Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the scent of nutmeg and vanilla dances through the kitchen, it’s hard not to feel that holiday magic in the air. My favorite Christmas cookies, Nutmeg Logs, perfectly capture that essence, combining the comforting flavors of nutmeg and a hint of rum reminiscent of festive eggnog. These easy-to-make cookies not only offer a delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture but also bring joy and warmth to any holiday gathering. Whether you’re baking with loved ones or preparing a sweet surprise for yourself, Nutmeg Logs make for a quick, crowd-pleasing treat that’s sure to leave lasting memories. Curious about how to whip up these buttery delights? Let’s dive into the deliciousness! Why are Nutmeg Logs a Must-Bake? Irresistible Flavor: These cookies are infused with warm, aromatic nutmeg and a splash of rum, making each bite a celebration of festive taste. Effortlessly Simple: No complicated techniques here; perfect for bakers of all skill levels looking to create holiday magic. Versatile Treat: Great as gifts, party snacks, or family desserts, Nutmeg Logs fit any occasion during the joyful season. Timeless Tradition: Nutmeg Logs are rooted in holiday customs, embodying the cozy spirit of Christmas and brightening your gatherings. Memorable Moments: Gather friends and family around to bake and share these delightful cookies, creating sweet memories together. Nutmeg Logs Ingredients For the Cookies • Butter – Provides richness and a soft texture; use unsalted for better control over saltiness. • Vanilla Extract – Adds warm sweetness; opt for pure vanilla for the best flavor profile. • Rum Extract – Imparts a delightful hint of rum; feel free to substitute with more vanilla for a non-alcoholic version. • Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies while contributing to their structure; brown sugar can enhance depth of flavor. • Egg – Serves to bind the ingredients, enhancing the cookie’s texture; using room temperature eggs yields better emulsification. • All-Purpose Flour – Forms the dough’s base; try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. • Nutmeg – This is the star ingredient, delivering that warm spice note essential to the flavor; freshly grated nutmeg is the best choice for vibrant taste. For the Icing • Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the icing for a delightful finish. • Milk – Adjusts the icing consistency; any milk or non-dairy alternative will work well. • Vanilla Extract – Enhances the icing’s flavor, making it even more irresistible. • Rum Extract – Infuses the icing with the cookie’s signature flavor, bringing everything together beautifully. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Nutmeg Logs Step 1: Make the Dough In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg, mixing well. In a separate bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of rum extract until fluffy. Add in one room temperature egg, blending smoothly, then gradually add in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms, approximately 2-3 minutes. Step 2: Shape the Cookies Once your Nutmeg Logs dough is ready, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to make handling easier. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). After chilling, scoop portions of dough and roll them into logs about 1/2 inch in diameter. Cut each log into 2-inch sections and place them on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie for spreading. Step 3: Bake the Cookies Bake the shaped Nutmeg Logs in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be gently golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Step 4: Make the Icing While your Nutmeg Logs are cooling, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of rum extract in a bowl. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for thicker frosting until you achieve your desired texture—a smooth icing that will coat the cookies beautifully. Step 5: Frost the Cookies Once the Nutmeg Logs have completely cooled, use a spatula or a piping bag to generously frost each cookie with the prepared icing. After frosting, you can sprinkle a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg on top for an added festive touch and a burst of flavor. Allow the icing to set for about 15 minutes before serving or storing the cookies. Storage Tips for Nutmeg Logs Room Temperature: Store your Nutmeg Logs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them fresh and delicious. Fridge: If you want to extend their lifespan, keep the cookies in the fridge. They will stay good for up to 2 weeks, but let them come to room temperature before serving. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze Nutmeg Logs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying. Reheating: If desired, reheat cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to refresh their soft texture before serving. Nutmeg Logs Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative with these delightful Nutmeg Logs and make them your own – the possibilities are nearly endless! Almond Extract: Swap the rum extract for almond extract for a lovely nutty twist on the classic flavor. Chopped Nuts: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for a delightful crunch that complements the soft cookie texture beautifully. Spice It Up: Experiment by adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or ground cloves for a warming spice profile your holiday guests will adore. Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make these cookies accessible for everyone. Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter for a delicious dairy-free alternative that still packs a buttery punch. Frosting Variations: Try using cream cheese instead of the milk in your icing for a tangy twist that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cookies. Cocoa Powder: Add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dough for a subtle chocolate flavor that pairs wonderfully with nutmeg. Festive Sprinkles: Top frosted cookies with holiday-themed sprinkles for an extra festive flair that brings joy to your holiday gatherings. With these variations, you can create your own signature Nutmeg Logs, ensuring that every bite is not only delicious but uniquely tailored just for you and your loved ones. For more fun and festive ideas, check out my Gluten-Free Holiday Cookies or Homemade Eggnog Recipe for a perfect pairing! What to Serve with Nutmeg Logs? Indulging in the delightful flavors of these Christmas cookies is just the beginning of your festive feast! Creamy Hot Cocoa: A rich, velvety cup of hot cocoa perfectly balances the nutmeg’s warm spices, making every bite cozy. Eggnog: This classic holiday drink’s creamy texture and hint of spice seamlessly enhance the flavors of the nutmeg logs. Spiced Apple Cider: Serve warm spiced apple cider alongside for a refreshing contrast that brightens the rich cookie experience. Pecan Pie Bars: These sweet, nutty bars add a delightful crunch and are an excellent companion to the soft, buttery cookies. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream gives a luscious contrast to the warm spices of the nutmeg logs, creating a delightful dessert duo. Gingerbread Cookies: Share the plate with traditional gingerbread cookies for a nostalgic holiday spread that captures the spirit of the season. Make Ahead Options Nutmeg Logs are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle but also enhances the flavors. If you want to take it a step further, roll the shaped logs in advance and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just take them out of the freezer and bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time. This way, you’ll enjoy freshly baked Nutmeg Logs with minimal effort, just as delicious and full of holiday spirit! Expert Tips for Nutmeg Logs Chill the Dough: Refrigerate your dough for 30 minutes before shaping. This makes it easier to handle and enhances the flavors of your Nutmeg Logs. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for better emulsification, resulting in a smoother, richer dough. Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies while baking. They should be slightly golden; over-baking can lead to dryness. Cool Before Icing: Allow your cookies to cool completely before frosting. Icing on warm cookies can melt, ruining the beautiful finish. Adjust the Icing: Depending on your preference, play with the milk and powdered sugar ratios to achieve your desired thickness for icing that perfectly coats the Nutmeg Logs. Nutmeg Logs Recipe FAQs What type of nutmeg should I use for Nutmeg Logs? Absolutely, when making Nutmeg Logs, I highly recommend using freshly grated nutmeg. The aroma and flavor are significantly stronger than pre-ground nutmeg, delivering a vibrant, festive taste that truly embodies the spirit of the holiday season. If you only have the ground version on hand, it will work in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as powerful. How should I store the Nutmeg Logs after baking? You can store your Nutmeg Logs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want them to last a bit longer, you can refrigerate them; they’ll stay fresh for about 2 weeks. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving! Can Nutmeg Logs be frozen? What’s the best way to do it? Absolutely! To freeze Nutmeg Logs, first, let them cool completely. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Why are my Nutmeg Logs spreading too much during baking? If your Nutmeg Logs spread too much in the oven, it typically indicates that the dough was too warm or that the butter was overly softened. Make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before shaping it into logs. Also, ensure your butter is softened, not melted, for the right consistency. If this happens, you can still enjoy them—just remember that each batch is a lesson for next time! Is there a way to make Nutmeg Logs gluten-free? Yes! To make Nutmeg Logs gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the blend you choose contains xanthan gum, as this will help mimic the structure that gluten provides. Just like that, you can enjoy these delightful cookies without gluten concerns! Can I make Nutmeg Logs ahead of time? Certainly! Nutmeg Logs can be made ahead of time, and they actually taste better after resting. You can bake them up to a week in advance and store them in an airtight container. For longer storage, bake them and freeze as outlined above. This is a great way to get a jump on your holiday baking and reduce stress as the festivities approach! Nutmeg Logs: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Christmas Cookie Bliss Nutmeg Logs capture the holiday spirit with flavors of nutmeg and rum, offering a melt-in-your-mouth cookie experience. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsChilling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: CookiesCuisine: AmericanCalories: 120 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookies1 cup unsalted butter softened1 cup granulated sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract preferably pure1 teaspoon rum extract or more vanilla1 large egg room temperature2 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free blend1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg the star ingredientFor the Icing1 cup powdered sugar2 tablespoons milk any type1 teaspoon vanilla extract1/2 teaspoon rum extract Equipment Mixing BowlBaking Sheetspatulawire rackwhisk Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg.In a separate bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of rum extract until fluffy.Add in one room temperature egg and blend smoothly, then gradually add in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms, approximately 2-3 minutes.Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Scoop portions of dough and roll them into logs about 1/2 inch in diameter. Cut into 2-inch sections and place on an ungreased baking sheet.Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until golden around the edges but soft in the center.Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.Whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of rum extract for the icing.Adjust the icing consistency before generously frosting each cookie once cooled.Sprinkle a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg on top before serving.Allow the icing to set for about 15 minutes before serving or storing the cookies. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 45mgPotassium: 30mgSugar: 8gVitamin A: 150IUCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.5mg NotesChill the dough for easier handling and enhanced flavors. Use room temperature ingredients for better emulsification. Watch baking time closely to prevent dryness. Allow cookies to cool completely before icing. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
