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 richer flavor (traditional variation)
- Chill dough slightly if it is too soft for a cookie press
- Decorate with colored sugar before baking
- Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate for a festive finish
- Add almond extract in place of lemon for Scandinavian-style spritz
- Tint dough lightly with food coloring for holidays
- Pipe dough using pastry bag if no cookie press is available
- Bake just until edges barely color to keep cookies tender
- Store in tins to preserve crisp texture
- Freeze dough logs to press and bake later
Nutrition
Calories: 85kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 1gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 25mgPotassium: 10mgSugar: 4gVitamin A: 25IUCalcium: 5mgIron: 0.3mg
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