Butter spritz cookies: the name alone evokes a sense of warmth and nostalgia. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats are a Christmas classic, but their simple elegance makes them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this guide will walk you through every step to achieve bakery-worthy spritz cookies right in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
These cookies aren’t just delicious; they’re incredibly versatile too! The dough is a blank canvas for your creativity. Use different cookie press disks to create festive shapes, experiment with food coloring for a vibrant twist, or add extracts like almond or vanilla for an extra layer of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: Sprinkles, colored sugar, or melted chocolate for decorating
Tools of the Trade
- Cookie press
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
Let’s Get Baking!
Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is where a stand mixer comes in handy, but a handheld mixer works just as well. “Creaming” incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in lighter, more delicate cookies.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as it can make the cookies tough.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, leading to a consistent rise in the cookies.
Step 4: Gradually Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight. Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 6: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and ensures even browning.
Step 7: Load the Cookie Press and Pipe
Fill your cookie press with the chilled dough, choosing your desired disk. Press the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
Expert Tip: “If you find your dough is too sticky to press easily, try chilling it for another 30 minutes. You can also lightly flour your cookie press disk for easier release.” – Chef Emily Carter
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
Step 9: Cool and Decorate (Optional)
Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before decorating. Once cooled, you can get creative with sprinkles, colored sugar, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Butter, Sugar, and Flour for Spritz Cookies
FAQs About Butter Spritz Cookies
Q: Can I freeze spritz cookie dough?
A: Absolutely! The dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Q: My cookies spread too much. What went wrong?
A: This could be due to several factors: the butter wasn’t cold enough, the oven wasn’t hot enough, or the dough wasn’t chilled long enough.
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: While possible, using butter will yield a richer flavor and better texture.
Serving and Storing Your Butter Spritz Cookies
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee. Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Christmas Butter Spritz Cookies
Conclusion
There you have it! Now you’re equipped to create your own batch of delightful butter spritz cookies. They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones, gifting during the holidays, or simply enjoying as a sweet treat any time of year. If you’re looking for other delicious cookie recipes, check out our guides on how to make spritzkuchen or piped butter cookies. Happy baking!
