Description
Buttery spirals wrapped around a glossy honey-walnut filling scented with citrus and warm spice, these cozy Italian nut roll cookies bake crisp outside with a tender, chewy center.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 refrigerated pie crust rounds, about 12 inches each
- 12 oz walnuts, finely chopped
- 12 oz honey
- 2 tsp finely grated orange zest
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 3/4 to 1 cup all-purpose flour, for forming and dusting
- 1 egg beaten with 1 tsp water, for optional egg wash
- Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting after baking
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two sheet pans with parchment. Set a heavy saucepan over medium heat.
- In a bowl, mix walnuts, orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves. In the saucepan, bring honey to a gentle boil for about 5 minutes, then stir in the nut mixture and cook 2 to 5 minutes until thick and cohesive. Cool until firm enough to handle.
- Lightly flour a sheet of parchment. Divide the warm filling into 6 short logs, about 6 inches long, and smooth the sides.
- Cut each pie crust round in half. Place a nut log along the curved edge of each half round, roll to encase, pinch seams to seal, and trim ends as needed.
- Arrange logs seam side down on prepared pans. Brush with egg wash if using.
- Bake 28 to 32 minutes until golden and set. Cool on the pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack until completely cool.
- Dust with confectioners’ sugar, slice each log into 3/4 inch cookies, and serve.
Notes
- Note: Do not overcook the honey. Stop when thick and glossy to prevent bitterness.
- Chill assembled logs 10 to 15 minutes before baking to help seams stay sealed.
- Use a sharp serrated knife to slice once completely cool for neat spirals.
- Toast walnuts lightly before chopping for extra depth of flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Keywords: Italian nut roll cookies, sfratti, honey walnut cookies, holiday cookies, walnut pastry spirals