Eggnog Shortbread
Overview:
Indulge in the rich flavors of Eggnog Shortbread, a delightful twist on traditional shortbread cookies with the warm essence of nutmeg. These charming treats are perfect for adorning a Christmas platter, adding a touch of Scottish-European flair to your holiday spread. Quick and easy to make, they’re ideal for large gatherings and can be customized with a tempting white chocolate drizzle and a sprinkle of nutmeg sugar for an extra festive touch!
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 36
- Yield: 1 casserole pan
Ingredients:
- 2 cups butter
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tsp nutmeg
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). |
| 2 | In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients: butter, flour, salt, confectioners’ sugar, and nutmeg. |
| 3 | Using your hands, gently rub the ingredients together until perfectly blended and a dough forms. |
| 4 | Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with waxed paper. |
| 5 | Press the dough mixture firmly into the prepared pan, ensuring it’s evenly distributed and compacted. |
| 6 | Using a fork, prick the surface of the dough all over to prevent air bubbles from forming during baking. |
| 7 | Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake until the shortbread turns a pale golden brown, typically around 20 minutes. |
| 8 | Remove the pan from the oven and immediately cut the shortbread into small squares while it’s still warm. This will make it easier to slice cleanly. |
| 9 | Allow the shortbread to cool completely in the pan before serving or storing in an airtight container. |
| 10 | For an extra special touch, consider dipping one end of each shortbread square into melted white chocolate and then sprinkling with a mixture of nutmeg sugar while the chocolate is still warm. This adds a festive flair and enhances the flavor profile of the cookies. |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 144.6
- Total Fat: 10.4g
- Saturated Fat: 6.5g
- Cholesterol: 27.1mg
- Sodium: 137.5mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 11.5g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.4g
- Sugar: 0.9g
- Protein: 1.6g
Keywords:
Dessert, Cookie & Brownie, Scottish, European, Christmas, < 30 Mins, For Large Groups, Oven, Easy
Tips:
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and better incorporation into the dough.
- For a smoother dough, you can use a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment instead of mixing by hand.
- Experiment with different cookie cutter shapes for added variety, especially during the holiday season.
- Store any leftover shortbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for longer preservation. Just remember to thaw before serving.
Conclusion:
Elevate your holiday baking with these Eggnog Shortbread cookies that are both simple to make and a joy to eat. Whether enjoyed with a cup of hot cocoa by the fireplace or shared with loved ones at a festive gathering, these delightful treats are sure to spread warmth and cheer all season long. Try them out and savor the delightful blend of buttery richness and aromatic nutmeg in every bite! ๐๐ช
