Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Special equipment needed:
- Cookie press
- Parchment paper
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. Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Load the cookie press with the dough and press the cookies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet 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:
375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
Makes about 4 dozen cookies
Nutritional information:
Per serving (1 cookie):
Calories: 70
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 20mg
Sugar: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter, but omit the salt in the recipe.
- Almond extract can be used instead of vanilla extract for a different flavor.
Variations:
- Add food coloring to the dough for a festive touch.
- Dip the cookies in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
- Sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar or sprinkles before baking.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature to ensure the dough comes together properly.
- If the dough is too soft to hold its shape in the cookie press, chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before using.
- Clean the cookie press between batches to prevent the dough from sticking.
Storage instructions:
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Reheating instructions:
The cookies can be reheated in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cookies on a platter or in a cookie jar for a festive display.
Garnishes:
Dust the cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness.
Pairings:
Serve the cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or tea for a cozy treat.
Suggested side dishes:
These cookies make a great addition to a holiday cookie platter or dessert table.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to help it come together.
- If the cookies spread too much during baking, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before using the cookie press.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all equipment thoroughly before starting to prevent any contamination.
Food history:
Spritz cookies originated in Germany and are traditionally made with a cookie press to create intricate shapes.
Flavor profiles:
These cookies have a buttery, vanilla flavor with a crisp texture.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these cookies as a sweet treat for any occasion, from holiday parties to afternoon tea.
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