Almond Spritz Cookies are delightfully buttery and tender, capturing the essence of almond flavor in every bite. These cookies have a crisp texture and are perfect for holiday celebrations or as charming edible gifts. The use of a classic cookie press allows you to create lovely shapes which can be decorated with festive sprinkles or decorative sugars, making them a visual treat as well. Let’s dive into the world of these delicious cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Almond Spritz Cookies
There are countless reasons to adore Almond Spritz Cookies. Firstly, their delicate almond flavor is simply irresistible. These cookies are also incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for both experienced bakers and beginners alike. Additionally, they can be customized with various decorations, enhancing their visual appeal. Whether you plan to serve them at Christmas gatherings or as delightful gifts, these cookies are sure to impress. Not to forget, they offer a satisfying crunch while remaining light and buttery, making them a hit among cookie lovers. The traditional ingredients make these cookies a nostalgic treat, reminding us of our childhood festivities.
Ingredients for Almond Spritz Cookies
Gather these items:
- 4 oz unsalted butter (1 stick, 113 g, room temperature)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (67 g)
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
- 1 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (137 g)
- A large pinch of salt
How to Make Almond Spritz Cookies Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl fitted with a whisk attachment, cream the softened unsalted butter together with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, ensuring a smooth base for the dough.
- Step 2: Beat in the egg yolk and pure almond extract until fully incorporated, which will enhance the cookie’s rich almond flavor.
- Step 3: Sift the all-purpose flour and salt into a separate small bowl to evenly distribute the salt and remove any lumps, preparing them for a smooth dough.
- Step 4: With the mixer on the lowest speed, gradually add the sifted flour and salt mixture into the butter mixture. Mix until the dough forms a soft, cohesive mass that is easy to handle.
- Step 5: Fill your cookie press with the prepared dough. Line two baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Step 6: Holding the cookie press perpendicular to the baking sheet, press out cookies spacing them about 1 to 2 inches apart to allow room for slight spreading.
- Step 7: Sprinkle your desired festive decorations such as sprinkles or colored sugars on the cookies to add a decorative touch and extra sweetness.
- Step 8: Chill the shaped and decorated cookies in the refrigerator or freezer while you preheat the oven, which helps them maintain their shape during baking.
- Step 9: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so that it’s ready for baking once cookies are chilled.
- Step 10: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until they are lightly set and just starting to turn golden at the edges.
- Step 11: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 to 10 minutes to firm up before transferring.
- Step 12: Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they firm up to the perfect crispness.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Almond Spritz Cookies
Keep these in mind:
- Use room temperature butter for a smoother dough.
- Chilling the dough before baking aids in maintaining the shape.
- Experiment with different festive decorations for a unique look.
- Consider using almond flour for a nutty twist on your cookies.
- These cookies can be made without eggs for an egg-free version.
Best Ways to Serve Almond Spritz Cookies
There are plenty of delightful options to serve Almond Spritz Cookies. Pair them with a cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat, or pack them in decorative bags for holiday gifts. You can also serve them alongside other festive almond spritz biscuits for a beautiful cookie platter. For an added touch, consider offering almond spritz cookies with frosting for those with a sweet tooth.
How to Store and Reheat Almond Spritz Cookies
Store your Almond Spritz Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies, ensuring they are tightly wrapped. Reheat in a low oven for a few minutes to regain their crispness. Meal prep is easy with these cookies, as they can be made ahead of time and frozen for later enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Almond Spritz Cookies
What is an almond spritz cookie?
An almond spritz cookie is a light, buttery cookie made with almond extract, known for its delicate flavor and crisp texture. They are traditionally made with a cookie press, creating beautifully shaped cookies perfect for any occasion.
Can I make almond spritz cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can easily make almond spritz cookies ahead of time. Prepare the dough and chill it, or shape the cookies and freeze them until you’re ready to bake. This makes for a convenient option during busy holiday seasons.
How do I avoid common mistakes with almond spritz cookies?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing. Also, be cautious not to overmix the dough after adding flour, as this can lead to tough cookies. Finally, chilling the dough before baking helps maintain their shape.
Variations of Almond Spritz Cookies You Can Try
There are numerous variations of Almond Spritz Cookies that you can experiment with. Consider adding cocoa powder for a chocolate almond butter cookie twist or incorporating different extracts like vanilla or lemon for a unique flavor profile. You can also try almond spritz cookies decorated with festive sprinkles or frosting for a festive touch. For a nutty almond spritz cookie variation, add chopped almonds or other nuts to the dough for added texture.
For more festive ideas, check out our Frankenstein Cupcakes or Salted Caramel Cookies.
For more information on baking techniques, you can refer to King Arthur Baking for expert tips.
To explore more delicious recipes, visit our Recipes page.
Print
Almond Spritz Cookies: 12 Festive Variations to Try
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully buttery and tender Almond Spritz Cookies, crafted with a delicate almond flavor and a crisp texture.
Ingredients
- 4 oz unsalted butter (1 stick, 113 g, room temperature)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar (67 g)
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
- 1 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (137 g)
- A large pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl fitted with a whisk attachment, cream the softened unsalted butter together with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, ensuring a smooth base for the dough.
- Beat in the egg yolk and pure almond extract until fully incorporated, which will enhance the cookie’s rich almond flavor.
- Sift the all-purpose flour and salt into a separate small bowl to evenly distribute the salt and remove any lumps, preparing them for a smooth dough.
- With the mixer on the lowest speed, gradually add the sifted flour and salt mixture into the butter mixture. Mix until the dough forms a soft, cohesive mass that is easy to handle.
- Fill your cookie press with the prepared dough. Line two baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Holding the cookie press perpendicular to the baking sheet, press out cookies spacing them about 1 to 2 inches apart to allow room for slight spreading.
- Sprinkle your desired festive decorations such as sprinkles or colored sugars on the cookies to add a decorative touch and extra sweetness.
- Chill the shaped and decorated cookies in the refrigerator or freezer while you preheat the oven, which helps them maintain their shape during baking.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so that it’s ready for baking once cookies are chilled.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until they are lightly set and just starting to turn golden at the edges.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 to 10 minutes to firm up before transferring.
- Carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they firm up to the perfect crispness.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 72 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 4.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg