Spiced Christmas Cookies with Nutmeg Recipe

If your holiday baking list needs a new showstopper, this Spiced Christmas Cookies with Nutmeg Recipe is exactly what you want to try. These cookies bring together a cozy blend of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and that warm, nutty kick of nutmeg, creating flavors that instantly transport you to festive gatherings. With their soft centers and slightly crisp edges, each bite feels like a comforting hug on a winter day, making them a perfect treat to share with loved ones or to enjoy alongside a hot cup of cocoa by the fire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Spiced Christmas Cookies with Nutmeg Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in delivering the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and texture that defines these cookies.

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie, providing structure and chewiness.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender crumb.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to give a light texture.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, sweet-spicy depth essential for holiday flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: The star spice in this recipe, offering a fragrant and slightly sweet aroma.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Brings a subtle heat and zest to brighten the spice blend.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Provides an intense, slightly bitter spice that balances sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives richness and helps create a tender cookie.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens while contributing to the cookie’s crisp edges.
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone.
• 1 large egg: Binds the dough and adds moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and aroma.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling): Coats the dough balls for a sparkling, crisp exterior.

How to Make Spiced Christmas Cookies with Nutmeg Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This small preparation step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures that the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed for that perfect burst of flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air that helps the cookies rise and develop a tender texture.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. These ingredients help bind the dough and enhance the cookie’s rich, warm flavor profile.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until blended. Avoid overmixing here to keep the cookies soft and tender. This is where your dough starts to come together into that dreamy, spiced base.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Pop the dough into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies maintain their shape while baking.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and roll them into smooth spheres. This step is satisfying and a bit meditative, and you’ll love the feeling of the dough coming together in your hands.

Step 8: Sugar Coat the Dough Balls

Roll each dough ball in the extra granulated sugar before placing them onto the baking sheets. This coating gives the cookies a delightful sparkle and a subtle crunch on the outside.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the edges turn lightly golden but the centers remain soft. This perfect timing ensures chewy, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that taste like the essence of the holidays.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets briefly before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Patience here pays off because the flavors deepen as the cookies rest.

How to Serve Spiced Christmas Cookies with Nutmeg Recipe

Garnishes

For a festive finish, consider sprinkling the cooled cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple vanilla glaze. A small sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or crystallized ginger also adds an exciting texture and flavor boost.

Side Dishes

Pair these spiced delights with warm beverages like mulled cider, hot chocolate, or a freshly brewed spiced chai. The spices in the cookies complement these drinks beautifully, creating a cozy and harmonious holiday experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a decorative holiday platter surrounded by fresh evergreen sprigs or cranberries to brighten the table. You can even stack them in holiday-themed tins as charming gifts that friends and family will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness and spice-infused aroma. Properly stored, they stay fresh and delicious for up to one week, perfect for snacking throughout the season.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container once solid. Alternatively, freeze the dough balls before baking for quick cookies fresh from the oven anytime you crave that Spiced Christmas Cookies with Nutmeg Recipe magic.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked softness, warm the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. This brings back the enticing aroma and slightly melty centers, making each bite feel freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I substitute the spices in the Spiced Christmas Cookies with Nutmeg Recipe?

Absolutely! While the combination here is classic, you can adjust the spices to your liking, perhaps adding a bit more cinnamon or swapping cloves for allspice. Just keep the nutmeg for that signature flavor twist.

Do I have to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling isn’t strictly mandatory but highly recommended. It firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies keep their shape without spreading too much during baking.

Can I use margarine or oil instead of butter?

Butter is best for flavor and texture in this recipe. Margarine or oil may change the cookie’s richness and texture, potentially making them less tender or flavorful.

How many cookies does this recipe make?

The yield depends on the size of your dough balls, but typically you can expect around 24-30 cookies from this batch—enough to share or keep plenty for yourself!

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

You can experiment by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for similar texture results.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly heartwarming about baking and sharing the Spiced Christmas Cookies with Nutmeg Recipe during the holiday season. The layers of spice, the tender texture, and the sweet sparkle of sugar come together to create a treat that feels both timeless and utterly special. I encourage you to try this recipe and watch it quickly become a cherished holiday tradition in your own kitchen.

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