Description
Classic Spritz cookies intertwine buttery richness with delicate German baking traditions. Crisp edges and tender centers make these holiday treats memorable for festive celebrations and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (225 g) or 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
- ¼ tsp salt
- Colored sugar
- Sprinkles
- Nonpareils
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) with the rack positioned centrally for optimal heat distribution.
- Equipment Setup: Grab an ungreased baking sheet and attach the desired decorative disk to the cookie press, ensuring a clean and precise cookie shape.
- Dough Loading: Fill the cookie press completely with prepared dough, eliminating any potential air pockets and ensuring smooth cookie formation.
- Cookie Shaping: Position the press perpendicular to the baking sheet, applying consistent pressure to create uniform cookie shapes spaced approximately 1 inch apart.
- Pressing Technique: Continue pressing cookies across the baking sheet, rotating disk shapes periodically to create visual variety and maximize dough usage.
- Baking Process: Slide the filled baking sheet into the preheated oven, monitoring closely to achieve a delicate golden edge without over-browning.
- Cooling Protocol: Once baked (8-10 minutes), allow cookies to rest briefly on the baking sheet, then transfer carefully to a wire cooling rack using a thin spatula.
- Storage Method: After complete cooling, preserve the spritz cookies’ crisp texture by storing in an airtight container, maintaining their delicate nature and freshness.
Notes
- Chill Butter Strategically: Use butter at cool room temperature, not too soft or hard, to achieve perfect dough consistency for smooth cookie press performance.
- Manage Dough Temperature: Work quickly when filling the press, keeping dough chilled to prevent sticking and maintain crisp cookie shapes.
- Master Press Technique: Apply steady, consistent pressure when pressing cookies, holding the press perpendicular to avoid misshapen or uneven cookies.
- Customize Cookie Variations: Experiment with food coloring, sprinkles, or extract flavors like almond or vanilla to personalize traditional spritz cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 23
- Calories: 115
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg