Description
These Best Christmas Cookies with Nutmeg are a delightful holiday treat that combines warm spices like cinnamon and freshly ground nutmeg with a buttery, soft texture. Perfectly balanced sweetness and a sprinkle of nutmeg-powdered sugar topping make these cookies an irresistible festive favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookies:
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 tsp freshly ground nutmeg
- 1 large egg (at room temperature, about 70°F)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter (preferably Kerrygold)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (King Arthur recommended)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the flour, freshly ground nutmeg, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute spices and leavening.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand or hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing. Using a teaspoon, scoop portions of batter onto the prepared sheet, spacing to allow spreading.
- Bake and Cool: Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges turn golden. Remove from oven and let cookies cool briefly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Add the Topping: While cookies are still warm, mix powdered sugar with nutmeg and sprinkle atop. Allow cookies to cool fully before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, freshly grind nutmeg before measuring.
- Use room temperature egg to help with even mixing.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender.
- Parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Allow cookies to cool completely to let flavors set and topping adhere well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas cookies, nutmeg cookies, holiday cookies, spiced cookies, festive cookies, buttery cookies
