Spritz Cookies

by

Every time I make these Spritz Cookies, I’m transported back to holiday gatherings from my childhood. The sweet, buttery aroma fills my kitchen, and I can’t help but smile. I remember my mother using her trusty cookie press, her hands deftly crafting little trees and wreaths that would decorate our holiday tables. It felt like magic! Now that I’m making them for my own family, it’s like passing down a cherished tradition. I know you’ll feel the warmth and joy of these cookies too, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you!

How to make Spritz Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This is your base and gives the cookies that rich, buttery flavor. Please don’t substitute with margarine; it just won’t taste the same!
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps achieve that perfect crunchy texture.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness—trust me on this one.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This is where the magic happens! Vanilla adds a warm, inviting flavor to each bite.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour: Essential for structure, this is what holds your cookies together.
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: This little ingredient helps the cookies puff up just a bit—giving them that soft texture.
  • 1 large egg: This acts as a binding agent, keeping everything together and adding moisture.

I’ve found that while the ingredients are quite straightforward, the magic truly comes from how you prepare and bake them.

Cooking Steps

  1. Preheat Your Oven: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for ensuring that your cookies bake evenly.

  2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. It’s my favorite part because you can really feel the mixture coming together.

  3. Add Salt and Vanilla: Next, add the salt, vanilla extract, and egg. Mix well to combine. When you’re blending this, take a moment to breathe in that lovely scent of vanilla—so comforting!

  4. Combine Flour and Baking Powder: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. This helps to ensure that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is important for even rising.

  5. Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, blending until a soft, smooth dough forms. At this point, you can already imagine how delicious these cookies will be!

  6. Prepare the Cookie Press: If you’re using a cookie press, fill it with the dough according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This part can be a little tricky, so be patient with yourself.

  7. Shape Your Cookies: Press the dough onto ungreased baking sheets in your desired shapes—Christmas trees, wreaths, or whatever your heart desires!

  8. Bake: Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges.

  9. Cool: Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The anticipation during this time is almost unbearable, but trust me; it’s worth the wait!

Why I Love Making This Dish

What makes these Spritz Cookies special to me is more than just their delicious taste; it’s the memories they carry. Every time I make them, I think of the countless holiday gatherings spent with family and friends, where laughter filled the room along with the smell of freshly baked cookies. The tradition of making these cookies now gives me a chance to create new memories with my family. I find it incredibly rewarding to see my loved ones enjoy something that I cherish so deeply.

What You’ll Need

Apart from the ingredients, you’ll need a few tools to make your cookie-making experience easier:

  • A mixing bowl: I usually use my trusty stand mixer, but a hand mixer works just as well.
  • A cookie press: This is a key tool to get those beautiful shapes! If you don’t have one, you can also use a piping bag with a star tip.
  • Baking sheets: Make sure to use ungreased sheets or parchment paper for easier removal.
  • An oven: This is a biggie! Preheating is essential.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. First, preheat the oven to 375°F. Trust me, this is key for that perfect texture—ensuring they’re crispy on the outside but tender on the inside!
  2. Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. You can tell it’s ready when it looks light and airy.
  3. Add the vanilla and egg to the mixture, making sure everything is well combined.
  4. Combine your dry ingredients in a separate bowl to avoid any lumps before adding to the wet mixture.
  5. Gradually fold the dry into the wet, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
  6. Fill your cookie press, making sure it’s not too full—just enough to work with!
  7. Create fun shapes on your baking sheets, allowing a little space between them for expansion.
  8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. You want them just golden around the edges.
  9. Let them cool and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Results

  • Use fresh butter: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted. Too much heat will change the texture of your cookies.
  • Handle the dough gently: Overworking it can result in tougher cookies. Mix until just combined.
  • Chill the dough: If you find your dough is too warm and soft to shape properly, you can chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
  • Experiment with flavors: Sometimes, I like to add a bit of almond extract for a delightful twist!

Serving Suggestions and Sides

These cookies are perfect on their own, but if you want to elevate your cookie tray, consider pairing them with a sweet hot cocoa or a cup of warm spiced tea. I’ve often made goodie bags filled with these cookies to share with friends and neighbors during the festive season—you’ll win everyone’s heart!

Leftovers

Storing leftovers is easy! Just place your cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about a week. You can also freeze them if you’d like to save some for later. Just make sure they’re well wrapped to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature or in the microwave for a few seconds.

FAQ Section

Can I use margarine instead of butter? I highly recommend sticking with unsalted butter! Margarine can change the texture and flavor of the cookies.

What if I don’t have a cookie press? If you don’t have one, no worries! You can also use a piping bag with a star tip to pipe out your cookies.

Can I add food coloring? Absolutely! Gel food coloring works best to achieve vibrant colors. Just be careful not to add too much, or it could alter the texture!

My cookies spread out too much. What did I do wrong? This often happens if the dough is warmer than it should be. Chilling the dough before baking can help keep their shape.

Can I make these cookies in advance? Definitely! These cookies freeze wonderfully, so you can make them ahead of time. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing them.

This dish has become a favorite in my home, and I’m so excited for you to try it. I know you’ll love these Spritz Cookies as much as I do! They come together easily and can fill your home with the coziness of the holiday season. Let me know how it turns out, and if your family asks for seconds, just like mine does every time!

Leave a Comment