Indulge in the delightful Nutcracker Cookies, a timeless holiday treat that captivates the senses with its delicate texture, festive appearance, and irresistible flavors. These cookies, inspired by the beloved ballet, come in two enchanting variations: classic and chocolate. The classic Nutcracker Cookies exude a symphony of buttery goodness, enhanced by a hint of vanilla and a sprinkle of chopped nuts. Embellished with royal icing and colorful sprinkles, they resemble miniature works of art, perfect for adorning Christmas trees or presenting as edible gifts. On the other hand, the chocolate Nutcracker Cookies offer an alluring twist with their rich cocoa dough, generously filled with a luscious chocolate ganache. Dipped in dark chocolate and adorned with shimmering sprinkles, they are a decadent delight that will tantalize your taste buds. Both variations promise an unforgettable culinary experience, making them a cherished tradition for families and friends during the holiday season.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
NUTCRACKER COOKIES
The Nutcracker is a gingerbread cookie handsomely clad in royal icing.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Cookie Recipes
Yield Makes 18
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- In a large bowl, sift flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and brown sugar on medium speed until fluffy. Add ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and pepper; beat to combine. Add eggs and molasses; beat to combine. Reduce speed to low; add flour mixture; beat until incorporated. Divide dough into thirds; shape into flat disks. Wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a floured work surface, roll out dough to an 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out shapes using nutcracker cutter; transfer to baking sheets lined with Silpat baking mats. Refrigerate until firm, at least 15 minutes. Bake until crisp but not darkened, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on racks. Tint each batch of icing as described in royal icing recipe. Decorate cookies with icing, sanding sugar, and dragees.
NUTCRACKER
Steps:
- Add the rum, vodka, gin, elderflower liqueur, peach schnapps, lemonade, fruit punch and orange juice to a very large pitcher and stir to combine. Keep chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve or immediately pour into ice-filled rocks glasses.
ROYAL ICING FOR NUTCRACKER COOKIES
Make two batches for Nutcracker Cookies.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes
Yield Makes 2 1/2 cups
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Combine meringue powder, sugar, and water in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on low until the icing is smooth and thick, 10 to 12 minutes. The consistency may be adjusted by adding water, one tablespoon at a time, if desired. Using a toothpick, mix in very small drops of the gel-paste food color; stir by hand with a spatula until combined.
Tips:
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and keeps them from becoming too soft.
- Use a cookie press: A cookie press is a great way to get uniform cookies with fun shapes. If you don't have a cookie press, you can use a rolling pin and cookie cutters to shape the cookies.
- Bake the cookies at a high temperature: Baking the cookies at a high temperature helps to create a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior.
- Let the cookies cool completely: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. This will help to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 2 months.
Conclusion:
Nutcracker cookies are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for the holiday season. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make these cookies at home. Just be sure to follow the tips above to ensure that your cookies turn out perfectly.
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