Description
Spritz cookies are delicate, buttery cookies that are easily shaped using a cookie press, resulting in beautiful, festive designs. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a hint of vanilla and almond flavor, these classic cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations and cookie exchanges.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Cookies
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Decorating (Optional)
- Colored sprinkles
- Sanded sugar
- Melted chocolate for drizzling
Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and fully combined, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Add the Egg and Flavorings: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until just combined. The dough will look lighter and slightly glossy.
- Mix in Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft, smooth dough forms. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender cookies.
- Prepare the Cookie Press: Load the dough into your cookie press, fitted with your choice of decorative disc. Hold the press perpendicular to an ungreased, cool baking sheet, and press out shapes, spacing cookies about 1 inch apart.
- Decorate: If desired, sprinkle the cookies with colored sugars or sprinkles before baking. This allows the decorations to adhere to the cookies.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cookies for 7-9 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden but the tops remain pale.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle with melted chocolate if desired.
Notes
- Make sure your butter is properly softened for easy mixing and pressing.
- Do not chill the dough; it needs to be soft for the cookie press to work.
- For the best shapes, use ungreased and unlined baking sheets.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Dough can be tinted with food coloring for a festive look.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cookies
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
