Description
Sweet, nutty, and delightfully tender, these Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a nostalgic treat. Perfect for holidays or cozy afternoons, the flaky cream cheese dough wraps around a warmly spiced walnut filling. Just like Nonna used to make—only easier!
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups finely chopped walnuts (or pecans)
½ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk (to loosen filling)
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Mix in flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
2. Divide dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
3. In a medium bowl, mix nuts, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, vanilla, and milk until spreadable.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface into a ¼ inch thick rectangle.
5. Spread half of the nut mixture evenly on top. Roll tightly into a jelly roll shape.
6. Slice into 1-inch pieces and place seam-side down on parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
8. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until lightly golden.
9. Cool completely, then dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
These cookies freeze well and actually taste better the next day.
Feel free to swap in pecans or even hazelnuts for a twist.
Perfect for holiday trays or gifting!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Italian nut roll cookies, cream cheese dough, holiday cookies