Best Christmas Cookies with Nutmeg Recipe

Introduction

These Best Christmas Cookies with Nutmeg bring warm spices and a buttery texture into every bite, perfect for the holiday season. With a simple recipe and a sweet, nutmeg-topped finish, they make a delightful treat for family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 1 1/2 cups plain flour
• 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon icing sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine plain flour, 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon powder. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices and baking soda.
3. Step 3: In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter and white sugar together until the mixture is fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla essence, then mix until well combined.
4. Step 4: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing. Use a teaspoon to scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them to allow spreading.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges turn golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Step 6: While the cookies are still warm, mix the icing sugar with 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture over the cookies for a sweet, spiced topping. Let the cookies cool fully before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add chopped nuts or dried cranberries to the dough before baking.
• Use fresh grated nutmeg instead of powder for a more intense spice aroma.
• If you prefer a softer cookie, reduce baking time by a minute or two.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to three months. To reheat, warm them briefly in a low oven or microwave to regain softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?

Butter provides the best flavor and texture for these cookies. While margarine may work, oil is not recommended as it will change the dough consistency and cookie texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This can help the flavors deepen and the dough firm up, making it easier to handle.

Best Christmas Cookies with Nutmeg Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 105 reviews

These Best Christmas Cookies with Nutmeg bring a festive twist to classic sugar cookies with warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. Soft and fluffy, these cookies are easy to make and perfect for holiday celebrations. Topped with a delicate dusting of nutmeg-infused icing sugar, they offer a delightful balance of sweetness and spice.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 18 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups plain flour
• 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

Topping

• 1 tablespoon icing sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder

Instructions

1. Prepare Baking Sheet and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the flour, nutmeg, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the spices and baking soda.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate larger bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using a stand mixer or hand mixer until the mixture becomes fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla essence, continuing to mix until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Using a teaspoon, scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them to allow for spreading.
5. Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool slightly on it before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Add the Topping: While the cookies are still warm, mix the icing sugar with nutmeg in a small bowl. Sprinkle this icing sugar and nutmeg blend over the cookies for a flavorful finishing touch. Allow the cookies to cool fully before serving.

Notes

• Ensuring the butter is softened makes creaming easier and results in a fluffier texture.
• Do not overmix after adding the dry ingredients to keep the cookies tender.
• The cookies may spread while baking, so leave enough space between dough portions.
• For a stronger spice flavor, you can increase the nutmeg slightly, but be careful as it can be overpowering.
• The topping should be added while the cookies are warm for better adherence.

Keywords: Christmas cookies, nutmeg cookies, holiday baking, spiced cookies, sugar cookies, festive desserts