There’s just something magical about the smell of freshly baked spritz cookies wafting through the house, isn’t there? These little delights are perfect for holiday gatherings, bringing a sense of joy and nostalgia with every bite. I remember making them with my grandma, her cookie press buzzing away as we created whimsical shapes that would soon be dusted with colored sugar. This spritz cookie recipe is not only simple but absolutely delightful, making it a must-have for any occasion. They’re buttery, sweet, and oh-so-fun to decorate! Trust me, once you start, you won’t be able to stop at just one!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of our cookies, giving them that perfect structure.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) – Make sure it’s nice and soft! This will help create that rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – Just the right amount to sweeten these cookies without overpowering the buttery goodness.
- 1 large egg – This binds everything together and adds a nice richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For a classic flavor that you just can’t skip!
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract – Trust me, this little addition will elevate your cookies to another level of deliciousness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness, making every bite so much more enjoyable.
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your cookies to bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
- Next, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You’ll want to really incorporate air for that melt-in-your-mouth texture!
- Now, add in the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined; you’ll love the aroma wafting up!
- Slowly, gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt into the bowl. Mix just until the dough comes together; don’t overmix it or your cookies might be tough!
- Here comes the fun part! Fill your cookie press with the dough. If you don’t have one, you can also use a piping bag with a large star tip.
- Press the dough onto ungreased baking sheets, making fun shapes as you go. Space them about an inch apart, as they’ll spread just a tad while baking.
- Pop those beauties in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; baking time can vary a bit based on your oven.
- Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool on a wire rack. This is the hardest part—waiting to dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare – With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time!
- Perfect for holiday gatherings – These cookies bring the festive spirit to any occasion, filling your home with warmth and joy.
- Customizable flavors – Feel free to get creative! Add different extracts or zests to make them uniquely yours.
- Fun to decorate – Let your imagination run wild! Use colored sugar, icing, or sprinkles for a personal touch.
- Great for gifting – Pack them up in a cute box or jar, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade gift that everyone will love!
Tips for Success
To achieve the best results with your spritz cookie recipe, here are a few expert tips! First, make sure your butter is truly softened—not melted. This creates that delightful, fluffy texture we all love. When mixing, aim for a smooth, slightly sticky dough; it should hold its shape when pressed. If it feels too dry, just add a teaspoon of milk to bring it together.
When using your cookie press, hold it straight up and down for even shapes, and don’t rush! Press gently but firmly, and you’ll get those beautiful designs every time. Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; if your oven runs hot, check them at the 8-minute mark to avoid over-baking. Trust me, perfectly golden edges are the goal! With these tips, you’ll have spritz cookies that will impress everyone!
Variations
The beauty of this spritz cookie recipe lies in its versatility! You can easily switch things up to keep it exciting. For a citrusy twist, try adding the zest of one lemon or orange to the dough—oh, the fresh aroma is simply divine! If you’re a fan of chocolate, just mix in some cocoa powder or melted chocolate for a rich flavor. Want to add a little crunch? Toss in some finely chopped nuts or sprinkles into the dough. And don’t forget about the fun of decorating—use colored sugars or edible glitter before baking to make your cookies sparkle and shine! Get creative and make these cookies truly your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious spritz cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for up to a week—if they last that long! I always love to make a double batch, so I can share some with friends and keep a stash for myself!
If you want to enjoy them warm again, just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that delightful softness! But honestly, they’re so good at room temperature, you might not even need to reheat them. Enjoy every last crumb!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind, the nutritional values can vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, so this information is just a guideline. Each spritz cookie is approximately 100 calories, with 5g of fat, 1g of protein, and 12g of carbohydrates. They also contain about 5g of sugar and 50mg of sodium. Enjoy these delightful treats, but remember to savor them in moderation, especially during the festive season!
FAQs
Can I freeze these cookies? Absolutely! Spritz cookies freeze beautifully. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before placing them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours—easy peasy!
What type of cookie press is best? I recommend using a metal cookie press, as they tend to be more durable and provide a better squeeze than plastic ones. Look for one with a variety of disk shapes, so you can have fun creating different designs. Trust me, it makes spritz cookie decorating even more enjoyable!
Can I substitute butter for oil? I wouldn’t recommend it for this spritz cookie recipe. Butter gives those cookies their rich flavor and delightful texture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you might try using a plant-based butter substitute instead, but the results might vary a bit.
How do I know when my cookies are done? Keep an eye on the edges! You’ll want them to be lightly golden. The centers might look a little soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool. Don’t overbake them, or you’ll lose that lovely buttery softness!
Can I add other flavors to the dough? Yes! Feel free to get creative with your spritz cookies. You can add other extracts like peppermint or coconut, or mix in some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal twist. The possibilities are endless!
Print
Spritz Cookie Recipe: 7 Magical Tips for Perfect Treats
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful spritz cookie recipe perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt. Mix until the dough forms.
- 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 let cool on a wire rack.
Notes
- You can decorate cookies with colored sugar before baking.
- For variation, try adding lemon zest or different extracts.
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 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 cookie recipe
