Description

These classic Butter Spritz Cookies are a holiday staple, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a hint of sweet almond flavor. Using a cookie press, you can quickly create dozens of festive, intricate shapes that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
Gel icing colors (optional)
Assorted sprinkles or sanding sugar (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
In a large mixer bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar on medium speed for 3–4 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until fully combined.
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until the dough comes together; be careful not to over-mix.
If using colors, divide the dough into separate bowls and gently fold in gel icing colors until desired vibrancy is reached.
Pack the dough into a cookie press and press shapes directly onto ungreased baking sheets or silicone mats.
Bake for 5–8 minutes until the cookies are set and matte, but not browned.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

To ensure the cookies release perfectly from the press, always use a clean, ungreased, and room-temperature baking sheet; never use parchment paper as the dough needs to grip the surface. If you find the dough is too soft to hold the intricate details of the press, try chilling the dough-filled press in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes before continuing.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American