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A plate of sliced Italian Nut Roll Cookies dusted with powdered sugar
Print Recipe

Italian Nut Roll Cookies

Prep Time1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 315kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all -purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large egg s
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon sal t
  • 3 cups walnuts , finely ground
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons hone y
  • 1 tablespoon mil k
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or fork to work the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and stir until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough into two equal disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ground walnuts, 3/4 cup sugar, cinnamon, orange zest, honey, and milk. Stir until the mixture is well-incorporated and holds together slightly.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll one disk of dough into a rectangle approximately 1/8-inch thick (roughly 10x12 inches).
  • Spread half of the nut filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border at the edges. Press the filling down gently with your hands.
  • Starting from the long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Repeat with the second disk and remaining filling.
  • Using a sharp knife, slice the logs into 1-inch wide pieces. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spaced 1 inch apart.
  • Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the pastry is set.
  • Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.