Oh, let me tell you about classic spritz cookies! These little gems are not just your ordinary cookies; they’re buttery, festive, and utterly irresistible. I make them every holiday season, and they never fail to delight my family and friends. The moment you pull them out of the oven, the sweet, buttery aroma fills your kitchen, and trust me, no one can resist their charming shapes and delicate crunch. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, whether you’re hosting a big party or just cozying up for an intimate get-together. Once you try making these, you’ll see why they hold a special place in my heart!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare Classic Spritz Cookies Buttery Festive and Irresistible
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important because you want those cookies to bake evenly!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. You’ll want to beat this mixture for about 3-5 minutes. Trust me, this step is where the magic begins!
- Next, add in the vanilla and almond extracts. Mix well until everything is combined. Oh, the smell is heavenly already!
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps ensure that your dry ingredients are well mixed and ready to go.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it! You want a nice, soft dough that holds its shape.
- Now, here comes the fun part! Fill a cookie press with your dough. If you don’t have one, you can use a piping bag with a star tip for that classic look.
- Press the dough onto ungreased baking sheets in fun shapes. I love making little stars and trees—so festive!
- Pop those sheets into the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to be lightly golden, but the centers should stay soft.
- Once they’re done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on wire racks. Patience is key here; they’ll be even better once they’ve cooled down!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: You can whip these up in just about 30 minutes—perfect for last-minute holiday baking!
- Easy to make: With simple steps, even beginner bakers can create these delightful treats without any fuss!
- Perfect for festive occasions: These cookies add a cheerful touch to any holiday gathering, making them a must-have on your dessert table.
- Buttery and flavorful: Each bite melts in your mouth, delivering that rich, buttery goodness that everyone craves during the holidays.
- Great for sharing: Whether you’re gifting them to neighbors or bringing them to a party, these cookies are a hit that everyone will love!
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before you start. This helps achieve that light and fluffy texture when creaming with sugar.
- Don’t overmix: When you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them to be tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
- Chill the dough if needed: If the dough feels too soft to handle, pop it in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes. This helps maintain their shape while baking.
- Experiment with shapes: Have fun with your cookie press! Try different shapes and sizes. I love to mix it up with trees, stars, and even little hearts for a sweet touch!
- Keep an eye on baking time: Every oven is different, so check your cookies around the 8-minute mark. You want them to be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center.
- Let them cool completely: While it’s tempting to dive in right away, letting them cool on wire racks really enhances their texture and flavor. Plus, they’re easier to handle!
Variations
- Flavored extracts: Switch things up by using different extracts! Try peppermint for a refreshing twist or lemon for a zesty flavor. Just remember to adjust the amount to keep the balance right.
- Colored dough: Add some festive flair by mixing in a few drops of food coloring to your dough. You can create swirled colors or even layer different colors to make your cookies extra fun and eye-catching!
- Chocolate chips: For a richer treat, fold in some mini chocolate chips or even chunks of your favorite chocolate. They add a delightful surprise in every bite and pair wonderfully with the buttery base.
- Nuts: If you love a bit of crunch, consider adding finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the dough. They’ll give your cookies an added layer of flavor and texture!
- Sprinkles: Before baking, sprinkle some colored sugar or festive sprinkles on top of the cookies for that extra holiday sparkle. They make everything look more cheerful, don’t you think?
- Sandwich cookies: Get creative by making sandwich cookies! Just add a layer of frosting, jam, or even Nutella between two cookies for a delicious treat that’s even more indulgent.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made your classic spritz cookies and they’ve cooled completely, the best way to keep them fresh is to store them in an airtight container. They can sit at room temperature for about a week, but I bet they won’t last that long with how delicious they are!
If you want to keep them for longer, these cookies freeze beautifully. Just layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. You can freeze them for up to three months—perfect for when you want a little holiday treat any time of the year!
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, just take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. No reheating is needed; they’re delightful as is! But if you prefer a warm cookie, pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for just a few minutes to warm them up. Yum!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional data for each classic spritz cookie, so you can enjoy them guilt-free! Keep in mind that these values are based on typical ingredients and can vary slightly based on specific brands and measurements.
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 1g
These delightful cookies are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a classic addition to your festive celebrations! Enjoy every buttery bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter gives classic spritz cookies their rich flavor and texture, you can use margarine if you need a dairy-free option. Just make sure it’s a stick variety for the best results!
What if I don’t have a cookie press?
No worries at all! You can use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to create those festive shapes. Just pipe the dough onto the baking sheets in your desired designs!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before pressing it into shapes.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Keep an eye on those cookies! They’re done when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look a bit soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, giving you that perfect tender bite.
Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Yes! Adding a few drops of food coloring is a fun way to make your classic spritz cookies even more festive. Just mix in the coloring until you achieve your desired shade!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving classic spritz cookies, the options are endless! These delightful little treats shine even brighter when paired with the right accompaniments. Here are some ideas to create a complete festive experience:
- Hot cocoa or coffee: There’s nothing like a warm cup of hot cocoa or freshly brewed coffee alongside your buttery spritz cookies. The rich flavors complement each other beautifully, making for a cozy treat!
- Holiday-themed platters: Arrange your spritz cookies on a festive platter with other holiday goodies like peppermint bark, gingerbread men, or chocolate-covered pretzels. It makes for a colorful and inviting display!
- Fruit preserves: Serve your cookies with a side of fruit preserves or jams. A dollop of raspberry or apricot jam balances the buttery sweetness perfectly and adds a lovely tart contrast. Learn more about pairing cookies with preserves.
- Ice cream sundaes: Get a little indulgent! Crumble some spritz cookies over ice cream sundaes for a delightful crunch. Top with whipped cream and a cherry for a fun twist!
- Festive cocktails: Pair these cookies with holiday cocktails like eggnog or mulled wine. The flavors meld together, creating a festive vibe that’s perfect for celebrations.
No matter how you choose to serve them, your classic spritz cookies will surely be the star of the show during your holiday gatherings. Enjoy the festive spirit and happy baking!
Print
Classic Spritz Cookies: 7 Buttery Festive Treats to Make
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 dozen cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic spritz cookies are buttery, festive, and irresistible. They are perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla and almond extracts, mixing well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fill a cookie press with the dough and press onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on wire racks before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- You can decorate with sprinkles before baking.
- These cookies freeze well for later enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: classic spritz cookies, buttery cookies, festive cookies, irresistible cookies
