Description
Sweet nostalgia meets delightful crunch in these classic Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies, beloved holiday treats passed down through generations. German baking traditions shine through these buttery, delicate cookies that melt perfectly with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Decoration (Optional):
- Colored sugar
- Sprinkles
- Nonpareils
Instructions
- Set the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
- Select an ungreased baking sheet, as the slight friction helps the cookie dough adhere when using a spritz press.
- Attach the desired cookie shape disk to the cookie press, selecting a decorative pattern like a flower or star.
- Load the prepared cookie dough into the press, filling it completely and removing any air pockets.
- Position the press perpendicular to the baking sheet, applying consistent pressure to create uniform cookie shapes.
- Space the pressed cookie shapes approximately 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Continue pressing cookies onto the baking sheet until the dough is exhausted, rotating disk shapes for variety if desired.
- Place the filled baking sheet into the preheated oven, watching carefully to prevent over-browning.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cookie edges turn a delicate golden color.
- Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool directly on the baking sheet for several minutes.
- Carefully transfer the delicate cookies to a wire cooling rack using a thin spatula.
- Once completely cooled, store the spritz cookies in an airtight container to maintain their crisp texture.
Notes
- Use a sturdy metal cookie press for consistent and beautiful shapes that hold their intricate design during baking.
- Chill the dough slightly before pressing to ensure firmer cookies that maintain crisp edges and prevent spreading.
- Select cold butter straight from the refrigerator to create a stable dough that provides better structure when pressed through cookie molds.
- For gluten-sensitive individuals, swap wheat flour with a reliable 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the classic delicate texture of traditional spritz cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 112
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg