Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of making soft and buttery spritz cookies! These little gems are not just cookies; they’re a burst of nostalgia for me, as I remember helping my grandma press them out during the holidays. The smell of buttery goodness filling the kitchen is simply unbeatable. Trust me when I say, once you take a bite, they melt in your mouth and leave you craving more! The best part? They’re super easy to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion. So, let’s dive into this delightful adventure of baking soft and buttery spritz cookies together!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature for easy creaming
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, for that perfect sweetness
- 1 large egg, to help bind the ingredients together
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, because every cookie deserves a hint of vanilla magic
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, the base for our tender cookies
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, to give our cookies that light, airy lift
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, to enhance all the wonderful flavors
How to Prepare Soft and Buttery Spritz Cookies
Preheat and Cream
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture! While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. You’ll want to beat them together for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step is key for those dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth cookies!
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Next, it’s time to add in the large egg and the vanilla extract. Mix them in until everything is well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients. Be careful not to overmix—just stir until everything comes together. We want to keep that soft texture intact!
Shape and Bake
Now for the fun part! Fill your cookie press with the dough and press the cookies directly onto ungreased baking sheets. I like to make fun shapes, but you can keep them simple too! Bake them for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from perfect to overbaked in a flash!
Cooling and Storing
Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps them firm up a bit, making them easier to handle. Store your soft and buttery spritz cookies in an airtight container, and if you like, sprinkle some colorful decorations on top before baking for a festive touch. These cookies will stay fresh and delicious for days—if they last that long!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—perfect for last-minute baking or unexpected guests!
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Versatile for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday party, a cozy family gathering, or just a sweet treat for yourself.
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand, making it an easy go-to recipe.
- Fun to shape with a cookie press, allowing for creativity and festive designs.
- Perfect for decorating—add sprinkles or colored sugar for a cheerful touch!
- Freezer-friendly, so you can always have a stash of these delightful cookies ready to go.
Tips for Success
If you want your soft and buttery spritz cookies to turn out perfect every time, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips just for you! First off, make sure your butter is really softened; this is crucial for that light and fluffy texture. If it’s too cold, you won’t get that lovely creaminess you want. And remember, when you’re mixing the dough, don’t overdo it! Just mix until everything is combined to keep your cookies tender.
Now, let’s talk about baking times. Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on those cookies! They should be lightly golden at the edges but still soft in the center—trust me, they’ll firm up a bit as they cool. If you notice your cookies are spreading too much, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before pressing. This can really help with maintaining their shape.
Feeling adventurous? You can easily switch things up! Try adding different extracts like almond or lemon for a twist on flavor. You can also throw in some mini chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles for an extra fun touch. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes these cookies so versatile! Just remember to have fun and make them your own!
Variations
If you’re like me and love to experiment in the kitchen, you’ll be thrilled to know that these soft and buttery spritz cookies are incredibly versatile! There are so many delightful ways to customize them to make them uniquely yours. Here are some of my favorite variations:
- Almond Joy: Swap the vanilla extract for almond extract, and mix in some mini chocolate chips and shredded coconut for a tropical twist!
- Citrus Burst: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor. You can even drizzle a lemon glaze on top after they cool for an extra zing!
- Spiced Delight: Incorporate a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy spice that’s perfect for the fall.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in cocoa powder (about 1/4 cup) to the dry ingredients for a rich chocolate cookie, or replace some of the flour with cocoa powder for a marbled effect!
- Matcha Magic: For a unique twist, add a couple of teaspoons of matcha powder to the dough. It not only gives a beautiful green color but also a subtle earthy flavor!
- Festive Sprinkles: Get creative with holiday-themed sprinkles or colored sugar on top before baking. It adds a festive touch and makes them extra cheerful!
Don’t be afraid to mix and match these ideas! The beauty of these soft and buttery spritz cookies is that they can easily adapt to your taste preferences or whatever you have on hand. Enjoy the process and let your creativity shine!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the estimated nutritional values for these delightful soft and buttery spritz cookies! Each cookie packs a punch of flavor while still being reasonably indulgent. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 1g
These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But one thing’s for sure—each bite is worth every calorie! Enjoy these cookies in moderation alongside your favorite cup of tea or coffee for a truly satisfying treat.
FAQ Section
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can technically use margarine, I highly recommend sticking with unsalted butter for that rich flavor and soft texture. Butter really makes these soft and buttery spritz cookies shine!
What if I don’t have a cookie press?
No worries at all! You can simply scoop the dough using a spoon and roll them into balls before flattening them slightly on the baking sheet. They won’t have the same decorative shapes, but they’ll still taste amazing!
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Keep an eye on those edges! You’re looking for a light golden color around the edges while the centers remain soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t let them get too dark!
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before filling your cookie press for easy handling.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Store your soft and buttery spritz cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months—just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your soft and buttery spritz cookies fresh and delicious, storing them properly is key! Once your cookies have completely cooled, place them in an airtight container. If you’re stacking them, just slip a layer of parchment paper between each layer to prevent any sticking. They’ll stay tasty at room temperature for about a week, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long!
If you want to save some for later (you know, for those moments when a cookie craving hits!), these cookies are freezer-friendly! Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply take out the desired amount and let them thaw at room temperature. No need to reheat—these cookies are just as delightful when enjoyed soft and cool!
But if you do prefer a little warmth, you can pop a couple in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or they might get too warm and lose that lovely soft texture. Enjoy your cookies fresh whenever you want, and happy baking!
Print
Soft and Buttery Spritz Cookies: 7 Steps to Success
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously soft and buttery spritz cookies that melt in your mouth.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fill a cookie press with the dough and press onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- You can decorate with sprinkles before baking.
- These cookies can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 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: soft and buttery spritz cookies
