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This Italian nut roll cookie recipe combines buttery dough with a delicious nutty filling for a treat that's perfect for special occasions and holiday gatherings. The combination of crisp exterior and tender interior creates an irresistible texture that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
I first made these cookies for a family Christmas gathering and they disappeared within minutes. The delicate layers of buttery dough wrapped around sweet nutty filling remind me of the cookies my grandmother used to make when I was a child.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: Creates the perfect tender yet sturdy base for these roll cookies
- Ground walnuts or hazelnuts: Provide a rich nutty flavor and wonderful texture
- Unsalted butter: Gives these cookies their irresistible richness and flakiness
- Granulated sugar: Balances the nuttiness with just the right amount of sweetness
- Large egg: Helps bind the dough together and adds moisture
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its warm aromatic notes
- Baking powder: Ensures the dough has a slight rise for the perfect texture
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors
- Apricot or raspberry preserves: Add moisture and fruity sweetness to the filling
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
- First, we need to create a soft and buttery dough that will cradle our nutty filling. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it's light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it helps to incorporate air into the dough, making it tender and delightful.
- Make the Nut Filling:
- Next, we'll prepare the nut filling. In a separate bowl, combine the ground walnuts or hazelnuts with a bit of sugar and your choice of preserves. This mixture will be the heart of our cookies, adding that delicious nutty flavor and sweetness.
- Roll and Shape the Cookies:
- Now comes the fun part—rolling and shaping our cookies! Divide the dough into four equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each portion into a rectangle about 1/8 inch thick. Spread a thin layer of your nut filling over each rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Once your cookies are shaped, it's time to bake! Place the rolled cookies seam-side down on a prepared baking sheet. Bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until they are lightly golden. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this time is simply heavenly!
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The ground nuts are truly the star of this recipe. I remember my Italian grandmother insisting on hand grinding the walnuts rather than using a food processor because she believed it released more of their natural oils and created a better texture in the final cookie.
Storage and Freezing
These nut roll cookies keep wonderfully at room temperature in an airtight container for about 5 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as they meld together. For longer storage, place them in the freezer in a single layer until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. They'll maintain their quality for up to 3 months. To serve after freezing, simply thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Perfect Variations
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. While walnuts and hazelnuts are traditional, you can experiment with different nuts like almonds or pistachios for unique flavor profiles. The fruit preserves can also be switched according to your preference or what you have on hand. Fig jam creates a delightfully sophisticated filling, while cherry preserves add a tart sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the nuts. For a chocolate twist, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough and use chocolate hazelnut spread in place of the preserves.
Holiday Traditions
In many Italian families, these nut roll cookies are a staple during Christmas and Easter celebrations. They're often made in large batches and exchanged as gifts with neighbors and friends. The tradition dates back generations, with each family typically having their own variation passed down through the years. Making these cookies together has become a cherished ritual that brings multiple generations into the kitchen, with grandparents teaching grandchildren the art of properly rolling and shaping the dough.
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These cookies are a beautiful addition to any special gathering and capture the essence of tradition and home baking in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I substitute different nuts in these cookies?
Yes! While the traditional recipe calls for walnuts or hazelnuts, you can experiment with almonds, pecans, or pistachios for different flavor profiles. Just ensure they're finely ground to maintain the proper texture.
- → How should I store these nut roll cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- → Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated. Just allow it to come to room temperature before rolling for easier handling.
- → What other fillings work well besides fruit preserves?
Chocolate hazelnut spread, sweetened cream cheese, or a mixture of cinnamon sugar and nuts all make excellent alternatives to fruit preserves in these cookies.
- → Why did my cookies unroll during baking?
This typically happens when the seam isn't properly sealed or there's too much filling. Make sure to leave a border when spreading the filling and press the edge firmly to seal before baking.
- → Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Yes, these cookies freeze beautifully! You can freeze them either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, add a few extra minutes to the baking time. If freezing after baking, allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.