Description
These delicate, buttery Spritz cookies are a holiday staple, featuring a tender crumb and a nostalgic hint of almond. Perfectly shaped with a cookie press, they offer a festive and professional-looking treat that is surprisingly easy to achieve in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- Natural sprinkles or sanding sugar for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare cold, ungreased baking sheets.
- In a stand mixer or large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- Turn the mixer to low and gradually incorporate the flour and salt, mixing just until the streaks of flour disappear.
- Pack the dough into a cookie press and extrude your desired shapes onto the ungreased baking sheets, spaced about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the cookies are set and the bottom edges are barely golden; cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
To ensure the dough releases perfectly from the press, always use completely cold and dry baking sheets; if the pan is warm or greased, the shapes will not stick. If your dough becomes too soft to hold its shape, chill it in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before continuing to press.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American