Buttery Spritz Cookies Recipe

These Buttery Spritz Cookies Recipe are a delightful treat that will brighten any occasion. With their tender texture and rich buttery flavor, they are perfect for holiday gatherings, gift giving, or just a cozy afternoon snack. The easy-to-make dough allows for creative decorating options, making them fun for the whole family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 35 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for last-minute baking.
• Versatile Decor: You can customize these cookies with various colors and sprinkles, allowing you to match them to any event or theme.
• Perfectly Tender: These cookies bake up soft and buttery, ensuring every bite melts in your mouth.
• Great for Gifting: Pack them in festive tins for a thoughtful homemade gift that friends and family will love.
• Large Batch: With 65–70 cookies per batch, there’s plenty to share (or keep for yourself!).

Tools and Preparation

To make this Buttery Spritz Cookies Recipe, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure success in your baking adventure.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Cookie press
• Silicone baking mats
• Rubber spatula
• Mixing bowls

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: These tools help achieve a creamy texture when creaming butter and sugar together quickly.
• Cookie press: Essential for shaping these cookies into fun designs that hold their form during baking.
• Silicone baking mats: They provide a non-stick surface ideal for pressing out the cookie dough without sticking.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in ingredients without overmixing.

Ingredients

These Spritz Cookies are buttery, tender and such festive Christmas cookies! The cookie dough is super easy to put together and there’s so many ways to decorate them.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, room temperature
– 3/4 cup (155g) granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp almond extract
– 2 1/4 cups (293g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 tsp salt
– Red gel icing color, optional
– Green gel icing color, optional
– Sprinkles

How to Make Buttery Spritz Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line your baking sheets with silicone baking mats; avoid using parchment paper as it can prevent the dough from sticking properly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Use medium speed until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy—about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Add Egg

Add one large egg to the mixture. Mix well until fully incorporated into the buttery blend.

Step 4: Incorporate Extracts

Pour in both the vanilla extract and almond extract. Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients

Add in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix until just combined. Use a rubber spatula to finish combining if needed. Be careful not to over mix.

Step 6: Color Dough (Optional)

If you want to color some of your cookie dough, divide it into parts. For example, you might split it into three equal portions if you’re using white, red, and green colors.

Step 7: Add Gel Colors

Using red or green gel icing colors, add small amounts into each portion of dough. Mix well to incorporate color evenly but be cautious not to add too much liquid at once.

Step 8: Prepare Cookie Press

Take one colored portion of dough and load it into your cookie press according to its instructions. Hold the press perpendicular to your prepared baking sheet while pressing out shapes.

Step 9: Decorate

Sprinkle with colorful sprinkles as desired before baking.

Step 10: Bake

Bake your cookies in preheated oven for 5–8 minutes. For softer cookies, aim for around 5 minutes; adjust time according to your oven’s performance.

Step 11: Cool Cookies

Once baked, remove from oven and let cool on baking sheets for about 4–5 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 12: Store

Store your delicious Buttery Spritz Cookies in an airtight container where they will stay fresh for up to one week.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful treats at any celebration or simply as a sweet indulgence!

How to Serve Buttery Spritz Cookies Recipe

These delightful Buttery Spritz Cookies are perfect for any occasion. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with various accompaniments for a festive treat.

With Hot Cocoa

• A warm cup of hot cocoa is a classic pairing that complements the buttery flavors of the cookies beautifully.

As Holiday Gifts

• Package these cookies in decorative tins or boxes to share with friends and family during the holiday season.

At Cookie Decorating Parties

• Set up a decorating station with icing and sprinkles, allowing guests to personalize their cookies for added fun.

With Ice Cream

• Serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

How to Perfect Buttery Spritz Cookies Recipe

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your Buttery Spritz Cookies is easy if you follow these tips.

• Use room temperature butter: Ensures better creaming with sugar, leading to a fluffy texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Combine until just mixed to avoid tough cookies.
• Experiment with colors: Use gel icing colors carefully to create vibrant cookie designs without altering dough consistency.
• Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies; baking them slightly less will yield soft, tender results.
• Store properly: Use an airtight container to keep cookies fresh and maintain their texture.

Best Side Dishes for Buttery Spritz Cookies Recipe

These festive cookies can be enhanced by serving them with delicious side dishes. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: Fresh, seasonal fruits add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses pairs wonderfully, balancing sweetness with savory notes.
3. Nut Mix: A blend of roasted nuts provides a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the cookies.
4. Coffee or Tea: Brewed beverages enhance the cookie’s buttery taste while providing a comforting warmth.
5. Mini Muffins: Bite-sized muffins in various flavors can create a delightful spread alongside your cookies.
6. Yogurt Parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and berries offers a light, creamy option that contrasts nicely with the cookie’s richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Buttery Spritz Cookies can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t cream well with sugar. Always use room temperature butter for that light and fluffy texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can lead to tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unpreheated oven can affect cookie texture and spread. Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature.
• Ignoring cookie press instructions: Each cookie press may have different settings. Follow your specific press instructions for the best results.
• Skipping cooling time: Letting cookies cool on the baking sheet is essential for them to set properly. Don’t rush this step.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
• Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Buttery Spritz Cookies Recipe

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag. They last for about 3 months.
• For best results, freeze them before decorating.

Reheating Buttery Spritz Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds per cookie, just until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a quick FAQ section to help you with any lingering questions about the Buttery Spritz Cookies Recipe.

Can I use different extracts in this Buttery Spritz Cookies Recipe?

Yes! Feel free to substitute almond extract with other flavors like lemon or coconut for a unique twist.

What if I don’t have a cookie press?

You can use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to pipe out the cookies instead of using a cookie press.

How do I make my Buttery Spritz Cookies more colorful?

You can add gel icing colors while mixing the dough, ensuring you start with small amounts and adjust as needed for desired brightness.

Can I decorate my Buttery Spritz Cookies before baking?

Yes! You can sprinkle colored sugar or nonpareils on top before baking for extra flair.

What makes these Buttery Spritz Cookies special during holidays?

Their tender texture and festive shapes make them perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings and parties!

Final Thoughts

This Buttery Spritz Cookies Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various extracts or decorations according to your preferences. These festive treats are perfect for any occasion, so give them a try and enjoy their buttery goodness!