Description
These old fashioned spritz cookies are a delightful, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat perfect for holiday gatherings. The easy, foolproof method ensures beautiful, festive cookies that fill your kitchen with a comforting aroma.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (use plant-based butter for dairy-free)
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (organic eggs offer a clean taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon almond extract (swap for extra vanilla if preferred)
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour (a 1:1 gluten-free flour works well)
- 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Optional: food coloring or sprinkles for festive fun
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy cookie release.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, pale, and airy.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the creamed mixture. Beat until well combined and smooth, scraping down the bowl sides to ensure no dry spots.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and fine sea salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms. (If the dough is too stiff for the cookie press, add 0.5 teaspoon of milk.) Do not overmix to avoid tough cookies.
- Load Cookie Press: Fill your cookie press with the dough and attach your chosen disk, such as a simple flower or star shape for a classic, uniform look.
- Press and Bake Cookies: Press the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) between them. (If dough is too soft, chill for 10-15 minutes.) Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden, keeping cookies pale for delicate texture.
- Cool Cookies: Remove baking sheets from the oven and let cookies rest for a few minutes to set. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring crispness.
Notes
For dietary adjustments, use plant-based butter for dairy-free or 1:1 gluten-free flour. You can swap almond extract for extra vanilla. If dough is too stiff, add 0.5 teaspoon milk; if too soft, chill for 10-15 minutes. Avoid overmixing dough. Cookies should remain pale to maintain delicate texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cookies
- Calories: 130 calories
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg