Creamy Nutmeg Eggnog Squares
Indulge in the festive flavors of the season with these Creamy Nutmeg Eggnog Squares, a delightful twist on traditional eggnog. These soft, chewy bars are made with a buttery base infused with sweet vanilla, nutty macadamia nuts, and aromatic ground nutmeg, perfectly capturing the essence of holiday cheer in every bite. Drizzled with a sweet, creamy eggnog glaze, these bars are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat to share with loved ones. Enjoy a slice of the holiday spirit with this easy-to-make recipe that yields 36 delicious squares.
36
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
2 cups (Granulated)
Butter
2/3 cup (Unsalted, melted)
Eggs
2 (Large, beaten)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (Pure vanilla extract)
Flour
2 cups (All-purpose)
Baking Powder
1 teaspoon (Leavening agent)
Ground Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (Freshly grated preferred)
Macadamia Nuts
1 cup (Chopped)
Powdered Sugar
1 cup (For glaze)
Vanilla Extract
1/4 teaspoon (For glaze)
Eggnog
1-2 tablespoons (For glaze)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 13x9 inch baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Grease the foil generously with cooking spray or butter.
2
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 cups of sugar and 2/3 cup of butter. Stir often until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 5 to 10 minutes.
3
Once cooled, whisk in 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
4
In a separate bowl, mix together 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped macadamia nuts.
5
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and start to pull away from the sides of the pan. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
6
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares or diamond shapes.
7
For the glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of eggnog in a small bowl. If the glaze is too thick, add more eggnog, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach a piping consistency.
8
Drizzle or pipe the glaze over the cooled bars to give them a festive finish. Slice and serve, and enjoy the delightful flavors of the season!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Creamy Nutmeg Eggnog Squares?
They are soft, chewy bar cookies featuring a buttery base infused with vanilla, macadamia nuts, and nutmeg, topped with a sweet eggnog glaze.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 36 delicious squares.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
What size baking pan is required for this recipe?
You should use a 13x9 inch baking pan for these squares.
How do I prepare the baking pan?
Line the pan with aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal, and grease the foil generously with cooking spray or butter.
How long do the eggnog squares need to bake?
Bake the bars for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
How can I tell if the bars are finished baking?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, and the edges should start pulling away from the sides of the pan.
What type of nuts are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped macadamia nuts.
Is eggnog used in the batter of the squares?
No, eggnog is used specifically in the glaze that is drizzled over the cooled bars.
How do I make the eggnog glaze?
Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of eggnog until smooth.
What should I do if my glaze is too thick?
If the glaze is too thick to pipe, add more eggnog one teaspoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
Should the bars be warm when I apply the glaze?
No, you should allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before drizzling the glaze.
Can I use freshly grated nutmeg?
Yes, freshly grated nutmeg is preferred for its aromatic and intense holiday flavor.
What type of flour is recommended?
This recipe uses standard all-purpose flour.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 large, beaten eggs.
Do I need to melt the butter?
Yes, you should combine 2/3 cup of butter with the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until fully melted.
How long should the butter and sugar mixture cool before adding eggs?
Let the mixture cool for about 5 to 10 minutes to prevent the eggs from scrambling when whisked in.
Can I substitute the macadamia nuts?
While macadamia nuts provide a unique buttery flavor, you could substitute them with chopped walnuts or pecans.
How should I cut the bars?
Once cooled and glazed, you can cut them into traditional squares or festive diamond shapes.
What leavening agent is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of baking powder to give the bars a slight lift.
Is this a good recipe for holiday gatherings?
Yes, these squares are designed specifically to capture the essence of holiday cheer and are perfect for sharing.
How much vanilla extract is needed total?
You will need 1 teaspoon for the base and an additional 1/4 teaspoon for the glaze.
What is the texture of these bars?
The texture is soft and chewy with a slight crunch from the chopped macadamia nuts.
Can I use store-bought eggnog for the glaze?
Yes, any standard store-bought eggnog works perfectly for the creamy glaze.
How much sugar is used in the base?
The base requires 2 cups of granulated sugar.
How do I ensure the bars don't stick to the pan?
Using aluminum foil with an overhang and greasing it generously ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
Can I omit the nuts if I have an allergy?
Yes, the nuts can be omitted from the recipe if necessary, though it will slightly change the texture.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dessert?
The primary flavors are sweet vanilla, nutty macadamia, and aromatic nutmeg, complemented by a creamy eggnog finish.
Is it better to drizzle or pipe the glaze?
Either method works; piping gives a more precise look, while drizzling offers a more rustic, festive appearance.
How much eggnog is needed for the glaze?
You will need between 1 and 2 tablespoons of eggnog depending on your preferred glaze consistency.