Oh my goodness, let me tell you about classic spritz cookies! These little gems are the epitome of festive baking—every bite is buttery and irresistible, making them a must-have for any holiday gathering. I still remember the first time I made them with my grandma; the smell of the sweet dough and the excitement of using the cookie press filled our kitchen with joy. They’re so easy to whip up, and the best part? You can decorate them any way you like! Trust me, once you make these classic spritz cookies, you’ll find them disappearing faster than you can say “holiday spirit!”
Ingredients List
Gather up these simple ingredients to create your classic spritz cookies. You’ll find that they’re all pretty straightforward—just make sure to pay attention to the details for the best results!
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened (this is key for that perfectly creamy texture!)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration
And there you have it! These ingredients come together to make the most delightful, buttery cookies that will have everyone asking for seconds. Now, let’s get ready to bake!
How to Prepare Classic Spritz Cookies
Now let’s dive into the fun part—making these classic spritz cookies! Trust me, the process is as enjoyable as the final result. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of buttery, festive treats in no time!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps your cookies bake evenly and achieve that lovely golden edge. Don’t skip this step; it sets the stage for deliciousness!
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, grab your softened butter and granulated sugar and cream them together. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it adds air into the dough, making your cookies light and delightful. Seriously, the smell is heavenly!
Add Egg and Vanilla Extract
Next, add in your large egg and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. This is the moment when your dough starts to come together and smell even more amazing. Don’t rush it—make sure it’s all blended smoothly!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is key to ensuring your cookies rise perfectly and have that wonderful buttery flavor. Whisking distributes the baking powder and salt evenly, preventing any clumps in your dough.
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, gradually add your dry mixture to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely don’t want that! You want a soft dough that’s still a little sticky but holds its shape.
Shape the Cookies
Here comes the fun part! Transfer your dough to a cookie press. If you don’t have one, you can use a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Form your cookies into shapes on ungreased baking sheets. I love to make them in festive designs—stars, trees, you name it! Just ensure they’re spaced out since they’ll spread a bit as they bake.
Decorate with Sprinkles
Before popping them in the oven, sprinkle the tops of your cookies with colored sugar or sprinkles. This adds a festive touch and a bit of crunch. Go wild with the colors—this is your chance to be creative!
Bake the Cookies
Now it’s time to bake! Slide your baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; you’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look a little soft, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
Cool and Store
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set perfectly. Store them in an airtight container to maintain that lovely freshness. You can even freeze them for up to three months if you want to save some for later—though I doubt they’ll last that long!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk about the nutritional values of these delightful classic spritz cookies! Keep in mind that these are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying. Each cookie is about 100 calories, which is perfect for a little treat without going overboard!
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 1g
So there you have it! These cookies are a sweet treat that won’t derail your day. Just remember to enjoy them in moderation, because once you start, it’s hard to stop at just one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time!
- Festive Fun: The vibrant colors from the sprinkles make these cookies a delightful addition to any holiday spread.
- Buttery Goodness: Each bite melts in your mouth, delivering that irresistible buttery flavor we all crave.
- Perfect for Sharing: With a yield of 48 cookies, there’s plenty to go around for family and friends at your next gathering.
- Customizable: Experiment with different extracts and decorations to make them uniquely yours!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Trust me, these cookies will have everyone raving and asking for your secret recipe!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your classic spritz cookies turn out perfectly every time! Here are my top tips to ensure success in your baking adventure:
- Use Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature—this is crucial for that light and fluffy texture. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, you can microwave it for about 10 seconds at a time until it’s soft but not melted.
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft to handle, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape better while baking.
- Experiment with Shapes: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your cookie press! Try different shapes and sizes to add variety to your festive cookie platter.
- Check for Doneness: Remember, the edges should be lightly golden, but the centers might look a tad soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake!
- Decorate After Baking: If you prefer to add a little extra flair, consider drizzling melted chocolate or icing over the cooled cookies instead of just sprinkles before baking.
- Store Wisely: Keep your cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to help them stay soft. Trust me, this little trick works wonders!
- Have Fun! Most importantly, enjoy the process! Baking should be a joyful experience, so don’t stress too much. Play some music and get into the holiday spirit!
With these tips, you’re all set to create the most delightful classic spritz cookies that will wow your family and friends. Happy baking!
Variations
Now, if you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to jazz up your classic spritz cookies! Here are some delightful variations that will keep things exciting and cater to all kinds of taste buds:
- Almond Joy: Swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract to give your cookies a nutty twist. It adds such a lovely depth of flavor!
- Chocolate Delight: Mix in some cocoa powder (about 1/4 cup) with your dry ingredients for chocolatey spritz cookies that are simply divine!
- Citrus Zest: For a refreshing twist, add the zest of an orange or lemon to the dough. It brightens up the flavor and adds a nice aromatic touch!
- Spiced Up: Incorporate some ground cinnamon or nutmeg into your dry ingredients for a warm, spicy flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Minty Fresh: Use peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a festive, minty flavor. You can even top them with crushed candy canes for a holiday crunch!
- Nutty Goodness: Fold in some finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the dough for added texture and flavor. They bring a delightful crunch!
- Seasonal Sprinkles: Change up your decorations according to the season! Use pastel sprinkles for spring, fall colors for autumn, or festive red and green for the holidays.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas or come up with your own unique spins! Just remember, the key is to have fun and let your creativity shine through. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving classic spritz cookies, the options are as festive as the cookies themselves! Here are some delightful ideas to pair with these buttery, irresistible treats that will elevate any holiday gathering:
- Hot Cocoa: What’s better than enjoying a classic spritz cookie with a warm cup of hot cocoa? The rich chocolatey drink perfectly complements the buttery cookies and creates a cozy vibe.
- Festive Fruit Platter: Balance the sweetness of the cookies with a colorful fruit platter. Fresh berries, citrus slices, and seasonal fruits add a refreshing touch to your dessert table.
- Holiday Eggnog: Serve your spritz cookies with a glass of creamy eggnog for a classic holiday pairing. The flavors of nutmeg and cinnamon in the eggnog beautifully enhance the cookie’s buttery goodness.
- Cheese Board: For a savory twist, include a cheese board with assorted cheeses, crackers, and fruits. The contrast of flavors will surprise your guests and make your cookie spread even more appealing!
- Coffee or Tea: Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or your favorite herbal tea. The warmth of the drink makes the cookies even more comforting and enjoyable.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Get a little creative and turn your classic spritz cookies into ice cream sandwiches! Just sandwich your favorite ice cream in between two cookies for a delightful treat that’s sure to impress.
No matter how you choose to serve them, classic spritz cookies will undoubtedly steal the show at any gathering. So, gather your favorite drinks and snacks, and let the festive spirit flow while enjoying these delicious treats!
Imprimer
Classic Spritz Cookies: 7 Buttery Festive Delights
- Temps Total: 32 minutes
- Rendement: 48 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Classic spritz cookies are buttery, festive, and irresistible. A perfect treat for any holiday gathering.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration
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 until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Transfer the dough to a cookie press and form shapes onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles on top of each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- These cookies freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Experiment with different extracts for varied flavors.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 12 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sucre: 5g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 5g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 12g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 1g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 15mg
Mots-clés: classic spritz cookies, festive cookies, buttery cookies
