There’s something so heartwarming about making old fashioned spritz cookies. The smell of buttery goodness wafting through the kitchen takes me back to my childhood. I remember standing on a stool beside my grandmother, eagerly waiting to press the cookie dough into delightful shapes. It felt like magic as we transformed simple ingredients into these beautiful, crispy-edged treats. My family would gather around, each of us trying to decorate our spritz cookies with colorful sprinkles and icing, making them uniquely ours. These little cookies carry a sense of nostalgia and joy, and every bite is a reminder of those cherished moments. Trust me, once you start making these old fashioned spritz cookies, you’ll fall in love with their classic appeal just like I did!
Ingredients List
To make the best old fashioned spritz cookies, you’ll need some simple yet essential ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Make sure your butter is nice and soft; this helps create that luscious, creamy texture we love. I always recommend sifting the flour to avoid any lumps, which makes for a smoother cookie dough. And remember, the almond extract adds a special touch that complements the buttery flavor perfectly! Trust me, these little details really make a difference in your spritz cookies.
How to Prepare Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making these delightful old fashioned spritz cookies! Follow these steps for cookie perfection.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect crispy edge we all love. Trust me, the smell of baking cookies will fill your kitchen in no time!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. The goal here is to incorporate air into the butter, which gives your cookies that delightful texture. Don’t rush this step; it makes a big difference!
Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients
Next, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. You want to make sure those flavors meld beautifully, so give it a good stir to incorporate everything thoroughly!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Now, gradually add the flour and salt to the wet mixture. I like to do this in batches to avoid a floury mess! Mix just until combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely don’t want that. You want a soft dough that holds its shape.
Step 5: Pipe the Cookies
Time to fill your cookie press! Spoon the dough into the press and secure it. Press the dough onto ungreased baking sheets in lovely shapes. You can get creative here! Just make sure to leave a little space between each cookie since they will spread slightly while baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your spritz cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re done when the edges are lightly golden. You want a beautiful color without overbaking them, so set a timer and check around the 10-minute mark!
Step 7: Cool on Racks
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This cooling step is essential to achieve that perfect texture—soft on the inside but crispy on the edges. Plus, it gives you the chance to sneak a taste while they’re still warm!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up, perfect for last-minute baking!
- Classic flavors that everyone loves—who can resist buttery cookies?
- Super fun to decorate with sprinkles or icing for any occasion!
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, tea parties, or just because.
- They store well, so you can enjoy them for days after baking.
Honestly, these old fashioned spritz cookies are a joy to make and share, bringing a little sweetness to any moment!
Tips for Success
To really nail your old fashioned spritz cookies, here are some pro tips I swear by! First, always use room temperature ingredients, especially the butter. This helps everything cream together beautifully and creates that light, fluffy texture we crave. If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors! Swap out the almond extract for lemon or coconut for a fun twist. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for a warm spice note. And if you’re using food coloring, make sure to keep it light; you want to enhance the appearance without overpowering the classic buttery taste. Lastly, if your dough seems too soft to hold shape, chill it for a bit before piping. Trust me, these little tips will elevate your spritz cookies to the next level!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers: the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates. For each old fashioned spritz cookie, you’re looking at approximately 100 calories. They contain about 6 grams of fat, with 4 grams being saturated fat. You’ll find around 5 grams of sugar in each cookie, and they provide about 1 gram of protein. While these cookies are a delightful treat, remember to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Happy baking!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the best old fashioned spritz cookies? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I receive:
How should I store my spritz cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can also freeze them! Just layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container—easy peasy!
Can I customize the flavors?
Absolutely! One of the best parts of old fashioned spritz cookies is how versatile they are. Feel free to swap the almond extract for lemon, orange, or even peppermint for a festive touch. You can also mix in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture.
What’s the best way to decorate them?
Oh, this is where the fun really begins! You can simply dust them with powdered sugar, or get crafty with royal icing and sprinkles for vibrant colors. I love using melted chocolate drizzles for a decadent twist! Just make sure to let the cookies cool completely before decorating.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before filling your cookie press. This way, you can enjoy freshly baked cookies whenever you like!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your old fashioned spritz cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for about a week, but I bet they won’t last that long! If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze them. Just layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll be good for up to 2 months. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like pulling out a batch of homemade cookies to enjoy anytime! No reheating is needed; just let them thaw for a few minutes before diving in!
Print
Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies: 7 Tips for Perfectly Nostalgic Bites
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic buttery cookies with a crispy edge.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt. Mix until combined.
- Fill a cookie press with the dough and press onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool on wire racks.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use food coloring for festive occasions.
- Experiment with different extracts for varied flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: old fashioned spritz cookies
