Spritz cookies are a timeless holiday favorite, originating from Germany and Scandinavia, where the name "Spritz" comes from the German word spritzen, meaning “to squirt,” since the dough is traditionally pushed through a cookie press to form festive shapes. These buttery cookies are known for their delicate crumb, subtle sweetness, and aromatic hints of lemon and vanilla. They are often enjoyed during Christmas but can be made year-round for tea tables, cookie swaps, or simple treats at home. Their crisp edges and melt-in-your-mouth centers make them a perfect companion to coffee, cocoa, or a glass of milk.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shortening (or butter for richer flavor)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 ¼ cups flour (sifted )
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp lemon extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Cream Shortening
- Cream shortening until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Sugar
- Gradually add sugar, mixing until smooth.
Step 3: Mix in Egg and Flavorings
- Beat in egg, lemon extract, and vanilla extract.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add sifted flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix until dough is smooth.
Step 5: Shape Cookies
- Fill a cookie press with dough and press onto an ungreased baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 8–10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on a wire rack.
Tips
- Use butter instead of shortening for a richer, more authentic flavor.
- Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted chocolate for an elegant variation.
- Add food coloring to portions of the dough for festive red, green, or pastel cookies.
- Decorate before baking with sprinkles, colored sugar, or crushed nuts.
- Substitute almond extract for lemon extract for a nutty variation.
Nutrition
Calories: 85kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 1gFat: 4.5gSaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 25mgPotassium: 10mgSugar: 4gVitamin A: 25IUCalcium: 5mgIron: 0.3mg
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