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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Refrigerate the dough overnight to enhance flavor development and improve textural complexity.
- Construct the nutty filling by whipping egg whites to glossy, stiff peaks, then delicately incorporating vanilla and golden honey.
- Fold ground walnuts and granulated sugar into the airy egg white foundation, creating a rich, nutty amalgamation.
- Chill the filling mixture overnight to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
- Heat the oven to a precise 375°F (190°C), preparing a workspace with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar and flour.
- Gently roll the chilled dough into a thin, even sheet, cutting precise 3-inch geometric squares with clean, sharp movements.
- Position a modest dollop of walnut filling at the center of each dough square, carefully folding opposite corners to create elegant, compact parcels.
- Delicately brush the pastry surfaces with reserved egg white, providing a lustrous sheen.
- Generously coat each pastry in powdered sugar before arranging on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn a delicate golden hue, indicating perfect caramelization.
- 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