Oh, spritz cookies! They’re like little bites of happiness, aren’t they? These classic cookies hold a special place in my heart, especially during the holiday season. There’s something magical about the way they melt in your mouth, thanks to the buttery goodness and a hint of almond extract. I remember my grandma and I would spend afternoons in the kitchen, her trusty cookie press in hand, creating festive shapes that filled our home with warmth and cheer. Trust me, once you try these spritz cookies, you’ll understand why they’re a beloved tradition in so many households. They’re simply irresistible!
Ingredients for Spritz Cookies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted for lightness
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature for easy creaming
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, to add just the right amount of sweetness
- 1 large egg, at room temperature to help with mixing
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, for a classic flavor
- 1 teaspoon almond extract, to give that delightful nutty aroma
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, to balance the sweetness
How to Prepare Spritz Cookies
Making spritz cookies is as joyous as eating them! Follow these steps for a delightful batch that’ll impress everyone. Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out just right.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender cookie!
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. You’ll love the aroma that fills your kitchen!
- In another bowl, whisk together the sifted flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Transfer the dough into a cookie press fitted with your desired shape disc. If you don’t have a press, you can use a piping bag with a star tip.
- Press the dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving about an inch between each cookie to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake your spritz cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Watch them closely, as they can go from perfect to overbaked quickly!
- Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack. This helps them maintain their delightful texture!
Nutritional Information for Spritz Cookies
Wondering what’s in these delightful spritz cookies? Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per cookie. Keep in mind that these are estimates based on standard ingredients and portions, so your numbers may vary slightly based on any tweaks you make!
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
These cookies are a sweet treat that fits perfectly into your holiday festivities! Just remember to enjoy them in moderation—after all, they’re meant to be a delightful indulgence!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, making them perfect for last-minute holiday baking.
- Delightfully light and buttery, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Versatile shapes and colors for any festive occasion—kids love helping with the cookie press!
- Made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Perfect for gifting or sharing at holiday parties—everyone will ask for the recipe!
- They freeze beautifully, so you can make a big batch ahead of time.
- Each bite is bursting with the classic flavors of vanilla and almond, sure to bring back fond memories.
Tips for Success with Spritz Cookies
To truly nail your spritz cookies, here are some pro tips that’ll take them to the next level! First, make sure your butter is at room temperature; this helps create that fluffy texture we all love. If your dough feels too soft, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before using the cookie press—it’ll make a world of difference. For a gorgeous finish, sprinkle colored sugar or edible glitter on top right before baking. And don’t forget to experiment with different shapes and flavors; the possibilities are endless! Trust me, these little tricks will ensure your cookies are a festive hit!
Variations on Classic Spritz Cookies
Spritz cookies are a fantastic canvas for creativity! One of my favorite ways to switch things up is by adding different extracts. Try swapping the almond extract for lemon or orange for a burst of citrus flavor that’s perfect for springtime. You can also mix in a teaspoon of cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist—yum! For a festive touch, consider adding food coloring to the dough; pastel shades for Easter or bold reds and greens for Christmas make these cookies pop! And don’t hesitate to sprinkle in some mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra texture. The sky’s the limit—get creative and have fun with it!
Serving Suggestions for Spritz Cookies
When it comes to serving spritz cookies, presentation is key! Arrange them on a festive platter, layering different shapes and colors for an eye-catching display. You can also pair them with a warm cup of hot cocoa or a refreshing glass of milk for the ultimate treat! For a decorative touch, consider placing them in clear cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons for gifting. They make beautiful seasonal favors for parties or holiday gatherings—everyone will love them!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Spritz Cookies
To keep your leftover spritz cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them! Just layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container; they can last up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them thaw at room temperature. No reheating is needed—just bite into that delicious buttery goodness as is!
FAQ about Spritz Cookies
Can I use a different type of flour for spritz cookies? Absolutely! While all-purpose flour is traditional, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends if needed. Just be aware that the texture might vary slightly.
What if I don’t have a cookie press? No worries! You can use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to pipe out your cookies. Just make sure to hold the bag steady to get those lovely shapes.
How do I know when my spritz cookies are done? Look for slight golden edges! They bake quickly, so keep a close eye on them after the 8-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before using it with the cookie press.
What’s the best way to store spritz cookies? For optimal freshness, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain their delightful texture and flavor!
Print
Spritz Cookies: 7 Steps to Irresistible Holiday Cheer
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic spritz cookies made with butter and almond extract, perfect for holiday baking.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Transfer dough to a cookie press. Press onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- For variations, try adding food coloring to the dough for festive cookies.
- Experiment with different extracts like lemon or orange for unique flavors.
- For a decorative touch, sprinkle colored sugar on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: spritz cookies, holiday baking, butter cookies