Nutmeg logs are a favorite Christmas cookie, they are easy to make and are perfect for a cookie swap party.

Nutmeg Logs

Nutmeg log cookies are a timeless holiday treat that combines butter, warm spices, and simple baking techniques to create something truly special. Whether you are baking for holiday parties or just want a delicious homemade Christmas cookie to enjoy with your morning coffee, this recipe is perfect. Simple pantry ingredients come together for a delicious European bakery inspired treat.

Why You Will Love This Recipe for Nutmeg Logs

These cookies are rich and buttery and they melt in your mouth. It’s like a sugar cookie and a shortbread cookie combined.
The warm nutmeg spice and sweet glaze makes them hard to resist, especially if you like eggnog.
They are perfect for holiday desserts and cookie platter for friends and family.
Versatile cookies that can be decorated with thick frosting, drizzled with glaze, topped with sprinkles or sanding sugar.
Unlike many cookie recipes that require chilling the dough for hours this cookie recipe for nutmeg log cookies comes together quickly and easily.
The cookies stay fresh and tender for up to two weeks when stored properly. This makes them the perfect cookie for holiday cookie boxes, gift giving, or preparing ahead for parties and gatherings.

Need more cookie recipes? Try Sugar cookies, Snowballs, The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chestnut Chocolate Rugulach, Viennese Whirls Dipped in Chocolate.

What You Need to Make Nutmeg Logs

1 cup butter (2 sticks), at room temperature
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoon rum extract
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
3 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. salt
Frosting Ingredients
21/2 cups powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon rum extract
1/4 tsp fresh ground nutmeg, for garnish

How to Make Log Cookies

Pre heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet or baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with a paddle attachment. Beat in the vanilla extract and the rum extract until combined, Then add the egg, creaming together well.
Gradually add the dry ingredients, the flour, nutmeg and salt, mix well until a dough forms.
When your dough is thoroughly mixed together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Pinch off small handfuls of dough and roll into a long rope shape about 1/2″ diameter.
Cut the long logs in 2 to 3-inch lengths and place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Repeat the process until all of the dough is used.
Bake cookies at 350 F for 12-15 minutes and light golden brown. Do not over bake the cookies. Remove nutmeg cookies from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool.
While the cookies are baking, in a small bowl combine the powdered sugar, milk vanilla and rum flavoring and whisk until combine. Add more milk to get the desired frosting consistency.
Drizzle the cookie log with icing or frost with a butter knife. Then sprinkle with a dusting of nutmeg. Let the icing dry before adding to your finished cookies to trays or storing.

Variations

All-purpose flour can be swapped with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that contains xanthan gum, the cookies may have a different texture. Cup-for-cup blends from King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill work best.
When fresh nutmeg is unavailable, use pre-ground nutmeg. If you do not have nutmeg, you can also use a blend of cinnamon, allspice, and a tiny pinch of clove instead.
Almond extract can replace half the vanilla extract, like the traditional European versions of this cookie.
If you want to add nuts, finely ground almonds can replace up to one quarter cup of flour.
Brown butter makes these cookies nutty with a caramelized flavor. Melt your butter and cook it over medium heat until the milk solids turn golden brown and smell like toasted nuts, then cool completely before using.
Make a thicker frosting and then with the tines of a fork mark frosting with swirls like the bark on a log.
Skip the frosting and brush the tops of unbaked cookies with a light egg wash, then sprinkling with coarse sugar.
Drizzle cooled cookies with white chocolate thinned with a little coconut oil is another option

How to Store Christmas Cookies

Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking. Keep the container in a cool, dry place.

These cookies freeze well for up to three months when properly packaged. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.

For best results, freeze cookies before frosting. Apply the frosting or chocolate drizzle after thawing.Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Cookie dough logs can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to five days before slicing and baking. This actually improves flavor as it gives the butter time to absorb the nutmeg and other seasonings. You can also freeze unbaked dough logs for up to three months, then slice and bake directly from the freezer, adding just a minute or two to baking time.

What to serve with Nutmeg Logs

These cookies are delicious with hot beverages, especially freshly brewed coffee, chai tea, or spiced hot chocolate.
Serve them on a dessert board by arranging nutmeg log cookies with fresh fruit like sliced pears, apple wedges, and clusters of grapes.
For holiday gatherings, place these cookies on a platter with other Christmas cookies like Russian tea cakes, shortbread cookie, and biscotti. They also work wonderfully as part of a cheese course, served after dinner with dessert wine or port.
Serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or panna cotta for a simple dessert.
Crumble them over Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey for a special breakfast treat. They also make excellent accompaniments to fruit compotes, apple crisp, or poached pears where their spiced flavor enhances rather than overwhelms the fruit.
For brunch, serve nutmeg logs alongside quiche or egg dishes and cinnamon coffeecake.
They are also perfect for dunking in warm milk before bed, a comforting treat on a cold winter night.

That’s All for Now

Spread some holiday cheer and bakes these scrumptious nutmeg log cookies. They are a wonderful addition to your baking repertoire with their buttery texture and warm spice flavor. Whether you are baking for holidays, gifts, or just because you love homemade cookies, this recipe delivers every time. Why not make them with your kids or grandkids?

What type of cookie do you like to make? Drop cookies? Bar cookies? Cutout cookies?

If you like the post please share and don’t forget to follow along on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter or Pinterest.

Shop the Post

This post contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nutmeg Log Cookie Recipe~A Classic Christmas Cookie

Nutmeg Logs