Spritz cookies, the buttery little bites we all love so much, originated in Medieval Europe during the mid-16th century. Called Spritzgeback in German, now shortened to Spritz, these delicate, crisp little cookies have become a favorite on Christmas cookie trays all over the Western world. They were prominently displayed on my mother’s and grandmother’s holiday tables and I continued the tradition until the cookie gun I inherited from them finally fell apart. I recently broke down and bought a new OXO COOKIE PRESS and all I can ask myself is why I didn’t do it sooner. It is made of sturdy plastic, comes apart, easy to clean and comes with twelve stainless steel disks.. Many of my old favorite disks are still being made and it is possible to buy additional sets that will cover just about any occasion.
The press performs well and it’s possible to make dozens of cookies in a very short time. This is a good thing because nobody eats just one and usually walks off with a handful or two. If you have a problem with the pressed dough sticking to the pan just put the cookie sheet in the freezer for about 5 minutes and the problem will be solved. This recipe is one that was included with the press and I think it’s a good one. The pamphlet also has recipes for cream cheese, chocolate shortbread and gingerbread Spritz cookies.
If you ship cookies to friends and relatives Spritz cookies are a good choice. They are small and can be snuggly packed into little boxes so they don’t rattle around too much. They aren’t crumbly and keep well. The powdered sugar glaze helps them to stay fresh. I’m mailing off my packages to my Chicago family today and there will be a big box of these cookies tucked inside.
- 1-1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a large mixing bowl cream together butter, sugar and salt. Beat until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time, continuously beating.
- Gradually add flour, beating until well incorporated.
- Place dough in cookie press with desired disk. Press dough out onto an ungreased chilled baking sheet.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the cookies are light brown on the edges. Rotate baking sheet halfway through baking time.
Delicious! A wonderful gift to receive too.
Very pretty cookies Cathy and I love the sprinkles on top. I’m crazy about anything that OXO makes, including their fabulous tongs that actually stay closed when you want them too and their super sharp peelers. I’ve been using both for years.
Sam
Sam @ My Carolina Kitchen recently posted..Sweet Potato and Red Lentil Bisque
I agree with you, Sam. Oxo products are first rate. One of my favorites is the tool to help remove the lids from jars. Don’t know what I would do without it. Happy Holidays.
Cathy recently posted..Buttery Spritz Cookies
I love those..I have the old Mirro and broke my Wilton trigger one first trial:(
They just look like Christmas to me..One of my first friends as a mom..Gail..served these one Christmas eve..and I was enthralled.
Monique recently posted..Petite homes..
My old cookie press just fell apart one day but it put in years of good service so I can’t complain. If I could make just one Christmas cookie it would be Spritz. Happy Holidays, Monique.
Cathy recently posted..Buttery Spritz Cookies
It is nice to know about equipment before you have buyers remorse. You cookies look delish.
Madonna
Madonna/aka/Ms. Lemon recently posted..One Bite Pecan Tassies
Thanks, Madonna. This cookie press is excellent. I enthusiastically recommend it. Thanks for your comment. Happy Holidays.
Cathy recently posted..Buttery Spritz Cookies
Your spritz cookies are so so pretty! I love the variety of designs. An my kids would love the sprinkles!
Julia @ Swirls and Spice recently posted..Almond Supreme Cookies {Grain Free}
Hi Julia – These are great cookies to make with kids. Decorating with sprinkles is always fun. Thanks for your comment. Happy Holidays.
Cathy recently posted..Buttery Spritz Cookies
What a great tool. It would also make a nice present along with the cookies. I will have to look into that idea. Thanks Cathy.
Penny recently posted..Sarah Bernhardt Cookies
Great idea, Penny. The press and cookies would make a wonderful gift. I hope you and your family enjoy a wonderful holiday.
Cathy recently posted..Buttery Spritz Cookies
This was THE Christmas cookie that we always had growing up! My mom still makes them with her Mirro crank press, and she can crank them out with her eyes closed she’s done so many. 🙂 I love the glaze you’ve put on these- they look so pretty!
Betty recently posted..Raspberry Almond Shortbread Thumbprints
Thanks, Betty. If a person needs lots of cookies this is a perfect recipe. I made 10 dozen in no time. Thank you for stopping by to visit. Happy Holidays.
Cathy recently posted..Buttery Spritz Cookies
I haven’t made spritz cookies in ages! I think it’s time to dust off my cookie press. Yours look superb!
Spritz cookies are so easy and delicious. Definitely dust off the cookie press, Liz. Happy holidays.
Cathy recently posted..Buttery Spritz Cookies
My old Mirro cookie press fell apart several years ago, Cathy, and I bought a Wilton one. Your recipe sounds wonderful and I will give it a try.
Kitty recently posted..Gingerbread Scones
I have tried lots of recipes for spritz and this is a good one. Thank you for stopping by, Kitty. Happy holidays to you and your family.
Cathy recently posted..Buttery Spritz Cookies
You do much better with your cookie press than I ever did so I finally put it in a garage sale! If your cookies taste as good as they look, they are real winners.
Linda recently posted..Meeting the Challenge
Hi Linda – This is a very easy cookie press to use and, as long as I chilled the pans, everything went perfectly. Happy Holidays to you and your family, Linda. Thanks for your comment.
Cathy recently posted..Buttery Spritz Cookies
Your Spritz Cookies look so yummy, Cathy! I definitely would enjoy eating a handful. I haven’t used my Wilton cookie press in a looong time. Thanks for reminding me about these tasty cookies.
~Judy
JG recently posted..“Shake Rattle & Roll”
I can’t wait to try YOUR recipe for these tiny treats, Cathy…I have the Pampered Chef gun & just love it! Never any problems with it. Thanks for that tip about freezing the cookie sheet…that will come in handy, I’m sure.
Pretty pictures!!!!
Rettabug recently posted..Copycat Challenge & a whole lot more!
Very pretty cookies, Cathy. This post comes just a couple days after I found my old aluminum cookie gun! I haven’t made them in years…I used to like making the little green trees and white snowflakes when the kids were little.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Marigene recently posted..Christmas Challenge
I inherited my mom’s cookie press and somehow ended up with another one too. I have never used either of them but perhaps this will be the season. YUM–Christmas cookies!
Advent Blessings, Aimee
We love spritz Cathy and I have a new recipe to try this year! It’s good to know that you like the Oxo cookie press, I never know when I might need a new one:@)
Lynn recently posted..Mindless Ridged Dish Cloth Crochet Pattern
Hello, Cathy! I am using your recipe to make Spritz this year, I have never been disappointed in any of your recipes! Can’t have Christmas without a Spritz cookies. I admit, I have had several guns, even an electric at one point. Still have Mom’s old aluminum one too!
Merry Christmas!
Kathleen recently posted..Christmas Table Challenge~Year Two
Hi Kathleen – I hope you like this recipe as much as I do. I wish I had my mom’s old press but it completely fell apart a few years ago. Honestly, the new one works so much butter. It wouldn’t be Christmas if we didn’t have a big plate of Spritz cookies on the table. Happy Holidays to you and your family.
I could eat my weight in these cookies! I’m going to ask Santa to bring me a press. P.S. Your post is the number 1 most viewed tonight, Cathy.
I have the same problem ML. Once I start on a plate of Spritz it’s had to stop. Thanks for telling me that my recipe is well received at Foodie Friday. Everybody seems to love the old recipes. They aren’t fancy but are so delicious. Happy Holiday to you and your family.
Cathy recently posted..Buttery Spritz Cookies
It would not be Christmas without Spritz cookies. Each year I break out my old cookie press, and Bart and I have fun making the cookies. I have always had great success with the recipes that came with my press. The basic one is just like the one you have presented. There is a reason why we all use the recipe each year! It is no fail, for ceraian. Buone feste!
Adri recently posted..Call it Spaghetti Rapida – A Pasta to Die For
These are one of the first cookies I learned to make as a young bride and I have gotten away from making them over the years, for some reason. I don’t know why because I always loved them. You’ve inspired me to resurrect them to my repertoire.
ciaochowlinda recently posted..Intorchiate and I Trulli
Gosh, Cathy, I’ve been MIA in visiting my favorite food blogs. Today is the day, and I’m glad to see this recipe. Don’t you just love this cookie press? Today is spritz cookie baking day for me, and I LOVE that you glazed these. My idea is to make cookie sandwiches with raspberry jam in between. These are so addictive, and I love that they aren’t a lot of work. These will be gifts for my dinner guests.
Foodiewife recently posted..Peppermint Cream Pie
Popping by to tell you that I made 2 batches of this cookie recipe yesterday & they were a breeze! You recipe is the same as the one that came with my Pampered Chef cookie gun EXCEPT yours has an extra egg & an extra 1/4 C. flour. I swear that is what made the dough so much easier to handle. I also chilled my cookie sheets…great tip!
The first batch I left plain but the second batch, I added green paste coloring to the egg/vanilla mixture & made all Christmas trees…so cute! Hopefully, I get a photo up on my blog as soon as I ice the cookies & I’ll enjoy one with a cuppa tea, and think of you!
Merry Christmas, Hon & thanks for a year of wonderful recipes!!!
Hugs,
Rett
Rettabug recently posted..Copycat Challenge & a whole lot more!
Hi Rett – So happy you like the recipe. Next time I’m adding food color to make the little trees green. I love that idea. We love spritz cookies and for some strange reason I only think to make them at Christmas time. I’ll have to change that. I’m picturing little red hearts for Valentine’s Day. Merry Christmas to you!
Cathy recently posted..Softy Brittle – My Favorite Peanut Brittle
Be sure to add the paste coloring to the EGGS & vanilla…don’t try to mix it into the dough afterwards. If you tint the liquid, it blends throughout the cookie dough MUCH better.
Rettabug recently posted..Copycat Challenge & a whole lot more!
I am back for the recipe, just getting to them now! We don’t do anything on Cmas Eve, never did, so it is work till the last minute! Merry Christmas!
Kathleen recently posted..It’s Almost Here! Let’s Dish!