Ah, spritz cookies! These little gems are the epitome of buttery goodness—crispy on the edges and delightfully tender in the middle. I can’t help but smile when I think about making these with my family during the holidays. The excitement of choosing different shapes and decorating them with colorful sprinkles always brings a festive vibe to our kitchen. Each batch seems to hold a bit of magic, whether it’s for a holiday gathering or just a cozy evening at home. And let me tell you, the smell of them baking? Pure bliss! Trust me, once you start making spritz cookies, they’ll become a cherished tradition you’ll look forward to every year!
Ingredients for Spritz Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare Spritz Cookies
Alright, let’s get those spritz cookies baking! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want those cookies to bake evenly and come out just right.
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. I usually mix for about 2-3 minutes—this step really helps create that lovely texture!
Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix is crucial for the perfect cookie structure, so don’t skip it!
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in batches to avoid a flour explosion—mix until everything is just combined; we don’t want to overwork the dough.
Now, fill your cookie press with the dough and get ready to have some fun! Press the cookies onto ungreased baking sheets in your favorite shapes. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until they’re just lightly golden on the edges. Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. And that’s it—your delicious spritz cookies are ready to be enjoyed!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to spritz cookies, it’s always nice to have a general idea of what you’re indulging in! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per cookie, keeping in mind that these are estimates:
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 1g
So, while these cookies are a delightful treat, they’re also a reminder to enjoy them in moderation. But hey, a little buttery goodness now and then is good for the soul, right?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up, perfect for last-minute baking!
- Buttery flavor that melts in your mouth—absolutely irresistible!
- Fun to make with different shapes and colors for any occasion.
- Great for gifting or sharing at holiday parties.
- Perfectly crispy edges with a tender center—just the way I like them!
- Endless decorating possibilities to unleash your creativity!
Tips for Success with Spritz Cookies
To make sure your spritz cookies turn out perfectly every time, start with room temperature butter—this is key for that light and fluffy texture. Also, don’t pack the dough too tightly into the cookie press; it needs a little room to flow out smoothly. If the dough feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes to firm up. And when pressing the cookies, make sure you’re applying even pressure to get those beautiful shapes. Lastly, keep an eye on them in the oven; they can go from golden to overbaked in a flash! Happy baking!
Variations on Spritz Cookies
One of the best parts about spritz cookies is how versatile they are! You can really let your creativity shine with a few fun twists. For starters, why not add some food coloring to the dough? Just a few drops can transform your spritz cookies into vibrant treats that are perfect for holidays or special occasions. My kids love choosing their favorite colors!
If you want to switch up the flavor, try experimenting with different extracts. Almond extract or lemon zest can add a delightful twist to the classic vanilla flavor. Just remember, a little goes a long way, so start with half a teaspoon and adjust to your taste!
Don’t forget about shapes! While traditional shapes are lovely, you can use seasonal cookie cutters or even press the dough into festive molds for a unique look. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding in some mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a delightful surprise in every bite. The possibilities are endless, and each batch can be a new adventure in your kitchen! Enjoy the process and have fun!
Serving Suggestions for Spritz Cookies
When it comes to serving spritz cookies, the possibilities are just as delightful as the cookies themselves! I love to pair them with a steaming cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. They also make a fantastic addition to any holiday dessert platter, surrounded by other festive cookies and treats. If you’re looking to impress, consider packaging a dozen spritz cookies in a cute gift box or jar—perfect for sharing with friends and family! And don’t forget, they’re always a hit at parties, adding a pop of color and flavor to your snack table. Enjoy every buttery bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your spritz cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay good for up to a week—if they last that long! If you want to make them ahead of time, these cookies freeze beautifully. Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and they’ll be ready for you whenever you need a sweet treat.
If you happen to have any leftovers and want to enjoy them warm, just pop them in the microwave for about 5-10 seconds. They’ll be soft and buttery, just like when they were freshly baked. Enjoy!
FAQ About Spritz Cookies
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine, I highly recommend sticking with unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture. Butter gives spritz cookies that rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality that margarine just can’t match!
How should I store my spritz cookies?
To keep those delicious cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay good for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them—just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper.
What if my dough is too soft?
If your dough feels too soft to press, don’t worry! Just pop it in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes. This will firm it up nicely and make it easier to work with.
Can I decorate my spritz cookies?
Absolutely! Decorating spritz cookies is one of the best parts! You can sprinkle them with colored sugar or drizzle melted chocolate on top for an extra special touch. Get creative with your decorations—it’s all about having fun!
What are some fun variations I can try?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can add food coloring to the dough for festive colors or mix in different extracts like almond or lemon for a flavor twist. Experimenting with shapes and sizes is also a great way to keep things exciting. Have fun with it!
Spritz Cookies: 7 Irresistible Tips for Buttery Bliss
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spritz cookies are buttery, crisp, and easy to make. They come in various shapes and are often decorated with sprinkles.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
- Fill a cookie press with the dough.
- Press cookies onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Add food coloring to the dough for festive colors.
- Use different shapes for variety.
- 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: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: spritz cookies, butter cookies, holiday cookies
