Festive and Flaky Italian Christmas Cookies Filled with Nuts

If you’re searching for a classic, crowd-pleasing dessert to share during the holidays, these Italian Christmas Cookies are exactly what you need. Known for their delicate, buttery pastry and rich nutty filling, these roll cookies bring Old World charm to any dessert table. Traditionally served during Christmas in Italian households, they’re a beautiful blend of flaky dough and sweet walnut filling — the kind of cookie that brings back cherished memories and instantly creates new ones.

Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or baking for loved ones, these nut rolls make a perfect addition to your dessert platter. Best of all, they’re easy to prepare with just a handful of pantry staples. For anyone who loves Italian cookie recipes, this is a must-bake that delivers both flavor and nostalgia.

Why You’ll Love These Italian Christmas Cookies

These Italian Christmas Cookies are more than just cookies — they’re little holiday treasures. From their tender pastry to the perfectly spiced nut filling, every bite is pure comfort. What makes them even more special is how they embody tradition. They’re great for:

• Holiday cookie exchanges
• Homemade gift boxes
• Festive dessert spreads
• Freezing ahead for holiday prep

In addition, their simple ingredients and easy method make them approachable even if you’re new to baking. Just like our Swirl Christmas Cookies or Cranberry Roll Ups, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.

What Makes Italian Christmas Cookies a Holiday Tradition?

Nut roll cookies have long been associated with holidays in many European countries, and in Italian culture, they’re particularly popular around Christmas. The combination of nuts, sugar, and spice wrapped in buttery dough is deeply rooted in festive baking traditions. These cookies are not just sweet treats; they’re part of the warm ritual of holiday baking with family.

If you’re building a festive cookie tray, these go perfectly alongside Cinnamon Maple Peanut Butter Cookies or Chocolate Cheesecake Bars.

Ingredients for Authentic Italian Christmas Cookies

To make authentic Italian nut rolls, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (270g)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (227g)
• 3 egg yolks
• ½ cup sour cream (120g)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• 1½ cups finely chopped walnuts (150g)
• ½ cup brown sugar (100g)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp milk (dairy or non-dairy)

Optional Toppings:

• Powdered sugar for dusting

This ingredient list keeps things simple while ensuring your cookies are rich, buttery, and perfectly sweetened — just like traditional Italian desserts should be.

Tools You’ll Need to Make Italian Cookie Recipes

Before you begin baking these Italian cookies, make sure you have the following tools ready:

• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Food processor or nut grinder
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry cutter or knife
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

These basic kitchen tools will help you create cookies that are evenly shaped, golden brown, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Roll Cookies

These roll cookies come together in just a few steps and can even be made ahead for stress-free holiday baking. Here’s how to do it:

1. Make the dough
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, combine the egg yolks, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Stir the wet ingredients into the flour mixture until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
2. Prepare the filling
   While the dough chills, mix together the chopped walnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, and milk until it becomes a thick paste. Set aside.
3. Roll out the dough
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a rectangle about 1/8-inch thick. Spread half the nut filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along the edges.
4. Roll and slice
   Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a tight log. Cut into 1-inch slices and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the second disc and remaining filling.
5. Bake the cookies
   Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a cooling rack and dust with powdered sugar once cooled.

That’s it! These beautiful nut rolls are now ready to serve.

Tips for Perfect Italian Desserts Every Time

For the best results with these homemade desserts, follow these tips:

• Use cold butter for a flakier dough
• Don’t skip the chilling step — it makes the dough easier to roll
• Chop your nuts finely so the filling spreads evenly
• Seal the edges well before slicing to prevent unrolling during baking
• Dust with powdered sugar only after the cookies cool

These tips also work well for other treats like our Fudge Cheesecake or Peanut Butter Banana Bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid With Nut Roll Cookies

Even simple recipes can have pitfalls. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Overworking the dough: This can make your cookies tough instead of tender
• Filling too wet or dry: The right consistency will help your filling stay put
• Skipping the chill time: Warm dough will be harder to roll and might tear
• Using uneven slices: Cut evenly so your cookies bake uniformly
• Overbaking: These cookies should be golden, not brown

By avoiding these mistakes, you ensure that every bite of these Italian Christmas Cookies is as delightful as the last.

Serving Suggestions and Holiday Presentation Ideas

These Italian desserts are ideal for festive occasions. Here are some ways to serve and display them:

• Arrange on a tiered platter with other cookies
• Wrap in cellophane with ribbon for edible gifts
• Serve on a decorative tray dusted with powdered sugar
• Pair with a cup of chai or hot cocoa like this Chai Spiced Hot Chocolate

Their rolled shape makes them visually appealing, so don’t be afraid to show them off!

How to Store Your Homemade Desserts

Storage is simple and these cookies keep very well:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
• Refrigerator: Extend freshness by storing for up to 10 days
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving

These cookies are ideal for making in advance and enjoying throughout the holiday season.

Easy Variations on Traditional Italian Cookie Recipes

You can personalize this base recipe with different fillings and flavorings. Here are a few tasty ideas:

• Replace walnuts with pecans or hazelnuts
• Add a spoonful of cocoa to the filling for chocolate flavor
• Include orange zest in the dough for a citrus twist
• Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a deeper Italian flavor

Or for something different but equally festive, try Red Velvet Cake Roll or Chocolate No Bake Cookies.

Perfect Pairings for These Italian Christmas Cookies

These cookies go wonderfully with cozy drinks or other simple desserts. Try serving them with:

• Whipped Hot Chocolate
• Cranberry Custard Pie
• Japanese Sweet Potato Crème Brûlée
• Fig Dessert Bars

These pairings bring out the nutty, buttery flavors and complete your dessert spread.

FAQs About Italian Recipes Dessert Style Nut Rolls

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and freeze the dough or fully baked cookies.

Can I use a different nut besides walnuts?
Absolutely. Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts all work well.

How thin should I roll the dough?
Aim for about 1/8 inch — not too thin or it may tear, but thin enough to roll tightly.

What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can use Greek yogurt as a substitute, or plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free version.

Are these cookies overly sweet?
Not at all — they strike the perfect balance between sweet, nutty, and buttery.

Wrap-Up: Celebrate the Season with Roll Cookies

These Italian Christmas Cookies are everything holiday desserts should be: beautiful, nostalgic, and absolutely delicious. With their tender dough and rich nut filling, they are a wonderful way to bring tradition into your kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a party or gifting cookies to friends, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

They also pair wonderfully with other homemade holiday treats from our site, like Christmas Deviled Eggs or White Christmas Mojito Mocktail.

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