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Italian Nut Roll Cookies – Soft, Tender & Cozy with Cinnamon-Nut Filling

These Italian Nut Roll Cookies are a cherished tradition in many Italian families — tender pastry-like dough rolled with a warm, sweet, cinnamon-nut filling. The dough is soft and rich thanks to butter, eggs, and sour cream, giving each cookie a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Inside, the swirl of brown sugar, cinnamon, and finely chopped nuts creates cozy, holiday warmth in every bite. These cookies feel like family gatherings, Christmas music in the background, and baking in grandma’s kitchen. They’re elegant, nostalgic, and incredibly comforting. Perfect for: Christmas cookie platters Coffee or tea moments Holiday gifts Making memories in the kitchen
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
bake time 16 minutes
Total Time 36 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dough
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour add a little more if needed for rolling
Cinnamon-Nut Filling
  • 1 cup finely chopped nuts walnuts or pecans work beautifully
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

✨ Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love

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    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

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    Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

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    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

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Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or hand mixer
  • Rolling Pin
  • Pastry brush (optional)
  • Knife or pastry cutter
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

Step 1:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
  1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
Step 3:
  1. Add the eggs, vanilla, and sour cream. Mix until silky and smooth.
Step 4:
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5:
  1. Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Fold gently to form a soft dough.
  2. If too sticky, add 1–3 tablespoons more flour.
Step 6:
  1. Divide dough into 2–3 pieces. Roll each piece on a lightly floured surface into a thin rectangle.
  2. Add the Filling & Shape the Rolls
Step 7:
  1. In a small bowl, combine chopped nuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Step 8:
  1. Sprinkle filling evenly over each rolled dough rectangle.
Step 9:
  1. Starting from the long side, gently roll the dough into a log.
Step 10:
  1. Slice into 1 to 1½ inch cookies and place onto your baking sheet.
Step 11:
  1. Bake for 12–16 minutes, until edges are lightly golden and centers look set.
Step 12:
  1. Let cool on a rack. Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Freeze baked cookies for 2 months.
To refresh softness, warm in microwave 5 seconds.
🥄 Variations
Coffee House Style: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon to the dough as well.
Festive Touch: Drizzle with a light vanilla glaze.
Extra Nutty: Double the filling layer for a stronger nut flavor.
Chocolate Swirl: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the filling for a warm chocolate-cinnamon twist.
❓ 10 FAQs
What nuts are best?
Walnuts are most traditional, but pecans are also delicious.
Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes — refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Can I leave out the sour cream?
No — it’s the secret to the tender texture.
Do these spread a lot?
Not much — they hold their roll shape.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes — use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Do these freeze well?
Very well — great for gifting or prepping ahead.
Why roll in logs instead of cutting shapes?
The swirl design is part of the traditional look.
Can kids help?
Yes — spreading filling & rolling is fun and simple.
Can I add dried fruit?
A little chopped raisin or date blends beautifully.
Can they be made less sweet?
Reduce filling sugar by 1 tablespoon if desired.
🏁 Conclusion
These Italian Nut Roll Cookies are soft, warm, and full of nostalgic flavor — the perfect cozy holiday cookie. Each bite is buttery, lightly sweet, and wrapped with cinnamon-nut goodness, bringing the comfort of tradition and the joy of family into every moment.
Bake them to share love.
Bake them to celebrate.
Bake them because cookies taste like memories