Nutmeg Logs

Nutmeg Logs Recipe - Delicious Nutmeg Flavored Cookies

Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 12-14 minutes | Servings: makes about 3 dozen cookies

Introduction

Nutmeg Logs are a classic holiday cookie that are perfect for any festive occasion. These delicious treats are buttery, sweet, and flavored with the warm spice of nutmeg. They are sure to be a hit with your family and friends!

History

The origins of Nutmeg Logs can be traced back to traditional European Christmas cookies. Nutmeg, a popular spice during the holiday season, adds a warm and comforting flavor to these cookies. They are often enjoyed during the winter months and are a staple at holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

1 cup of softened butter
0.75 cup of sugar
1 egg
2 tsp of vanilla extract
3 cups of all-purpose flour
1.5 tsp of ground nutmeg
0.25 tsp of salt
Additional sugar

How to prepare

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until it becomes light and fluffy.
Beat in the egg and vanilla.
Combine the flour, nutmeg, and salt; gradually add them to the creamed mixture.
Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or until it becomes firm.
On a sugared surface, shape 0.5 cupfuls of dough into logs that are 0.5 inches thick.
Cut the logs into pieces that are 2 to 2.5 inches long.
Place the pieces 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 12-14 minutes or until they are lightly browned.
Remove them from the baking sheets and let them cool on wire racks.

Variations

For a twist on the classic recipe, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cloves to the dough for extra spice.
You can also drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finishing touch.

Notes

Yield: about 5 dozen.
PREP 30 minutes.
COOK 15 minutes.
TOTAL 45 minutes.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture for your cookies.

- Refrigerating the dough before shaping it into logs will make it easier to work with and will help the cookies hold their shape during baking.

- Be sure to space the cookies 2 inches apart on the baking sheet to allow for even baking and prevent them from sticking together.

- For a festive touch, you can sprinkle the tops of the cookies with additional sugar before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Nutmeg Logs are perfect for serving with a cup of hot tea or coffee. They also make a great addition to any holiday cookie platter.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Nutmeg Logs is to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, and to refrigerate the dough before shaping it into logs. This will help the cookies hold their shape during baking and ensure a tender texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have nutmeg on hand, you can substitute it with cinnamon or allspice for a different flavor profile. You can also use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for Nutmeg Logs ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. This makes them a great make-ahead option for holiday baking.

Presentation Ideas

Nutmeg Logs can be arranged on a festive platter or cookie tin for a beautiful presentation. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.

Pairing Recommendations

Nutmeg Logs pair well with a variety of beverages such as hot cocoa, eggnog, or mulled cider. They also go well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Nutmeg Logs can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in a 350°F (177°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Nutmeg Logs contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Nutmeg Logs contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Nutmeg Logs contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Nutmeg Logs contains approximately 1 gram of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Nutmeg Logs are a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin A.

Alergens

Nutmeg Logs contain dairy (butter) and eggs.

Summary

Nutmeg Logs are a delicious treat that are relatively low in calories and provide a good source of essential nutrients such as iron and calcium.

Summary

Nutmeg Logs are a delicious and festive holiday cookie that are perfect for sharing with loved ones. With their buttery texture and warm spice flavor, they are sure to become a new favorite in your holiday baking repertoire. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a dreary winter day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my mother. As I turned the tattered pages, my eyes landed on a section titled "Holiday Treats" and there it was - the recipe for Nutmeg Logs.

I had never heard of Nutmeg Logs before, but the description and ingredients intrigued me. The recipe called for a delicate blend of spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, combined with butter, sugar, and flour to create a soft, buttery cookie rolled in a mixture of sugar and even more nutmeg. It sounded like a warm hug in dessert form.

I knew I had to make them. I gathered the ingredients and set to work in my cozy kitchen, the aroma of spices filling the air as I mixed and rolled the dough. As the Nutmeg Logs baked in the oven, the scent became even more intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the timer went off, I eagerly pulled the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. The Nutmeg Logs were beautifully golden brown and coated in a dusting of sugar and spice. I took a tentative bite and was instantly transported to a place of comfort and joy. The combination of warm spices and buttery dough was perfection.

I brought a plate of Nutmeg Logs to my family, and they were met with rave reviews. My children devoured them, and my husband declared them his new favorite cookie. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my baking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made Nutmeg Logs countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my tastes. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, and it has become a beloved treat during the holiday season. Each time I make them, I am reminded of that first winter day when I discovered the recipe and the joy it has brought to my family and friends.

I often wonder about the origins of the Nutmeg Logs recipe. Did it come from a cherished family cookbook passed down through generations? Was it a creation of a wise grandmother who knew the secret to a perfect cookie? Or perhaps it was shared with me by a kind stranger who saw the joy that baking can bring.

Regardless of where the recipe came from, I am grateful for its presence in my life. It has become a symbol of warmth and love, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. And as I continue to bake Nutmeg Logs for years to come, I will always cherish the moment when I first saw that recipe and knew it was meant to be a part of my culinary journey.