Every year, as the holiday season rolled around, our neighbor Mrs. Anderson would host a Christmas cookie exchange. I remember, as a child, being fascinated by the array of shapes and colors on her Spritz Cookies. They were like little edible jewels, and the taste? Simply irresistible. As years went by, Mrs. Anderson shared her cherished recipe with my mother. Now, it’s a staple in our family during festive seasons, bringing back memories of snowy afternoons and heartwarming kitchen gatherings.
A few years back, while traveling through Europe, I stumbled upon a quaint little bakery in Germany. The sweet aroma of freshly baked goods drew me in. To my surprise, they had Spritz Cookies that looked and tasted very similar to Mrs. Anderson’s! It was a delightful moment of nostalgia in a foreign land. This universal appeal of Spritz Cookies is what makes them so special, and today, I’m sharing our treasured recipe with all of you.
How to Prepare Spritz Cookies
Ingredients for Spritz Cookies
- 1 cup of creamy butter, at room temperature
- 3 rich egg yolks
- 2 1/2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla essence
Directions for Spritz Cookies
- In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy butter, granulated sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla essence. Whisk until well-blended.
- Gradually incorporate the sifted all-purpose flour into the mixture.
- Load the dough into a cookie press. Press the dough onto cookie sheets that aren’t greased.
- Decorate with festive colored sugars or other preferred toppings.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and bake for about 7-9 minutes or until lightly golden.
What is a cookie press?
A cookie press is a culinary tool used to produce cookies in various designs. The dough is inserted, and the press releases it in distinct shapes onto a baking sheet.
Can I use salted butter for this recipe?
It’s recommended to use unsalted butter to control the sodium content. However, if you use salted butter, consider reducing any added salt.
How long can I store these cookies?
Spritz Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them.
Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Yes! Feel free to add food coloring to match festive themes or personal preferences.
Why are my cookies dry?
If your cookies turn out dry, it might be due to over-baking or an imbalanced ratio of ingredients. Ensure you follow the recipe closely and keep an eye on them in the oven.
Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla?
Absolutely! Almond extract offers a delightful twist to the traditional recipe. It’s a great way to experiment and find your favorite flavor profile.
Do I need to grease my cookie sheet?
No, there’s no need to grease the cookie sheet for this recipe. The butter in the dough prevents sticking.
What’s the perfect baking time for a softer Spritz Cookie?
For a softer texture, bake the cookies for a shorter duration, around 6-7 minutes. Always watch them to prevent over-baking.
Can I decorate the cookies post baking?
For decorations like sugar or sprinkles to adhere to the cookies, it’s recommended to decorate before baking. Post baking, they might not stick well.
Spritz Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter softened
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix the butter or margarine, sugar, egg yolks and vanilla.
- Add the flour and mix by hand.
- Spoon into cookie press and press onto ungreased cookie sheets.
- Sprinkle with colored sugars.
- Bake in preheated 400 degrees F oven for 7-10 minutes.
