Spritz Cookies Recipe

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Cook Time: 6 minutes

Cookie Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups salted butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons colored sugar, nonpareils, or sprinkles (optional)
• Powdered sugar icing (optional)

Powdered Sugar Icing (optional)

• 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Gather all ingredients and preheat the oven to 375F (190C).

Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer for 30 seconds.

Step 3: Add sugar, baking powder, and salt. Beat until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally.

Step 4: Add egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Continue mixing until fully combined.

Step 5: Gradually add flour, mixing as much as you can with the electric mixer. Stir in the remaining flour using a wooden spoon.

Step 6: Using a cookie press, force the room-temperature dough onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Step 7: If desired, sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar, nonpareils, or sprinkles.

Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the edges are firm but not brown.

Step 9: Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 10: To make the powdered sugar icing (optional), mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.

Step 11: If necessary, add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the icing reaches a drizzling consistency.

Step 12: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the icing over the top and decorate with sprinkles if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	68
Total Fat	4g (5% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat	2g (12% Daily Value)
Cholesterol	13mg (4% Daily Value)
Sodium	46mg (2% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrates	7g (3% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber	0g (1% Daily Value)
Total Sugars	3g
Protein	1g (2% Daily Value)
Vitamin C	0mg (0% Daily Value)
Calcium	6mg (0% Daily Value)
Iron	0mg (2% Daily Value)
Potassium	9mg (0% Daily Value)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origin of Spritz Cookies

Spritz cookies are a classic treat, particularly popular during the holiday season. The name "Spritz" comes from the German word spritzen, which means "to squirt" or "to spray," referring to the method of pressing the dough through a cookie press to create intricate shapes. This technique likely originated in Europe, with the cookies gaining prominence in Germany and Scandinavia in the 19th century. The use of a cookie press allowed for faster production of these decorative treats, making them a popular choice for holiday baking.

Regional Features of Spritz Cookies

While Spritz cookies are enjoyed worldwide, they are particularly beloved in Northern European countries, especially Germany, Austria, and Scandinavia. In these regions, they are often made in a variety of shapes, from simple rounds to festive patterns like stars, trees, and wreaths. In some cultures, these cookies are even flavored with spices like cinnamon or cardamom to reflect local tastes. The addition of almond extract is common in American versions, which gives the cookies a signature nutty flavor. Spritz cookies are a symbol of warmth and hospitality, frequently served at festive gatherings and family celebrations.

How Spritz Cookies Differ from Similar Treats

Though Spritz cookies share similarities with other butter-based cookies, they stand out in both texture and presentation. Unlike regular butter cookies, which are often rolled and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter, Spritz cookies are made by pressing dough through a cookie press. This method creates cookies with a distinct, light texture thats crispy on the outside yet soft on the inside. The dough's high butter content makes these cookies rich and tender, while the almond extract adds a unique flavor that sets them apart from standard sugar cookies or shortbread.

Where Spritz Cookies Are Commonly Served

Spritz cookies are most commonly associated with holiday celebrations, particularly Christmas. In the United States, they are often served as part of a larger spread of holiday cookies, alongside favorites like gingerbread, sugar cookies, and snickerdoodles. These cookies are popular for gift-giving and are frequently packaged in decorative tins. In Europe, they are also enjoyed during special occasions like birthdays and weddings, where they may be decorated with icing or sprinkles to add a festive touch.

Interesting Facts About Spritz Cookies

• Spritz cookies were originally made by hand, but with the invention of the cookie press in the 1930s, the process became much easier and more efficient.
• They are one of the most popular cookies in Germany, often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Spritz cookies can be made in various shapes, such as stars, hearts, and even animals, making them a fun choice for kids to decorate during the holidays.
• Some families have passed down their own variations of Spritz cookies for generations, with secret ingredients or unique decorating styles.
• Although almond extract is commonly used in Spritz cookie recipes, some variations include vanilla or lemon zest for a different flavor profile.

Spritz cookies are more than just a treattheyre a beloved tradition that brings joy and nostalgia to those who bake and share them. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist, these cookies will surely remain a holiday favorite for years to come.

FAQ about Spritz Cookies Recipe

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