Spritz Cookies are delicate, buttery, and wonderfully festive. Known for their crisp texture and beautiful shapes, these cookies are perfect for holiday baking or any occasion that calls for a touch of elegance.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract (optional, but adds great flavor)
• Colored sprinkles or nonpareils (optional, for decorating)

Preparation

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Chill Time: None
Yield: About 36 cookies (depending on size and shape)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Prepare the Dough:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
   • Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and beat until fully incorporated.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. The dough should be smooth and slightly stiff.
4. Fill the Cookie Press:
   • Fit a cookie press with your desired disk (stars, hearts, flowers, etc.). Fill the press with the dough, making sure it’s packed in tightly.
5. Form the Cookies:
   • On the prepared baking sheet, press the dough out into your desired shapes. Space the cookies about 1-2 inches apart, as they don’t spread much during baking.
6. Decorate the Cookies (Optional):
   • If desired, sprinkle the unbaked cookies with colored sprinkles or nonpareils for a festive touch.
7. Bake the Cookies:
   • Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should remain pale. Keep an eye on them as they bake quickly.
8. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Butter: Ensure that the butter is softened to room temperature, but not melted, for the best texture.
• Cookie Press: A cookie press works best with dough that isn’t too soft or sticky. If your dough is too soft, chill it for 15-20 minutes before pressing.
• Sprinkles: Sprinkles are optional but add a fun, festive touch to these delicate cookies, especially for holidays.

Fun Twists

• Flavored Spritz: Add lemon zest or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle them with melted chocolate for extra flavor and visual appeal.
• Holiday Shapes: Use a cookie press with holiday-themed disks (like Christmas trees or snowflakes) for a more seasonal look.

Final Thoughts

Spritz Cookies are a timeless treat that are not only delicious but also make for an impressive addition to any cookie tray. Their delicate, buttery flavor paired with a crisp texture and decorative shape makes them perfect for sharing during the holidays or any special event. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just to enjoy with a cup of tea, these cookies will be a delightful addition to your recipe collection.

Enjoy your delightful, melt-in-your-mouth Spritz Cookies! 🍪