Description
These Perfect Spritz Cookies are classic buttery treats made with simple ingredients and a delicate almond extract flavor. Pressed into beautiful shapes using a cookie press, they bake quickly to a light golden edge, then get a sweet glaze and optional sprinkles for a festive finish. Ideal for holidays or any occasion that calls for a crisp, charming cookie.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla if you prefer)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/4 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract, if desired
- Sprinkles to decorate (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature butter and powdered sugar on medium speed for 1 minute until well combined and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Flavorings: Add the egg, almond extract, and kosher salt to the mixer. Continue mixing for another minute, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Incorporate Flour: On low speed, gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture and mix just until the dough comes together without overmixing.
- Prepare Cookies with Cookie Press: Fill your cookie press with about 1 cup of dough (adjust amount based on your press size). Press the dough onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing cookies about 1 inch apart.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 6-7 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before adding glaze.
- Make the Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond or vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
- Glaze the Cookies: Dip the tops of each cooled cookie into the icing mixture and return them to the wire rack. Immediately sprinkle with optional sprinkles before the icing sets.
- Set and Store: Let the glaze set fully at room temperature before storing cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Store cookies airtight at room temperature for up to 5 days for optimal freshness.
- Freeze cookies unglazed in a large, zip-top bag for up to one month; glaze them after thawing to avoid stickiness.
- For a subtle twist, use 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract together in the dough.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 0.6g
- Cholesterol: 13mg
