Heavenly Italian Nut Rolls Delight Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Delectable Italian nut rolls combine rich cultural heritage with mouthwatering culinary craftsmanship.

Imagine a pastry that weaves nostalgia and sweetness into every delicate bite.

Soft, pillowy dough embraces a luxurious nutty filling that whispers centuries of traditional baking secrets.

Crisp exterior layers give way to tender, aromatic inner textures that dance between crunch and smoothness.

Mediterranean baking techniques shine through in this stunning confection that balances complex flavors with remarkable simplicity.

Generations of home cooks have perfected these rolls, passing down skills that celebrate pure ingredient magic.

You can find yourself captivated by the irresistible combination of warmth, texture, and deep nutty undertones.

Explore this recipe and experience a slice of genuine Italian comfort.

Italian Nut Rolls with Traditional Flair

• These Italian nut rolls transform simple ingredients into elegant, hand-crafted cookies with a sophisticated European touch that feels like a special culinary adventure.
• The crisp, delicate exterior paired with a soft, nutty interior creates a mouthwatering experience that combines crunch and smoothness in every delightful bite.
• This recipe allows complete preparation the night before, making it perfect for stress-free baking and ideal for busy home cooks who want to impress without last-minute kitchen chaos.

Ingredients for Sweet Italian Nut Rolls

• Egg Yolks: Rich base that adds moisture and helps bind the dough together.
• Butter: Provides richness and tender texture to the pastry.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps in browning the dough.
• Flour: Structural foundation of the pastry with soft, delicate texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.

• Egg Whites: Creates light, airy texture for the filling.
• Walnuts: Provides nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the walnut filling.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps bind the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Complements the walnut flavor with warm undertones.

• Powdered Sugar: Used for dusting and coating the rolls, adds sweetness and decorative touch.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of rolls from baking sheet.

Rolling and Baking Instructions for Nut-Filled Dough

Step 1: Craft the Dough Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks until smooth. Cream butter and sugar together until they transform into a light, airy mixture. Gently fold in the whisked yolks. Gradually add remaining dough ingredients, stirring until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator overnight, allowing flavors to meld and develop.

Step 2: Create Delectable Filling

• Ground walnuts
• Granulated sugar

Tenderly fold the whipped egg white mixture into the walnut blend. Refrigerate overnight to intensify the flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Workspace

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Dust your work surface with a magical blend of powdered sugar and all-purpose flour. Roll out the chilled dough into a thin, even sheet. Cut the dough into precise 3-inch squares using a sharp knife or pastry cutter.

Step 4: Assemble Delightful Rolls

Place a small dollop of filling (about 1/2 teaspoon) right in the center of each dough square. Gently fold two opposite corners towards the center, creating a charming little pocket that hugs the filling.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Lovingly brush the tops of the rolls with the remaining beaten egg white. Sprinkle generously with powdered sugar. Arrange the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they have breathing room. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Once the rolls have cooled completely, give them another playful roll in powdered sugar. This creates a delicate, snow-like coating that makes these treats irresistible.

Tips for Flavorful and Moist Nut Rolls

• Chill Strategically: Refrigerate dough and filling separately overnight to enhance flavor development and improve texture of the rolls.
• Master the Rolling Technique: Use a mix of powdered sugar and flour to prevent sticking and create a delicate, light surface when rolling out the dough.
• Perfect the Filling Fold: Gently incorporate egg whites into walnut mixture to maintain a light, airy consistency that prevents dense filling.
• Seal with Precision: Carefully fold opposite corners to create a tight pocket, ensuring the filling stays securely inside during baking.
• Sugar Coating Secret: Double-roll in powdered sugar – once before and once after baking – for a beautiful, delicate snow-like finish that adds sweetness and visual appeal.

How to Store Italian Nut Rolls the Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store these nutty delights in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep them fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll maintain their delicious flavor for 2-3 months when frozen.
• Reheat: Bring frozen rolls to room temperature, then warm gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. Dust with fresh powdered sugar before serving to restore their original magical charm.

Beverages That Work With Nut Rolls

• Savor Nutty Wine Companion: Pair these delicate Italian nut rolls with a crisp Moscato d'Asti, which complements the sweet walnut filling and offers a light, effervescent touch that enhances the cookies' delicate texture.
• Elevate with Coffee Delight: Serve alongside a smooth, creamy cappuccino or a rich espresso, allowing the nutty sweetness of the rolls to balance the robust coffee flavors and create a perfect mid-afternoon treat.
• Match with Dessert Wine Magic: A small glass of Vin Santo provides a luxurious accompaniment, its caramel and honey notes harmonizing beautifully with the walnut and honey filling, creating a decadent flavor experience.

Adjusting the Recipe for Different Nut Mixes

• Nutty Chocolate Swirl: Enhance the filling by adding melted dark chocolate to the walnut mixture, creating a rich, decadent flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the classic nut roll.
• Citrus Infusion: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough and filling for a bright, refreshing twist that complements the nutty base of the traditional recipe.
• Almond Elegance: Swap walnuts with ground almonds and add a touch of almond extract to the filling, transforming the classic nut roll into a sophisticated, aromatic treat.
• Spiced Autumn Version: Mix ground cinnamon and nutmeg into the filling, giving the rolls a warm, cozy flavor that evokes memories of fall baking.

FAQs About Italian Nut Rolls From Home Bakers

• Can I make these nut rolls ahead of time?

Yes! The dough and filling can be prepared the night before and refrigerated, which actually helps develop richer flavors and makes the rolling process easier.

• How do I store these Italian nut rolls?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fresh and maintain their delicate powdered sugar coating.

• Can I use a different type of nut instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work great as substitutes. Just grind them finely to maintain the traditional texture of the filling.

• Why do I need to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?

The first coating after baking helps create a light, delicate crust, while the second coating once cooled ensures a beautiful, classic powdered look and adds a sweet finish to the cookies.

Italian Nut Rolls Delight Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 12 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet Italian nut rolls whisper tales of family tradition and Mediterranean warmth. Delicate pastry wrapped around rich nutty filling invites you to savor a delicious slice of culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound butter or margarine (4 sticks)
• 4 large egg yolks
• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ pound walnuts, ground fine
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Filling and Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ pint sour cream
• 3 large egg whites, divided
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ teaspoons honey
• 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar

Leavening and Coating:

• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• Powdered sugar (for rolling dough and finishing)

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Instructions

1. Craft the foundational dough by whisking egg yolks in a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blending softened butter and sugar until ethereally light, then integrating remaining dry and wet ingredients into a cohesive mixture.
2. Refrigerate the dough overnight to enhance flavor development and improve textural complexity.
3. Construct the nutty filling by whipping egg whites to glossy, stiff peaks, then delicately incorporating vanilla and golden honey.
4. Fold ground walnuts and granulated sugar into the airy egg white foundation, creating a rich, nutty amalgamation.
5. Chill the filling mixture overnight to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
6. Heat the oven to a precise 375°F (190°C), preparing a workspace with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar and flour.
7. Gently roll the chilled dough into a thin, even sheet, cutting precise 3-inch geometric squares with clean, sharp movements.
8. Position a modest dollop of walnut filling at the center of each dough square, carefully folding opposite corners to create elegant, compact parcels.
9. Delicately brush the pastry surfaces with reserved egg white, providing a lustrous sheen.
10. Generously coat each pastry in powdered sugar before arranging on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
11. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden hue, indicating perfect caramelization.
12. Allow pastries to cool completely, then finish with a final, luxurious dusting of powdered sugar.

Notes

• Overnight Preparation is Key: Chilling the dough and filling separately ensures deeper flavor development and easier handling, making this recipe perfect for advanced planning.
• Delicate Handling Matters: Work with cold dough on a sugar-flour dusted surface to prevent sticking and maintain the delicate texture of these elegant Italian cookies.
• Precise Filling Technique: Use exactly 1/2 teaspoon of filling to prevent overstuffing, which can cause the rolls to burst during baking.
• Double Sugar Coating Creates Texture: Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar before and after baking gives a beautiful snowy appearance and adds a sweet, delicate crunch.
• Temperature Control is Critical: Bake at 375°F for exactly 12-15 minutes to achieve a golden exterior while keeping the center soft and tender.
• Walnut Filling Provides Rich Flavor: The combination of ground walnuts, honey, and egg whites creates a luxurious, nutty filling that elevates these traditional Italian rolls.

• Prep Time: 12  hours 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg