Spritz Cookies are a holiday favorite, with a rich, buttery flavor and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. This classic recipe uses a cookie press to shape the dough into festive designs, making them as fun to make as they are to eat!
Ingredients:
- Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Decoration:
- Colored sugar or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and powdered sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue mixing for about 3-4 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Add the Egg and Extracts:
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture. Beat until everything is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough will be thick but smooth and soft enough to press through a cookie press.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Fit your cookie press with your desired disc shape (e.g., rosettes, stars, or wreaths) and fill it with the prepared dough.
- Press the dough directly onto the prepared baking sheets in your chosen shapes, spacing the cookies about 1 inch apart. If you don’t have a cookie press, you can roll the dough into small balls and slightly flatten them with a fork for a simple design.
- Decorate (Optional):
- If desired, sprinkle colored sugar or festive sprinkles on top of each cookie for a pop of holiday color.
- Bake:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should turn a light golden color, but avoid overbaking to maintain their soft, tender texture.
- Cool:
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter and egg are at room temperature for smooth blending.
- Cookie Press Tips: If using a cookie press, press firmly to ensure the cookies stick to the baking sheet.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. These cookies can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Info: Approximately 80 kcal per cookie
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Baking Time: 10-12 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies