Italian Nut Roll Cookies, or “Cucidati” as they’re lovingly known in Italy, are a traditional treat cherished for their delicate balance of buttery dough and sweet, spiced nut filling. Perfectly flaky on the outside and richly nutty on the inside, these cookies bring a slice of Italian heritage to any dessert table. Whether you’re preparing for a festive holiday gathering or just looking to indulge in a comforting, homemade treat, Italian Nut Roll Cookies are the perfect pick. This recipe combines easy-to-find ingredients with straightforward steps, making it accessible to both experienced bakers and beginners alike.
Why We Love This Recipe
There’s something uniquely comforting about these Italian Nut Roll Cookies. Their delightful aroma fills the kitchen with a cozy, nostalgic fragrance of cinnamon and nutmeg. Unlike many traditional holiday cookies, these have a subtle sweetness that lets the nutty filling shine, and their perfect texture balances crisp edges with a tender center. Additionally, the recipe is flexible—ideal for customization by adjusting the filling ingredients or spices to taste. And if you’re aiming to impress, their elegant, rolled appearance adds a sophisticated touch to any occasion. Simply put, these cookies combine the best of taste, texture, and tradition.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 cup finely ground walnuts
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Cream the Butter and Sugar – In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. The creamed butter and sugar should look smooth and pale.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla – Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until blended.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter and egg mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the dough tough.
- Chill the Dough – Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and helps the cookies keep their shape.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Mix the Filling Ingredients – In a medium bowl, combine the ground walnuts, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until the mixture is well blended and resembles a crumbly, spiced paste. Set aside.
Step 3: Roll and Assemble the Cookies
- Preheat the Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll Out the Dough – Working with one portion of dough at a time, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a rectangle approximately ¼ inch thick. Aim for a smooth, even thickness.
- Add the Filling – Spread half of the nut filling evenly over the dough, leaving a slight border along the edges. Starting from the long side of the rectangle, roll up the dough tightly, jelly-roll style, ensuring the filling remains securely inside.
- Slice and Arrange – Slice the roll into ½-inch thick cookies and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart.
- Bake – Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Success Tips
- Use Softened Butter – Softened butter incorporates more smoothly with sugar, creating a light and airy dough that leads to a tender cookie texture.
- Chill the Dough – Chilling the dough prevents it from spreading too much during baking, helping the cookies keep their shape.
- Avoid Overmixing – Overmixing the dough can cause gluten to develop, which may lead to a tougher texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Finely Grind the Walnuts – A finely ground nut filling makes for a smooth and easy-to-roll filling, ensuring an even distribution in each bite.
- Slice Evenly – For consistent baking, try to slice each cookie to the same thickness. This will help all cookies bake evenly.
Storage
- Room Temperature – Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They remain deliciously fresh and maintain their texture when kept properly sealed.
- Refrigeration – If you’d like to keep them longer, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing – For longer storage, freeze the cookies for up to three months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Nut Options – While walnuts are traditional, feel free to experiment with other nuts like pecans or almonds. Just make sure they are finely ground.
- Sugar Substitutes – If you prefer a lower sugar option, you can replace the granulated sugar in the filling with a sugar substitute. Adjust the amount to taste.
- Add a Glaze – For a festive touch, drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies. This adds a bit of extra sweetness and visual appeal.
- Nut-Free Option – If you have nut allergies, substitute the walnut filling with a cinnamon and sugar mixture, omitting the nuts entirely. The flavor will still be deliciously rich.
Nutrition
Here’s a general nutritional breakdown for Italian Nut Roll Cookies (serving size: 1 cookie):
- Calories: Approximately 120 kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 7g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sodium: 40mg
Please note that these values are estimates and can vary depending on ingredient brands and specific measurements used.
FAQs
Can I Make This Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and keep it refrigerated for up to 2 days before rolling and baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before use.
Can I Use a Stand Mixer for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment makes it easier to cream the butter and sugar together. Be cautious not to overmix once you add the flour to avoid a tough dough.
How Can I Prevent the Cookies from Spreading Too Much?
Chilling the dough before rolling and filling is essential. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.
Can I Add Chocolate to the Filling?
Certainly! Adding a handful of mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top of the cookies after baking will add an extra touch of sweetness.
What Other Spices Work Well in the Filling?
If you’re a fan of spiced desserts, try adding a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom for an extra layer of flavor. These spices complement the nut filling wonderfully.
Conclusion
Italian Nut Roll Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a taste of Italy that brings warmth and joy with every bite. Whether you’re making them for the holidays, a family gathering, or simply to treat yourself, these cookies offer a beautiful blend of textures and flavors. From the buttery, slightly crisp dough to the sweet and spiced walnut filling, each bite is a delightful journey. Easy to store, wonderfully aromatic, and full of nostalgic charm, Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a recipe worth keeping close. Enjoy the process of baking them as much as you do the taste, and savor the simple joy of homemade goodness. Buon appetito!