Italian Nut Roll Cookies with Sweet Walnut Filling
These Italian Nut Roll Cookies combine a soft cream cheese dough with a cinnamon-honey walnut filling. They're beginner-friendly and ideal for holidays or gifting. A cozy treat that feels like home!
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.
Notes
For best results, chill the dough before rolling. You can swap walnuts with pecans for a tasty variation of Italian Nut Roll Cookies.