Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Special Equipment Needed:
- Cookie press
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheets
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
6. If using food coloring, divide the dough into separate bowls and add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl, mixing until the desired color is achieved.
7. Fill the cookie press with the dough and press the cookies onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
- Makes about 4 dozen cookies
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 80 per cookie
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 1g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter, but omit the salt in the recipe.
- Granulated sugar can be substituted with powdered sugar or brown sugar.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Use different food coloring to create a variety of colorful cookies.
- Add 1 teaspoon of lemon or almond extract for a different flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth dough.
- Chill the cookie press in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before using to prevent the dough from sticking.
- If the dough becomes too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before using the cookie press.
Storage Instructions:
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating Instructions:
- Spritz cookies do not need to be reheated.
Presentation Ideas:
- Arrange the cookies on a festive platter or cookie tray.
- Dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar or sprinkles before baking.
Pairings:
- Serve with hot cocoa or coffee.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- These cookies are perfect on their own, but can also be served with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to the mixture.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour to the mixture.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before handling the dough.
- Use pasteurized eggs to prevent the risk of salmonella.
Food History:
- Spritz cookies originated in Germany and are a popular holiday cookie in many European countries.
Flavor Profiles:
- These cookies have a buttery, vanilla flavor and can be customized with different food coloring and extracts.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these cookies at holiday parties or as a sweet treat with afternoon tea.
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Region: German