Description
Explore the rich flavors and delicate textures of classic Italian baking with this delightful Italian Nut Rolls recipe. Perfect for festive occasions or an indulgent treat, these cookies feature a flavorful filling of ground walnuts, sugar, and honey, encased in a tender, flaky pastry. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating these enchanting sweets, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 pint sour cream
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 pound butter or margarine (4 sticks)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
For the filling:
- 3/4 pound walnuts, ground fine
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg whites, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons honey
For rolling:
- Powdered sugar (mixed with flour for rolling dough and for finishing)
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Dough
Beat the egg yolks in a mixing bowl. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then mix in the beaten yolks. Gradually incorporate the remaining dough ingredients. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
2. Prepare the Filling
Beat two of the egg whites to stiff peaks, then blend in the vanilla extract and honey. In a separate bowl, combine the ground walnuts and sugar. Fold the egg white mixture into the walnut mixture, then refrigerate overnight.
3. Roll and Cut the Dough
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). On a surface dusted with a mix of powdered sugar and flour, roll out the chilled dough. Cut into 3-inch squares.
4. Assemble the Rolls
Place 1/2 teaspoon of filling in the center of each square. Fold up two opposite corners to enclose the filling, forming a pocket.
5. Bake
Brush the tops with the remaining beaten egg white. Roll the cookies in powdered sugar, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Once cooled, roll in powdered sugar again.
Servings & Preparation Time
Servings: This recipe yields approximately 30-40 cookies, depending on size.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes active preparation, plus overnight refrigeration. Cooking time is 12-15 minutes.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- To refresh the cookies, lightly dust them with additional powdered sugar before serving if they appear to absorb the initial coating.
- These cookies do not require reheating but can be served at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Conclusion
The Italian Nut Rolls Delight recipe captures the essence of traditional Italian desserts with a homemade touch. Whether served at festive gatherings or as a special treat, these cookies offer a combination of sweetness, texture, and rich nutty flavors that are sure to impress. Enjoy crafting this delightful confection and savor every bite of these exquisite pastries.
PrintItalian Nut Rolls Delight
- Total Time: 8 minute
- Yield: This recipe yields approximately 30-40 cookies, depending on size.
Description
Explore the rich flavors and delicate textures of classic Italian baking with this delightful Italian Nut Rolls recipe. Perfect for festive occasions or an indulgent treat, these cookies feature a flavorful filling of ground walnuts, sugar, and honey, encased in a tender, flaky pastry. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating these enchanting sweets, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 pint sour cream
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 pound butter or margarine (4 sticks)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 3/4 pound walnuts, ground fine
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large egg whites, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons honey
- Powdered sugar (mixed with flour for rolling dough and for finishing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Beat the egg yolks in a mixing bowl. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then mix in the beaten yolks. Gradually incorporate the remaining dough ingredients. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Prepare the Filling: Beat two of the egg whites to stiff peaks, then blend in the vanilla extract and honey. In a separate bowl, combine the ground walnuts and sugar. Fold the egg white mixture into the walnut mixture, then refrigerate overnight.
- Roll and Cut the Dough: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). On a surface dusted with a mix of powdered sugar and flour, roll out the chilled dough. Cut into 3-inch squares.
- Assemble the Rolls: Place 1/2 teaspoon of filling in the center of each square. Fold up two opposite corners to enclose the filling, forming a pocket.
- Bake: Brush the tops with the remaining beaten egg white. Roll the cookies in powdered sugar, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Once cooled, roll in powdered sugar again.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes active preparation, plus overnight refrigeration
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes