Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Special Equipment Needed:
- Electric mixer
- Cookie press
- Cookie sheets
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and maple syrup until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated.
5. Add the milk and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
7. Fit a cookie press with a star-shaped disc and fill with the dough.
8. Press the dough onto parchment-lined cookie sheets, about 1 inch apart.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
10. Allow to cool on the cookie sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes about 2 dozen cookies
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
Calories: 80
Fat: 3.5 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Protein: 1 g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Butter: Can be substituted with margarine or coconut oil.
- Maple syrup: Can be substituted with honey or agave nectar.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts or dried fruit for a crunchy texture.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming with the maple syrup.
- Use a cookie press with a star-shaped disc for the classic spritzkuchen shape.
- For a softer cookie, bake for 8-10 minutes.
Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 5 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve on a platter with a variety of other cookies.
- Place in a decorative tin or jar for gifting.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate for a sweet finish.
Pairings:
- Serve with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee.
- Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Yogurt parfait
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it is easier to work with.
- If the cookies spread too much while baking, chill the dough for 15 minutes before pressing onto the cookie sheets.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before preparing.
- Keep the cookies stored in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming stale.
Food History:
Spritzkuchen, or spritz cookies, are a traditional German cookie that are made by pressing dough through a cookie press. They are often flavored with vanilla or almond extract and decorated with colorful sprinkles.
Flavor Profiles:
These cookies have a sweet, buttery flavor with a hint of maple syrup.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as an after-dinner treat.
- Enjoy as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: German
Taste: Sweet, Buttery, Maple, Crunchy, Maple-Flavored