Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these *soft and buttery spritz cookies*! They’re truly one of my all-time favorites, and every time I make them, it feels like a warm hug from my kitchen. The moment you take a bite, they just melt in your mouth, leaving behind a buttery sweetness that’s hard to resist. I remember first making these with my grandma during the holidays, and now I whip them up for everything from birthday parties to cozy evenings at home. They’re so versatile—you can dress them up with sprinkles or icing, or just enjoy them plain with a cup of tea. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked! They’re perfect for any occasion, and they always disappear faster than I can bake them!
Ingredients for Soft and Buttery Spritz Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cookies that practically melt in your mouth. Trust me, having everything ready before you start makes the process so much smoother!
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened – Make sure it’s softened to room temperature; this helps it cream perfectly with the sugar.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – This adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance out the rich butter.
- 1 large egg – Room temperature eggs mix in better and help create that soft texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Vanilla is essential for that lovely, comforting flavor. Don’t skip it!
- 4 cups all-purpose flour – This is the foundation for your cookies. Make sure to spoon and level it for accurate measuring!
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – This little guy helps the cookies puff up just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be ready to whip up a batch of these scrumptious soft and buttery spritz cookies in no time!
How to Prepare Soft and Buttery Spritz Cookies
Alright, let’s get down to the fun part—making these *soft and buttery spritz cookies*! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of delightful cookies in no time. Just remember to take a deep breath and enjoy the process; baking is all about the love you put into it!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and get that perfect golden edge. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, grab your softened butter and granulated sugar and cream them together. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this—it should take about 2-3 minutes. You’re aiming for a light and fluffy texture, which means you really want to whip some air into the mixture. This step is key to achieving those melt-in-your-mouth cookies!
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Once your butter and sugar are fluffy, add in that large egg and the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well incorporated, and you can’t see any streaks of egg. This will enhance the flavor and help create that soft texture we all love.
Step 4: Prepare Dry Ingredients
Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour, ensuring that every cookie rises perfectly. Take a moment to enjoy the smell of the flour—there’s something comforting about it!
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. I usually do this in three parts, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep that lovely soft texture. Just mix until you don’t see any dry flour anymore. It’ll be a bit thick, but that’s exactly what you want!
Step 6: Use the Cookie Press
Now comes the fun part! Fill your cookie press with the dough. If you don’t have one, don’t worry! You can use a piping bag too. Press the dough onto ungreased baking sheets. You can make fun shapes here—stars, hearts, or just circles. Whatever makes you happy! Just make sure to leave a little space between them since they will spread slightly.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Pop those sheets into your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are lightly golden, but the centers will still look a bit soft—that’s perfect! They’ll firm up as they cool.
Step 8: Cooling the Cookies
Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is important because it helps them set properly. Plus, it gives you a moment to admire your handiwork! Enjoy that delicious buttery aroma filling your kitchen!
Nutritional Information for Soft and Buttery Spritz Cookies
Here’s what you can expect in each of these delightful *soft and buttery spritz cookies*. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in!
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 1g
So, while these cookies are a treat, they also pack some sweetness and richness that you can truly enjoy without too much guilt. Perfect for sharing or indulging just a little yourself!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture: These soft and buttery spritz cookies truly melt in your mouth, leaving you craving more!
- Simple preparation: With straightforward steps and a short ingredient list, you’ll have these cookies whipped up in no time.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a festive holiday, a birthday celebration, or just a cozy night in, these cookies fit right in.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite flavors or decorations, making each batch uniquely yours!
- Great for sharing: They’re perfect for cookie swaps or to bring to gatherings—everyone will love them!
- Kid-friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, and these cookies are fun to shape and decorate together!
- Freezer-friendly: You can make a big batch and freeze some for later, so you always have a treat on hand.
Honestly, once you try these cookies, you’ll understand why they’re such a beloved recipe in my kitchen. They’re just so delightful!
Tips for Success
If you want your *soft and buttery spritz cookies* to turn out perfectly every time, I’ve got some handy tips to share! These little nuggets of wisdom will help you achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture and keep your cookies looking gorgeous!
- Use room temperature butter: This is crucial! Softened butter incorporates more air when creamed with sugar, giving your cookies that light and fluffy texture. So, don’t rush it—let your butter sit out for a bit before you start.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely want them soft and buttery!
- Chill your dough if needed: If your dough feels too soft or sticky, pop it in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Watch your baking time: Every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. It’s better to take them out a minute or two early than to risk overbaking. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up as they cool!
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to play around with the recipe! Adding a splash of almond extract or a sprinkle of lemon zest can elevate the flavor and make your cookies unique.
- Use quality ingredients: Good quality butter and vanilla make a noticeable difference! When you’re making something as simple as cookies, using the best ingredients you can find will really shine through in the taste.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be on your way to making the best soft and buttery spritz cookies that everyone will love. Happy baking!
Variations on Soft and Buttery Spritz Cookies
Now, let’s talk about how you can mix things up with your *soft and buttery spritz cookies*! This basic recipe is like a blank canvas just waiting for your creative touches. Here are some fun variations to consider that’ll help you customize your cookies and make them even more delightful!
- Add Almond Extract: Swap out half of the vanilla extract for almond extract to give your cookies a lovely, nutty flavor. It’s an aromatic twist that I absolutely adore!
- Decorative Sprinkles: Before baking, sprinkle your cookie shapes with colorful sprinkles or coarse sugar for a festive touch. It’s a simple way to make them pop and look extra inviting!
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest into the dough for a bright, refreshing flavor. It pairs beautifully with the buttery richness!
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once your cookies have cooled, melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the top. It adds an indulgent chocolatey finish that’s hard to resist!
- Nutty Crunch: Incorporate finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the dough for a delightful crunch. It adds texture and a deeper flavor profile!
- Seasonal Spices: For a cozy twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg—perfect for the holidays! It adds warmth and a lovely aroma while they bake.
- Fillings: If you want to get a bit adventurous, you can fill some of the cookie shapes with jam or chocolate chips before baking. Just make sure to seal them well!
These variations not only keep things exciting but also allow you to tailor your cookies to suit any occasion or personal preference. So, feel free to experiment and find your favorite combinations! Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *soft and buttery spritz cookies* properly is key to keeping them fresh and delicious! Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. I like to layer them with parchment paper to prevent any sticking, especially if you’re stacking them. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long!
If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then place them in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy some, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. No reheating needed—though if you really want, you can pop them in a warm oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes to regain that fresh-baked softness!
With these simple storage tips, you can enjoy your delightful cookies whenever the craving strikes. Happy munching!
sweet potato pie and butter pecan cookies are also great options to try!
Print
Soft and Buttery Spritz Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft and buttery spritz cookies melt in your mouth. They are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture 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.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For added flavor, try almond extract.
- Decorate with sprinkles or icing if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: soft and buttery spritz cookies