Egg nog cookies

Here is an old, old, recipe from from my nonna's collection!    Traditionally they are called lemon twists, lemon knots or in Italian "tarralli".  It is a moist cake like cookie but super simple, makes a whole bunch, and they freeze well.

I had egg nog left over from the holidays that I wanted to use up, so I made an egg nog version of this cookie, and let me tell you......I've been told they were the best cookies I've ever made! So,  I will leave you with both recipies, traditional and my version....egg nog!

Wishing everyone near and far a very blessed and happy New year.

Much love
Lucia
XOOO

Egg nog Cookies

In a large bowl or mixer combine:
1 Cup of sugar

1 3/4 cup of shortening

Whip these two ingreedients together until fluffy.  Then add in:

3 eggs

Slowly add in:


1 cup plus 2 TBSP egg nog (milk in traditional version)
grated zest of an entire lemon (traditional version only)

Then mix in:

5 cups  flour
5 teaspoons of baking powder

The dough should be slightly sticky, add more flour if you think it is goopy sticky though.

Preheat oven to 350 and using an ice cream scoop, place balls of dough onto parchment lined baking sheets.  bake for 12-15 min.  Do not overbake, these cookies are best, in my opinion, just baked with no golden edges, but bake them to your preference.

Once you remove them from the oven, let them cool for just a few minutes and brush on the icing while still slightly warm.


ICING

1/2 cup icing sugar
2 TBSP egg nog
1tsp rum


For the traditional version ICING

juice of one lemon (the one you just zested)
icing sugar
grated lemon peel, otional




These were the best cookies I made all through the holidays, and I made a lot of cookies.....

enjoy!