Vanilla Spritz Cookies
Recipe by Nicole Thom-Arens
Makes 8 dozen cookies
Spritz cookies are a fun addition to a holiday cookie tray. These two-bite cookies can be dressed up or left unadorned—either way, the buttery vanilla cookie a favorite for its simplicity. The trick to these cookies is making sure your pan is ungreased and completely cooled so that the dough sticks to the tray and releases from the press. Finding the right cookie press can also be challenging. I have this OXO press that has served me well.
Ingredients:1 cup unsalted butter3/4 cup granulated sugar1 teaspoon kosher salt (Reduce to 1/2 teaspoon if not using Diamond.)2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste (Replace 1 teaspoon of the vanilla with 1 teaspoon almond extract for an almond cookie; reduce the vanilla to 1 teaspoon and add the zest of an orange for a delightful twist.)1 egg1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour1 cup whole wheat flour Instructions:1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.2. Prepare to baking sheets and a cookie press.3. Add the butter, sugar, and salt to the bowl of a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and beat until light and creamy and the sugar is well incorporated into the butter.4. Add the vanilla and beat until combined then add the egg and mix until combined being sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally for a well-mixed batter. 5. Add the flours and mix until combined. 6. At this point, you can separate the dough and add any colorings or additional flavors. 7. Fill the cookie press according to the manufacturer’s instructions and press.8. Once the tray is filled, top with any sprinkles or colored sugar as desired and bake at 400 degrees for 6 to 8 minutes—just until the edges begin to brown. 9. Cool the cookies on the tray for 2 to 3 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Ingredients:1 cup unsalted butter3/4 cup granulated sugar1 teaspoon kosher salt (Reduce to 1/2 teaspoon if not using Diamond.)2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste (Replace 1 teaspoon of the vanilla with 1 teaspoon almond extract for an almond cookie; reduce the vanilla to 1 teaspoon and add the zest of an orange for a delightful twist.)1 egg1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour1 cup whole wheat flour Instructions:1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.2. Prepare to baking sheets and a cookie press.3. Add the butter, sugar, and salt to the bowl of a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and beat until light and creamy and the sugar is well incorporated into the butter.4. Add the vanilla and beat until combined then add the egg and mix until combined being sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally for a well-mixed batter. 5. Add the flours and mix until combined. 6. At this point, you can separate the dough and add any colorings or additional flavors. 7. Fill the cookie press according to the manufacturer’s instructions and press.8. Once the tray is filled, top with any sprinkles or colored sugar as desired and bake at 400 degrees for 6 to 8 minutes—just until the edges begin to brown. 9. Cool the cookies on the tray for 2 to 3 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.