Italian Nut Roll Cookies
These delicate, flaky cookies are filled with a sweet, nutty mixture that tastes like tradition! Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or as a comforting treat with coffee.
Ingredients:
For the dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the filling:
1 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp milk
For garnish:
Powdered sugar optional
Directions:
1 Make the dough: In a large bowl, cream together butter, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth. Mix in vanilla. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. Divide into 2 discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2 Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine nuts, sugar, honey, cinnamon, and milk to create a sticky, spreadable mixture.
3 Roll and fill: Preheat oven to 350F 175C. On a floured surface, roll out one dough disc into a rectangle about 1/8-inch thick. Spread half the nut mixture evenly over the dough. Roll up tightly from the long side, like a jelly roll. Repeat with the second disc.
4 Slice and bake: Slice rolls into 1-inch pieces and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, seam side down. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
5 Cool and garnish: Let cookies cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve.
Pro Tip: Add a pinch of orange zest to the filling for a citrusy twist or swap nuts for your favorite variety!