Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies Recipe

I have a tradition of whipping up Christmas Spritz Cookies using unsalted butter, granulated sugar, a fresh egg, and vanilla extract that yields a tender, endlessly adaptable treat. I love working with a blend of all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt to create a dough that turns into incredibly delightful bites every single time.

I’ve been experimenting with Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies for a while now and every time i feel like im rediscovering a family secret. This recipe is something that generations have cherished for its buttery, tender texture and its endless ways to be made your own.

I mix up 1 cup unsalted butter that’s nicely softened with 3/4 cup granulated sugar and then stir in a large egg and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. With 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt thrown in, the dough becomes just right for getting creative with a cookie press.

I’ve played around with different twists that remind me of classic butter spritz cookies and even curated some versions leaning towards a cream cheese vibe. Every time i make these, i cant help but think of nostalgic Christmas recipes that feel fresh and exciting every time you press a mold into the dough.

Enjoy exploring this timeless treat!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe for so many reasons. First, I really like how the cookies turn out super buttery and tender every time. It makes every bite feel rich and comforting. Second, I appreciate that they are endlessly customizable. I mean, I can experiment with flavors or add extra toppings, and that just makes me excited to bake them. Third, I like that it’s a festive treat that brings some holiday cheer into my kitchen. Making these cookies always reminds me of fun family get-togethers and celebrations. And lastly, the recipe is simple enough that even when I’m not in a cooking mood, I know I can whip them up without any hassle, which is just awesome.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter gives rich flavor and tender texture to each cookie.
• Granulated sugar sweetens the mix and helps cookies become delightfully crispy.
• A room temperature egg boosts structure and adds slight protein for better rise.
• Vanilla extract enhances sweetness and aroma with its warm and inviting notes.
• All-purpose flour provides the cookie structure and balances all ingredients perfectly.
• A pinch of salt intensifies flavors and controls the cookie’s sweetness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (room temp is best)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a few baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until they are light and fluffy. This may take a few minutes.

3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully mixed; make sure the egg is at room temperature so it blends in nicely.

4. In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with the salt.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not over mix as it can make the cookies tough.

6. Scoop the dough into a cookie press fitted with your favorite decorative tip.

7. Press the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart.

8. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your festive treats!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 350°F)
2. Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
3. Large mixing bowl (for creaming the butter and sugar)
4. Another bowl (for mixing the dry ingredients)
5. Measuring cups and spoons (for accurate ingredient amounts)
6. Electric mixer or a robust whisk (to blend the ingredients well)
7. Cookie press with your chosen decorative tip
8. Cooling wire rack (to let the cookies cool properly)

FAQ

Old Fashioned Spritz Cookies Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Unsalted butter: You can use margarine or coconut oil in place of butter, but it might make the cookies a bit softer.
• Granulated sugar: Brown sugar can be used instead, though it may give a slight molasses flavor to the recipe.
• Egg: If you dont have an egg, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce; it helps to bind the ingredients together.
• Vanilla extract: You might swap it for almond extract, but use only half as much cause its flavor is more intense.
• All-purpose flour: Whole wheat flour can be a good alternative, but you might want to reduce it a little bit as it absorbs liquids differently.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure all your ingredients like the butter and egg are at room temperature so that they blend better. It’ll help make the dough smoother and avoid any lumps.

2. When you’re mixing the flour in, do it slowly and stop once it’s just combined. Over stirring can develop too much gluten which might make the cookies come out tough.

3. Experiment with your cookie press tips. Trying out different patterns can really add a fun twist to your cookies, making them look as great as they taste.

4. Let the cookies chill on the tray for a minute or two after you take them out of the oven. They’ll firm up a bit and be easier to move without breaking.