Classic Nutmeg Logs: Your Easy Holiday Cookie Recipe
These Classic Nutmeg Logs are an easy and delicious holiday cookie, perfect for festive gatherings. With a delightful hint of nutmeg and rum extract, these tender cookies are frosted and sprinkled with cinnamon for a charming log-like appearance.
Equipment
- Oven
- Medium bowl
- Large bowl
- Electric mixer
- wire racks
- Baking sheets
- fork
- Airtight containers
Ingredients
Logs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons rum extract
- 1 large egg
Frosting
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
- 2 to 4 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon rum extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- Cinnamon for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
Logs
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Whisk together the flour, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy, then mix in the vanilla extract, rum extract, and egg.
- Gradually beat the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed until a cohesive, stiff dough forms.
- Roll small balls of dough into ropes approximately 1/2-inch in diameter, then slice each rope into 2 1/2-inch lengths.
- Arrange the dough logs 1 inch apart on un-greased baking sheets and bake for 12 to 18 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned.
- Cool the baked logs completely on wire racks before proceeding to frosting.
Frosting
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter, 2 tablespoons of milk, rum extract, and salt until combined.
- On low speed, gradually beat in the powdered sugar. Add more milk as needed to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Spread a small amount of frosting onto each cooled log. Use the tines of a fork to create a wood-like texture on the frosting, then sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
- Store the finished nutmeg logs in airtight containers at room temperature for 3 to 4 days, layering with wax paper. Alternatively, they can be frozen for approximately one month.
Notes
The dough will be stiff but easy to work with for rolling. For the frosting, you might need to adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired spreadable consistency. Store these delicious nutmeg logs at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze them for longer enjoyment.