- Almond extract (optional, 1/2 teaspoon for a nutty flavor)
Keywords for SEO:
- Butter Spritz Cookies Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour for Baking
- Unsalted Butter Recipes
- Granulated Sugar Cookies
- Brown Sugar in Baking
- Vanilla Extract Flavoring
- Pinch of Salt
- Almond Extract Optional
Steps
### Easy Butter Spritz Cookie Recipe: A Perfect Holiday Tradition
Butter spritz cookies are delightful, soft, and always a crowd-pleaser during the holidays. These simple yet elegant cookies require minimal ingredients but deliver big flavors. Here’s how to make these delicious butter spritz cookies with step-by-step instructions.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- A pinch of salt
#### Equipment Needed:
- Cookie press or piping bag with star tip
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Spatula and mixing bowls
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. **Preheat Your Oven**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure it has reached the correct temperature before starting.
2. **Prepare Butter and Sugar Mixture**
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process helps incorporate air into the mixture, ensuring a lighter texture in your cookies.
- Add the vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and mix well.
3. **Mix Dry Ingredients**
- Sift the flour and salt into another bowl. This step ensures that the flour is free of lumps and mixes evenly with other ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
4. **Shape Your Cookies**
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Chilling helps firm up the dough and makes it easier to handle through the cookie press or piping bag without sticking.
- Once chilled, use a cookie press with a star tip (or a piping bag) to pipe small circles of dough onto your prepared baking sheet.
5. **Bake Your Cookies**
- Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes. The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
- Remove from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
6. **Enjoy Your Butter Spritz Cookies**
- Serve these fresh and warm or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days if they last that long!
### Tips and Tricks:
- Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
- Piping the dough ensures consistent size and shape, which is crucial for even baking.
- Adjust the baking time based on your oven and the thickness of the cookies.
By following these detailed steps, you can enjoy a delicious batch of butter spritz cookies perfect for any holiday celebration or simply as an afternoon treat. Happy baking!