These Spritz Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that is buttery, tender, and perfect for Christmas celebrations! With easy-to-make dough and endless decorating possibilities, they’re sure to become a festive favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Spritz cookies might not have impressed you in store-bought form, but homemade Spritz Cookies are a game-changer. Their soft, tender texture, buttery flavor, and hint of almond extract make them irresistible. Think of them as a cross between cutout sugar cookies and shortbread that melts in your mouth. Plus, they’re quick to make, require no refrigeration, and don’t spread while baking, making them ideal for party prep or holiday gift boxes.
These cookies are perfect for:
- Christmas parties: Add festive sprinkles or icing to suit the season.
- Gift-giving: Pack them in decorative tins or bags for a homemade holiday treat.
- Baking with kids: Easy and fun to make, even for little hands.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (155g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 2 1/4 cups (293g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Red gel icing color (optional)
- Green gel icing color (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with silicone baking mats. Avoid parchment paper as the dough needs to stick to the surface.
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). The mixture should lighten in color.
2. Make the Dough
- Add the egg and mix until well combined.
- Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts until evenly mixed.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing. Use a rubber spatula to finish combining if necessary.
3. Add Color (Optional)
- Divide the dough into parts if using multiple colors.
- Tint the dough with gel icing color, adding small amounts at a time to achieve your desired hue. Avoid adding too much liquid to prevent thinning the dough.
4. Shape the Cookies
- Load the cookie dough into a cookie press fitted with your desired shape plate.
- Hold the cookie press perpendicular to the ungreased baking sheet and press out the cookies, spacing them close together as they won’t spread.
5. Decorate and Bake
- Decorate the cookies with sprinkles if desired.
- Bake for 5-8 minutes, depending on your oven. For soft cookies, bake for 5 minutes.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 4-5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
- Use silicone mats: They provide just the right amount of grip for the dough to adhere and release properly from the press.
- Choose high-quality butter: This enhances the flavor and texture of your cookies.
- Avoid over-baking: Keep an eye on your cookies to ensure they stay soft and tender.
- Experiment with decorations: Try drizzling melted chocolate or adding crushed peppermint for a festive twist.
Why Are They Called Spritz Cookies?
The name “Spritz” comes from the German word “spritzen,” meaning “to squirt,” referencing the way the dough is pressed through a cookie press. These cookies are a holiday staple in many European households and are celebrated for their versatility and charm.
Variations and Add-Ons
- Chocolate Spritz Cookies: Substitute 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
- Lemon Spritz Cookies: Add 1 tsp of lemon zest and substitute almond extract with lemon extract.
- Nutty Spritz Cookies: Mix in finely chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, for added crunch.
- Gluten-Free Spritz Cookies: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute to accommodate dietary preferences.
- Spiced Spritz Cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm holiday flavor.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Refrigerator: Keep for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Pro Tip: Layer cookies with parchment paper in your container to prevent sticking and preserve decorations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 48
- Sugar: 2.2 g
- Sodium: 18.1 mg
- Fat: 2.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 5.2 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 9.6 mg
Decorating and Serving Ideas
Creative Decoration Tips
- Holiday Themes: Use red and green sprinkles or edible glitter for a festive touch.
- Icing Details: Add delicate icing patterns once the cookies have cooled completely.
- Chocolate Dips: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped nuts or coconut.
Presentation Ideas
- Gift Boxes: Arrange cookies in decorative tins or boxes lined with parchment paper.
- Cookie Platters: Include an assortment of shapes and colors on a platter for holiday parties.
- Themed Collections: Create cookie sets for different occasions, such as Valentine’s Day (hearts) or Easter (flowers).
Conclusion
These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth Spritz Cookies are a joy to make and share. With their festive shapes and delicious flavor, they’re bound to become a holiday tradition in your home. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers simple steps and fantastic results every time. Gather your family, get creative with decorations, and enjoy the sweet magic of the season!
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