serving suggestions and variations. While these cookies are delicious on their own, there are plenty of ways to elevate them even further. Try dusting them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and elegance. Or, for a more decadent treat, drizzle them with melted chocolate. A dark chocolate drizzle would complement the nutty filling beautifully. If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different types of nuts in the filling. Walnuts are the traditional choice, but pecans, hazelnuts, or even almonds would also work well. You could also add a touch of citrus zest to the filling for a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Orange or lemon zest would be particularly delicious. Another variation to consider is adding a touch of spice to the dough. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg would add warmth and depth of flavor. You could also try adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the dough for an extra nutty flavor. These Italian Nut Roll Cookies are also a wonderful gift to share with friends and family. Package them in a pretty tin or box, and they're sure to be a hit. They're perfect for holiday gatherings, birthdays, or any special occasion.

Ready to bake?

I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try. It's a rewarding experience that will bring joy to both you and those you share these cookies with. I'm confident that you'll love the taste and the tradition behind them. Once you've made them, I'd love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and stories on social media using the hashtag #ItalianNutRollCookies. I can't wait to see your creations and hear what you think. Did you make any variations? What was your favorite part of the baking process? What did your family and friends think? Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue sharing delicious and approachable recipes. Happy baking!