Introduction
Every family has that one recipe that feels like home. For me, it’s this Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe. As a chef, I’ve always admired how these cookies combine simple ingredients into something that tastes both nostalgic and indulgent. 🌰
» Nut rolls (sometimes called gubana or putizza in Italian regions) are a beloved holiday tradition, especially around Christmas and Easter. But in cookie form? They’re even more irresistible—bite-sized, portable, and filled with a warm, sweet nut mixture that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.
If you love rich, nutty, and buttery treats, you’re going to fall in love with these dessert recipes, Italian Nut Roll Cookies in 2025. These cookies are a sweet symbol of family, holidays, and homemade goodness.
I’ve been making them every year with my grandmother, and now I’m passing this delicious tradition on to you! With every bite, you’ll taste tradition, and I’ll show you how to make them step-by-step.
Ready to bake some nostalgia?
So let’s dive in!
🍪 What Are Italian Nut Roll Cookies?
» Italian Nut Roll Cookies are soft, rolled pastry cookies filled with a sweet and nutty filling, typically made with finely ground walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon.
» They’re gently rolled, sliced, and baked to golden perfection. These cookies are especially popular during Christmas and Easter, appearing on many Italian family dessert tables.
» Are these cookies overly sweet?
No, they have a nice balance of buttery dough and sweet nut filling. You can adjust the sugar in the filling to taste.
🌰 Why You’ll Love These Italian Nut Roll Cookies
These cookies are the best of both worlds—simple enough for everyday baking but special enough for the holidays.
» Traditional Italian flavors with a nutty twist
» Bite-sized versions of the beloved nut roll
» Perfect for Christmas, Easter, or cookie swaps
» Freezer-friendly and easy to gift
🍽 Kitchen Equipment for Italian Nut Roll Cookies
1️⃣ Mixing Bowl — For preparing the dough and nut filling.
2️⃣ Measuring Cups & Spoons — To measure ingredients accurately.
3️⃣ Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer (Optional) — Helpful for creaming the butter and mixing the dough.
4️⃣ Rolling Pin — To roll the dough perfectly.
5️⃣ Sharp Knife or Dough Cutter — To slice the rolled cookies neatly.
6️⃣ Baking Sheet — For baking the cookies (lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup).
7️⃣ Pastry Brush — To apply the egg wash for a golden crust.
8️⃣ Plastic Wrap or Cling Film — For chilling the dough.
9️⃣ Wire Rack — For cooling baked cookies.
🔟 Sifter (Optional) — For dusting with powdered sugar.
✅ Optional, But Helpful:
- Food Processor — To finely grind the nuts quickly.
- Bench Scraper — For cleaning up the floured surface after rolling.
Ingredients Needed for Italian Nut Roll Cookies
✨ For the Dough
♥ 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
♥ 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (softened)
♥ 1 cup sour cream (adds softness)
♥ 1 egg yolk
♥ ½ teaspoon salt
♥ 1 tablespoon sugar
✨ For the Nut Filling
♥ 1 ½ cups finely ground walnuts (or pecans)
♥ ½ cup granulated sugar
♥ 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
♥ 1 tablespoon melted butter
Optional: Raisins, chocolate chips, or orange zest
✨ For Finishing
- 1 beaten egg (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting after baking)
How to Make Italian Nut Roll Cookies at Home!
✅ Step 1: Prepare the Dough
♥ Mix all the dry ingredients: Take a large mixing bowl, mix it with 2½ cups of flour and ½ teaspoon of salt.
♥ Add butter: Now add 1 cup of softened butter with the help of a pastry cutter or fork. The mixture should look crumbly.
♥ Mix wet ingredients: Add 1 egg yolk, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 cup of sour cream. Stir the mixture well until you have a soft dough.
♥ Divide and chill: Divide the dough into 2 equal portions. Stabilize & flatten the dough into a disk, now wrap the dough in a plastic wrap, and let it chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps prevent the dough from becoming too sticky when rolling later.
» How thin should I roll the dough?
About ¼ inch thick is ideal for easy rolling and even baking.
✅ Step 2: Prepare the Nut Filling
♥ Grind the nuts: Using a food processor or by hand, finely grind 1½ cups of walnuts (or use pecans or almonds for variety).
♥ Mix filling ingredients: Now, take a bowl & mix the ground nuts, ½ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, & 1 tablespoon melted butter. Stir until well mixed.
♥ Optional additions: You can stir in raisins, mini chocolate chips, or a little orange zest here for extra flavor, depending on your preference.
Can I add chocolate to the filling?
Definitely! Mini chocolate chips or shaved chocolate work beautifully with the nuts and cinnamon.
✅ Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
♥ Prepare the surface: Lightly flour your countertop or rolling mat to prevent sticking.
♥ Roll the dough: Now, take one portion of chilled dough and roll it into a rectangle about ¼-inch thick.
♥ Spread the mixture: Now you need to spread the nut mixture evenly over the dough, maintaining an inch border around the edges.
✅ Step 4: Roll Up the Dough
- Roll tightly: Now roll the dough from one long edge & make a tight log, just like cinnamon rolls.
- Seal the edges: Pinch the seam gently to seal the log so the filling stays inside during baking.
- Slice into cookies: Using a sharp knife or dough cutter, slice the log into 1-inch-thick pieces.
✅ Step 5: Baking Process
♥ Prepare baking sheet: Now, place the baking sheet with parchment paper or you can use a silicone baking mat for this process.
♥ Arrange the slices: Place the sliced cookies flat-side down on the baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
♥ Apply egg wash: Lightly brush the tops of the cookies with beaten egg for a golden-brown finish.
♥ Baking Process: Now preheat the oven at 350°F (175°C) & bake for at least 18–22 minutes until a light golden shade.
✅ Step 6: Finishing Touches
♥ Cool on a rack: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire cooling rack.
♥ Sprinkle powdered sugar (optional): For a perfect festive look for cooled cookies, dust slightly with powdered sugar
🎉 Final Result
» Beautifully golden, buttery cookies with a sweet, nutty filling that melt in your mouth. Perfect for holiday cookie trays, gifts, or just enjoying with a cup of coffee.
🌟 Tips for Perfect Nut Roll Cookies
» Chill the dough for at least 1 hour to make rolling easier.
» Don’t overfill—too much filling may cause leaks.
» Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
» A food processor makes the nut filling smooth and quick.
» Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.
» Golden Finish: Use egg wash for that perfect golden-brown crust.
» Consistency: Grind the nuts finely for a smoother filling texture.
🍯 Variations You Can Try
» Want to experiment? Here are some tasty twists:
» Nut swaps – Try pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts.
» Add fruit – Mix raisins, figs, or chopped dates into the filling.
» Chocolate lovers – Add a chocolate drizzle over the baked cookies.
🥄 Storage and Make-Ahead Guide
- Room temperature: You can store it in an air-tight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze unbaked logs: Wrap in plastic, freeze, then slice and bake later.
- Freeze baked cookies: Store in freezer bags for up to 2 months—just thaw and enjoy.
Ingredient Substitutes for Italian Nut Roll Cookies
» Italian Nut Roll Cookies are delicious, but you can easily customize them depending on what you have in your pantry, dietary needs, or creative mood. Below is a detailed guide to substitutes and variations:
1️⃣ Nut Options
Main Ingredient:
Traditional Choice: Walnuts — slightly bitter, earthy flavor, balances the sweetness of the filling.
Substitute Nuts:
- Pecans: Sweeter and buttery; makes the filling richer.
- Almonds: Mild, slightly sweet — great if you love almond pastries.
- Hazelnuts: For a Nutella-like flavor, if paired with chocolate.
- Mixed Nuts: Combine two or more for complexity.
2️⃣ Sugar Substitutes
Main Ingredient:
Regular granulated sugar is traditional for the filling.
Alternatives:
- Brown Sugar: For a slightly caramel/molasses flavor.
- Coconut Sugar: Slightly less sweet with a hint of caramel.
- Monk Fruit Sweetener / Erythritol: For a lower-carb or diabetic-friendly option.
3️⃣ Spice Variations
Main Ingredient:
Ground Cinnamon for that warm, holiday-like flavor.
Variations to Try:
- Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Adds warmth with a slightly spicier aroma.
- Allspice (¼ teaspoon): Adds a mild, peppery kick.
- Cardamom (⅛ teaspoon): For a subtle, exotic sweetness.
4️⃣ Flavor Add-Ins for Filling
♥ Raisins or Sultanas, half cup: Add chewy texture and sweet flavor.
♥ Mini Chocolate Chips (¼ cup): Combines beautifully with walnuts and cinnamon.
♥ Dried Cranberries (chopped): Adds a festive, tangy contrast.
♥ Orange or Lemon Zest (1 teaspoon): Gives a bright, citrusy lift to the flavor.
5️⃣ Dough Variations
Main Dough Ingredient:
All-purpose flour, butter, sour cream
Dough Substitutes:
- Cream Cheese (replace ½ of sour cream): Makes the dough extra rich and tender.
- Greek Yogurt (replace sour cream): Adds tang and protein.
- Vegan Butter + Plant-Based Yogurt (for vegan version): Works well with a slight texture variation.
6️⃣ Gluten-Free Version
♥ Use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (1:1 substitution).
♥ Add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum if your flour blend doesn’t include it already to prevent crumbling.
7️⃣ Topping Variations
- Egg Wash (Traditional): For a shiny, golden finish.
- No Egg Wash (for Vegan): Brush with plant-based milk or melted vegan butter.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar or Drizzle with Simple Glaze for a sweet finish.
8️⃣ Filling Flavor Swaps
- Poppy Seed Filling: Traditional in some Italian regions and Eastern European baking.
- Chocolate Spread (like Nutella): For a decadent chocolate-nut version.
- Apricot or Raspberry Jam Layer: For a fruity, tangy version, it pairs well with almond filling.
🔔 Pro Tip:
♥ Mix and match nuts, spices, and add-ins to create your family’s unique version of these cookies. That’s how family recipes evolve—and those versions often become the ones we pass down for generations.
What to Serve with Italian Nut Roll Cookies
♥ Coffee or Espresso: Perfect pairing with the nutty sweetness.
♥ Holiday Cookie Tray: Mix with other Italian cookies like pizzelles or biscotti.
♥ With Ice Cream: You can serve it with vanilla ice cream.
Health Benefits of Italian Nut Roll Cookies
» While Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a sweet treat primarily enjoyed during holidays and special occasions, knowing their nutrition facts can help you enjoy them mindfully.
✅ Benefits:
♥ A good source of healthy fats from nuts.
♥ Contains small amounts of protein and fiber.
♥ Rich in festive flavor!
✅ Ways to Make Them Healthier:
♥ Reduce Sugar: Cut filling sugar by 25-30% for a lower-sugar version.
♥ Use Whole Wheat Flour: Swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat for added fiber.
♥ Add Flaxseed or Chia: Stir a tablespoon of ground flax or chia seeds into the filling for more fiber and healthy fats.
♥ Portion Control: Slice slightly smaller cookies to reduce calories per serving.
⚠️ Things to Remember:
♥ Best enjoyed in moderation.
♥ Contains tree nuts (allergen warning).
♥ It can be made healthier with less sugar or whole wheat flour.
Summary:
» Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a delicious indulgence that provides healthy fats and some protein, but should be enjoyed in moderation due to their sugar and fat content. Small tweaks can make them slightly healthier without losing their festive charm.
What are Traditional Italian Nut Roll Cookies?
» Traditional Italian Nut Roll Cookies are buttery, rolled pastry cookies filled with a sweet nut mixture—usually made with finely ground walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon. These cookies are sliced into small pieces, baked until golden, and often dusted with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
✅ Why Are They Special?
♥ Heritage Recipe: Passed down through generations in many Italian-American households.
♥ Rich Flavor: Combines buttery pastry with sweet, nutty filling—soft inside, slightly crisp outside.
♥ Variations: Some versions include chocolate chips, raisins, or citrus zest in the filling.
Think of them as a cross between a pastry roll and a cookie, perfect for enjoying with espresso or tea.
Best Alternate Cookie Recipes You Can Try
If you love these Italian Nut Roll Cookies, you might also enjoy these delicious classics:
» Pecan Tassies – Mini nut-filled tartlets that taste like bite-sized pecan pies.
» Chocolate Biscotti – Crunchy, rich, and perfect for dipping in coffee.
» Cherry Almond Thumbprint Cookies – Buttery cookies filled with jam and topped with almonds.
» Chocolate Peanut Cookie Recipe
» Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle Recipe
» Blueberry Cheesecake Cookie Recipe
✨ Chef’s Note: These variations are perfect for cookie platters, holiday gifting, or simply switching up your baking routine!
Nutritional Information (Approx. per cookie)
» Calories: 120
» Carbs: 14g
» Fat: 6g
» Protein: 2g
» (Values will vary depending on nut choice and toppings.)
Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make dough: First, make the dough by mixing flour, salt, butter, sour cream, sugar, & egg yolk. Mix, divide, and chill.
- Prepare filling: Time to mash it well, walnuts, sugar, cinnamon & butter.
- Roll dough: Now, roll the dough & spread filling evenly.
- Slice & bake: Slice into cookies, egg wash, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes.
- Cool & finish: Cool on a wire rack, dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Chill the dough for some time before rolling to avoid sticking.
- Filling can be customized with pecans, almonds, or dried fruit.
- Let cookies cool completely before storing or stacking.
- Perfect for Christmas cookie trays or edible gifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. For best results, choose one with xanthan gum or add ½ teaspoon to the recipe to help maintain the cookie’s structure during baking.
What nuts work best for the filling?
Walnuts are traditional, but pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts work great too. Choose your favorite or mix them for a unique twist on the classic flavor while maintaining the rich, nutty texture of the filling.
Why does the dough need to be chilled?
Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll and prevents sticking. It also helps create tender, flaky cookies during baking by allowing the butter in the dough to firm up before going into the oven.
Why is my dough cracking while rolling?
Let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before rolling and sprinkle lightly with flour as needed. If necessary, knead gently to smooth before rolling out.
Can I use store-bought pastry dough for this recipe?
Yes, you can use refrigerated pie crust or puff pastry as a shortcut. However, homemade dough gives a more authentic, buttery flavor and better texture. If using store-bought, reduce baking time slightly and watch carefully.
My Final Conclusion
Baking these Italian Nut Roll Cookies is more than just making a dessert—it’s about carrying on traditions and sharing love through food. As a chef, I can’t help but smile every time I pull a tray of these golden, nutty cookies out of the oven. They fill the kitchen with warmth, comfort, and nostalgia.
» So, whether you’re baking them for Christmas, Easter, or just a cozy family night, this dessert recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
Bake a batch, pour some coffee, and enjoy a taste of Italian heritage in every bite. If you have any thoughts or suggestions, write to me in the comment section below. – I’d love to revert you!
Try them this season—and don’t forget to share with loved ones! Till then,
Happy Baking!
