### How to Make Butter-Rich Spritz Butter Cookies: A Detailed Guide
#### Introduction
Butter-rich spritz cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavor of butter with the fun of decorating. These traditional German Christmas cookies have a light, crumbly texture and can be easily decorated with royal icing for an extra festive touch. Follow these steps to make your own delicious batch.
#### Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- Royal icing for decorating (optional)
#### Equipment
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Pastry bag with a small round tip
### Step-by-Step Instructions
#### 1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
#### 2. Cream Together Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes on medium speed.
#### 3. Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract into the mixture until well combined. The dough should be smooth and creamy.
#### 4. Mix in Flour
Gradually mix in the flour to form a soft dough. Knead lightly if necessary, but make sure not to overwork the dough as it can become tough.
#### 5. Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough tightly with plastic wrap and chill it for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator. This step is crucial for achieving light, flaky cookies.
#### 6. Roll Out the Dough
Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes and place them onto prepared baking sheets.
#### 7. Decorate with Royal Icing (Optional)
If you wish to decorate your cookies, prepare royal icing using powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water. Once the cookies are baked, let them cool completely before piping designs or drizzling with icing.
#### 8. Bake the Cookies
Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before decorating if you chose that step.
#### Conclusion
Enjoy your homemade butter-rich spritz cookies! They make wonderful gifts, especially during holiday seasons. Experiment with different cookie cutters and royal icing colors for unique designs. Happy baking!
### SEO-Friendly Tips
- Use keywords like "butter-rich spritz cookies," "spritz butter cookies recipe," and "traditional German Christmas cookies" in your content.
- Include relevant hashtags such as #ButterRichCookies, #SpritzCookieRecipe, and #GermanChristmasCookies to increase visibility on social media platforms.
### Conclusion
By following these detailed steps, you can create a batch of delicious butter-rich spritz cookies that will bring joy during festive occasions. Enjoy the process and savor every bite!