Welcome to my cozy kitchen! Today, I’m thrilled to share one of my all-time favorite recipes: spritz cookies. These little gems are not just delightful to eat, but they also fill your home with the most wonderful aroma while baking. There’s something so nostalgic about the buttery goodness of spritz cookies, and trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be transported back to family gatherings and joyful celebrations. They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re making them for the holidays or just because you want a sweet treat at home. Plus, the best part? They’re incredibly easy to whip up! With just a few simple ingredients and some fun shapes, you’ll have a batch of these delicious cookies ready to share—or to keep all to yourself (I won’t tell!). Let’s get started on this delightful baking adventure together!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
How to Prepare Spritz Cookies
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s jump into the fun part—making these delightful spritz cookies! Don’t worry if you’re new to baking; I’ll guide you through each step. Just take your time, and enjoy the process!
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want your cookies to bake evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. I like to use a hand mixer for this; it makes the job much easier. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You want it to look pale and airy!
- Next, add in the large egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You should see that lovely buttery mixture blending beautifully!
- Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder throughout the flour, which is important for the cookies to rise properly.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. I usually do this in three parts, mixing gently until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix—this can make your cookies tough!
- Time to get creative! Fill your cookie press with the dough. If you don’t have one, you can use a piping bag with a large star tip. Press the dough onto ungreased baking sheets in your favorite shapes. I find that a simple swirl looks lovely!
- Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’ll know they’re ready when the edges are lightly golden. Trust me, the smell will drive you wild!
- Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This step helps them firm up, so be patient!
And there you have it—delicious spritz cookies ready to be enjoyed! Feel free to taste a few while they’re still warm; you deserve it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These spritz cookies are incredibly easy to make—perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
- The delightful buttery flavor melts in your mouth, making every bite a little moment of joy.
- They’re versatile! You can dress them up for holidays or enjoy them as a simple afternoon treat.
- With the fun shapes you can create, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike.
- These cookies freeze beautifully, so you can always have a batch on hand for unexpected guests.
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your spritz cookies turn out perfectly every time! Here are some tried-and-true tips that I swear by:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps them blend together smoothly, leading to a better texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tougher cookies, and we want them to be light and delicate!
- Watch Your Baking Time: Every oven is different, so start checking your cookies around the 10-minute mark. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Test Your Cookie Press: If you’re using a cookie press, practice a few shapes on parchment paper first. This way, you can get a feel for the pressure needed!
- Cool Completely: Allow your cookies to cool on a wire rack to maintain their crispness. If they’re too soft, they can lose their shape when stacked.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a spritz cookie pro in no time!
Variations on Spritz Cookies
One of the best things about spritz cookies is their versatility! You can easily switch things up to keep each batch exciting. For a twist on the classic flavor, try adding different extracts. How about a splash of peppermint extract for a festive touch, or maybe some orange zest for a bright citrusy flavor? If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even fold in some finely chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture. And don’t forget the fun decorations! Sprinkling colored sugar or festive sprinkles on top before baking gives these cookies a cheerful pop of color. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your spritz cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay lovely for about a week, but trust me, they rarely last that long! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll be good for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature. If you prefer them warm, pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to bring back that delightful softness. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying spritz cookies, knowing the nutritional information can be helpful. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use and any substitutions you make. On average, each spritz cookie contains approximately 95 calories, with about 5 grams of sugar and 5 grams of fat. They also have a small amount of protein, around 1 gram per cookie. If you’re watching your diet or have specific nutritional needs, feel free to adjust the ingredients accordingly. Happy baking, and remember, moderation is key in enjoying these delightful treats!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of flour? Absolutely! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, feel free to substitute with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it has a good structure for baking!
What if my dough is too soft? If your dough feels too soft to hold its shape, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help firm it up and make it easier to pipe.
How should I store my spritz cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freezing them is a great option!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can bake them a few days in advance! Just store them properly, and they’ll be just as delightful when you’re ready to enjoy.
Why are my cookies not holding their shape? If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to warm dough or not enough flour. Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and measure your flour accurately!
Final Thoughts
I’m so glad you’ve taken this delightful journey with me to create spritz cookies! I truly believe that baking is a wonderful way to connect with loved ones and share sweet moments. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your day. I’d love to hear about your baking adventures, so don’t hesitate to share your experiences and any variations you come up with! Let’s keep this cooking community warm and inviting. Happy baking!
Print
Classic Spritz Cookies: 7 Steps to Comforting Deliciousness
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and buttery spritz cookies perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fill a cookie press with the dough and press shapes onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter.
- Add sprinkles or colored sugar for decoration before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: spritz cookies, cookie recipe, holiday cookies, easy cookies
