Description

Italian Nut Roll Cookies combine a flaky homemade dough with a sweet fruit jam and spiced nut filling for a delicious, old-world cookie that’s perfect for holidays and special gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Zest of one lemon (optional)

For the Filling:

1 cup walnuts or hazelnuts, finely chopped

½ cup fruit jam or preserves (apricot, raspberry, or your choice)

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest (if using), and whisk until evenly mixed.
Add cold butter to the dry ingredients and cut it in using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Beat the eggs and vanilla in a small bowl, then mix into the dry ingredients until a dough forms. Add cold water, a teaspoon at a time, if needed.
Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Mix the chopped nuts, sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Set aside.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
Divide the chilled dough into two parts. Roll out each portion on a floured surface to a 1/4-inch thickness.
Evenly spread a thin layer of jam over the dough, making sure to leave a small margin around the edges.
Roll the dough tightly from the long edge to form a log. Pinch the seams and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Repeat with the second piece of dough and filling.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Let cool on the sheet for 10 minutes, then slice into 1/2-inch cookies while warm.
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, and if desired, sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar.

Notes

Keep butter cold for the flakiest dough

Chill dough for at least 1 hour before rolling

Use thicker jams to prevent oozing during baking

Logs can be made ahead and frozen

Slice cookies while still warm for clean edges

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 154
Sugar: 10g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 2g