Few treats capture the warmth of tradition like Italian Nut Roll Cookies. With buttery cream cheese dough wrapped around a cinnamon-honey walnut filling, each bite is tender, nutty, and lightly sweet. These spiraled cookies are a staple on holiday dessert trays but simple enough for weekend baking. Whether you’re carrying on a family tradition or starting a new one, these cookies deliver that perfect balance of old-world flavor and homemade charm. If you’ve never made Italian Nut Roll Cookies before, you’re in for a nostalgic—and very delicious—surprise.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Nut Roll Cookies Recipe
Here’s why this Italian Nut Roll Cookies recipe belongs in your baking rotation:
- Rich & Buttery Dough: Made with cream cheese and butter for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
- Nostalgic Flavor: Cinnamon, honey, and toasted walnuts bring cozy holiday vibes to every swirl.
- Beginner-Friendly: The dough is forgiving and easy to roll, even if you’re new to baking.
- Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are beautiful, freezer-friendly, and always appreciated in a festive tin.
The Story Behind Italian Nut Roll Cookies
Here’s why Italian Nut Roll Cookies are more than just a sweet snack:
- 🇮🇹 Cultural Favorite: Known in some regions as “Gubana” or similar variations, they’re often served during holidays and weddings in Italy.
- Nut-Centric Heritage: Nuts like walnuts and pecans were once considered a luxury, making these cookies extra special for celebrations.
- Natural Sweeteners: Traditional recipes often used honey to flavor and bind the filling, giving it warmth and depth.
- Holiday Staple: Families across generations pass these cookies down as part of their seasonal baking rituals.
Key Ingredients in Italian Nut Roll Cookies
- All-Purpose Flour – The base structure for the tender, flaky dough.
- Unsalted Butter & Cream Cheese – Together they create a soft, rich dough with subtle tang.
- Granulated Sugar & Honey – Sweeten both the dough and filling, with honey adding moisture and richness.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor of the dough and filling.
- Chopped Walnuts (or Pecans) – The nutty star of the show, delivering texture and earthy flavor.
- Cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice to the sweet filling.
- Egg Wash & Powdered Sugar – For a golden-brown finish and a festive final touch.
How to Make Italian Nut Roll Cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions for Italian Nut Roll Cookies
- Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt, and mix to combine. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms. Divide into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. - Make the Nut Filling
In a medium bowl, stir together finely chopped walnuts, sugar, honey, cinnamon, and milk. Mix until the filling is well-blended and spreadable. - Roll the Dough
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. - Add the Filling
Spread half the nut mixture evenly across the rolled dough, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges. - Roll and Slice
Roll up the dough tightly from the long side into a log. Repeat with remaining dough. Slice each log into ½-inch rounds using a sharp knife. - Prepare to Bake
Place cookies cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg. - Bake and Cool
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the cookies are golden. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. - Dust and Serve
Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired. Serve with your favorite warm beverage.
Italian Nut Roll Cookies Tips and Twists
Tips for Success and Fun Variations
Tips:
- Chill dough for at least an hour—this makes rolling easier.
- Roll tightly to avoid air pockets or unrolling.
- Use a serrated knife or unflavored dental floss for clean cuts.
- Don’t overbake—look for a light golden brown color.
- Store cooled cookies in airtight containers to preserve freshness.
Twists:
- Add Orange Zest to the filling for a citrusy punch.
- Sprinkle Mini Chocolate Chips for a sweet surprise.
- Use Almonds or Hazelnuts instead of walnuts or pecans.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
Italian Nut Roll Cookies keep well and can be prepared in advance:
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temp for 5 days or in the fridge for 10 days.
- Reheating: If desired, warm in the microwave for 5–7 seconds to soften.
- Make-Ahead: Freeze unbaked logs or baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw and slice or enjoy directly from the freezer.
Serving Suggestions for Italian Nut Roll Cookies
Make your Italian Nut Roll Cookies the star of the table:
- With Espresso or Cappuccino: A perfect bite alongside bold Italian coffee.
- On a Holiday Cookie Tray: Add visual contrast with chocolate or frosted cookies.
- With Wine: Try pairing with Moscato or sweet red wine.
- As a DIY Gift: Wrap in cellophane or festive tins for homemade holiday cheer.
- With a Scoop of Gelato: Warm cookies + cold gelato = perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different nut in the filling?
Yes! Pecans, hazelnuts, or almonds all work beautifully.
Do I have to use honey in the filling?
Honey helps bind and sweeten, but maple syrup or agave can work in a pinch.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Wrap the dough disks tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes, with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Handle gently and chill longer.
Is powdered sugar garnish necessary?
Optional—but it adds a lovely finish and extra sweetness.
Enjoy Your Italian Nut Roll Cookies
Italian Nut Roll Cookies bring generations of love and flavor into your kitchen. With their tender cream cheese dough and cozy nut filling, these cookies are perfect for gifting, sharing, or treating yourself after dinner. They’re simple to make, but full of tradition—and every bite tells a story. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just because, this sweet swirl of history is always a welcome treat. So roll up your sleeves and enjoy your Italian Nut Roll Cookies today!
Explore More Recipes
Want to keep the baking magic going? Try these cozy favorites next:
- From-Scratch Pistachio Muffins – Nutty, moist muffins perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
- Best Carrot Cake Cookies – Soft, spiced, and topped with dreamy frosting.
- No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake – An easy, crowd-pleasing dessert.
- Easy Easter Birds Nest Cookies – Festive and fun for spring baking with kids.
- Chocolate Zucchini Cake – A rich dessert with a healthy twist—perfect for chocoholics.
Italian Nut Roll Cookies with Sweet Walnut Filling
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Nut Filling:
- 1 ½ cups finely chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp milk
For Assembly and Garnish:
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar optional, for dusting
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add flour and mix just until dough forms. Divide into 2 disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- In a medium bowl, combine walnuts, sugar, honey, cinnamon, and milk until evenly mixed and spreadable.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll one dough disk into a ¼-inch thick rectangle. Spread half the filling evenly, leaving a ½-inch border.
- Roll tightly into a log from the long side. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.
- Slice logs into ½-inch thick rounds and place on baking sheet. Brush with egg wash.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden. Cool completely and dust with powdered sugar if desired.