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These homemade Classic Spritz Cookies are an easy recipe that creates delightfully buttery, tender treats perfect for holiday baking. Using a cookie press to create festive shapes, these traditional German-inspired cookies feature a rich buttery base with hints of almond and vanilla. Whether decorated simply with colored sugar or dressed up with chocolates and sprinkles, they're an elegant addition to any cookie platter.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
These spritz cookies offer the perfect blend of butter cookie and shortbread textures, with a melt-in-your-mouth quality that sets them apart from store-bought versions. The dough requires no chilling, making them quick to prepare, and one batch yields dozens of cookies. Their versatility in shapes and decorations makes them ideal for any holiday or special occasion.
Ingredients for Spritz Cookies
- For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For Decorating:
- Colored sugar
- Nonpareils
- Mini chocolate chips
- Gel food coloring
- Equipment Needed:
- Cookie press with design plates
- Ungreased baking sheets
- Electric mixer
- Cooling racks
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
- Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and almond extracts. Mix in flour and salt until just combined.
- Color the Dough
- Divide dough and tint portions with gel food coloring if desired. Mix until color is uniform, avoiding overmixing.
- Fill Cookie Press
- Load dough into cookie press fitted with desired design plate. Press cookies directly onto cool, ungreased baking sheets.
- Add Decorations
- Sprinkle with colored sugar or decorations before baking. Press gently to adhere.
- Bake and Cool
- Bake at 375°F for 5-7 minutes until set but not browned. Cool on sheets 2 minutes before transferring to racks.
Pro Tips for Success
Use room temperature butter for best dough consistency. Keep dough cool while working. Clean press plates between batches for sharp designs. If cookies won't stick to sheet, try chilling the baking sheet briefly. Don't grease baking sheets as this prevents proper adhesion. Test one cookie first to ensure proper consistency.
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Decorating Ideas
Create festive designs with different press plates and color combinations. Drizzle cooled cookies with melted chocolate. Sandwich pairs with chocolate or jam. Dust with powdered sugar for simple elegance. For holidays, use themed colors and sprinkles. Consider packaging in clear bags or decorative tins for gifting.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Store in airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week. Place wax paper between layers to protect designs. Freeze baked cookies up to 3 months in freezer containers. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 3 days; bring to room temperature before pressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why not use parchment paper?
The cookie dough needs to stick to the surface when pressed, and parchment paper is too non-stick. Silicone baking mats work best.
- → How do I know when the butter and sugar are properly creamed?
The mixture should become noticeably lighter in color and fluffy in texture after about 3-4 minutes of mixing.
- → Can I color the dough?
Yes, use gel food coloring and add small amounts gradually as too much liquid can thin the dough. You can divide the dough to make multiple colors.
- → How long do these cookies keep?
When stored in an airtight container, they will stay fresh for up to about 1 week.
- → Why are my cookies spreading?
Spritz cookies shouldn't spread much during baking. If they do, the dough might be too warm or thin. Try chilling it briefly before pressing.
Conclusion
Spritz cookies are a beloved holiday tradition, featuring a delicate, buttery texture achieved through careful ingredient selection and precise baking techniques. These cookies are characterized by their unique pressed shapes and potential for festive decorations.