Nutmeg Spice Cookies: A Flavorful Recipe Infused with Grenada's Finest

Nutmeg Spice Cookies are a delightful and aromatic treat that showcase the warm, earthy flavors of nutmeg , a spice deeply connected to Grenada. Often referred to as the “Isle of Spice,” Grenada is one of the world’s leading producers of nutmeg, making this ingredient a symbol of the island’s rich culinary heritage. These cookies blend simple ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, and vanilla, with the distinctive flavor of ground nutmeg, offering a taste that is both comforting and unique. With a crisp texture and a signature crisscross pattern, Nutmeg Spice Cookies are perfect for pairing with tea or coffee, or enjoying as a stand-alone snack.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 1 large egg

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

3. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.

6. Roll small portions of dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

7. Using the back of a fork, gently press down on each cookie ball to create a crisscross pattern.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden.

9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Once cooled, enjoy your nutmeg spice cookies with a delightful flavor that includes the unique taste of nutmeg!

Nutrition Value

1. 2 cups all-purpose flour:

- Calories: ~910

- Carbohydrates: ~190g

- Protein: ~24g

- Fat: ~2g

- Sodium: ~2mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Small amounts of B vitamins like thiamin, niacin, and folate

- Minerals: Iron (~7.5mg), small amounts of magnesium and phosphorus

- Nutritional benefit: Provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy and some protein. The iron content supports healthy red blood cells.

2. 1 teaspoon baking powder:

- Calories: ~2

- Carbohydrates: ~1g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: ~480mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: None

- Minerals: Contains trace amounts of calcium (~12mg)

- Nutritional benefit: Acts as a leavening agent to help the cookies rise and become fluffy. The sodium content should be noted for those monitoring sodium intake.

3. 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg:

- Calories: ~6

- Carbohydrates: ~1g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: ~0.5g

- Sodium: ~1mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, and B vitamins

- Minerals: Trace amounts of calcium, potassium, and magnesium

- Nutritional benefit: Nutmeg adds flavor and also contains antioxidants. It may aid in digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.

4. 1/4 teaspoon salt:

- Calories: 0

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: ~580mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: None

- Minerals: Sodium

- Nutritional benefit: Enhances flavor but should be consumed in moderation to avoid excess sodium intake.

5. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened:

- Calories: ~814

- Carbohydrates: 0.6g

- Protein: ~1g

- Fat: ~92g

- Sodium: ~3mg

- Cholesterol: ~215mg

- Vitamins: High in vitamin A and small amounts of vitamin E

- Minerals: Trace amounts of calcium and phosphorus

- Nutritional benefit: Provides fat for energy and helps create the rich texture of cookies. The vitamin A content supports vision and immune function.

6. 1 cup granulated sugar:

- Calories: ~774

- Carbohydrates: ~200g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: ~2mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: None

- Minerals: None

- Nutritional benefit: Provides a quick source of energy but should be consumed in moderation due to its impact on blood sugar levels.

7. 1 large egg:

- Calories: ~72

- Carbohydrates: ~0.4g

- Protein: ~6g

- Fat: ~5g

- Sodium: ~71mg

- Cholesterol: ~186mg

- Vitamins: Contains vitamins A, D, E, and several B vitamins (including B12)

- Minerals: Rich in phosphorus, selenium, and small amounts of calcium and iron

- Nutritional benefit: Eggs provide high-quality protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, supporting muscle repair and overall health.

8. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract:

- Calories: ~12

- Carbohydrates: ~0.5g

- Protein: 0g

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 0mg

- Cholesterol: 0mg

- Vitamins: Small amounts of B vitamins

- Minerals: Trace amounts of magnesium and potassium

- Nutritional benefit: Adds flavor to the cookies. It contains some antioxidants, but the nutritional value is minimal in small quantities used for baking.