Classic Spritz Cookies

I really love cookies. They are the one treat that always seems to satisfy my sweet tooth in one bite...but that doesn't mean I only eat just one!! I love that cookies are small, easy to transport, most of the time quick to make, and it's something that you can easily make because 99% you have most of the ingredients already on hand. Oh and I can't forget the dough factor...who doesn't love a spoonful of good cookie dough!! :o)



Growing up, my mom always made Spritz cookies. I never really appreciated the cookies flavor as a kid. I remember always complaining to my mom, "Mom, did you make them with butter this time? I hate butter, why can't you use margarine!" For some reason, as a kid I HATED the taste of butter! I should have known by that, that as an adult I was going to be some kind of foodie! Every now again though, my mom would break down and thrown in the margarine for me...and naturally the plate of cookies would be gone within minutes!!!



That being said, these were always one of my favorite cookies growing up. Butter or Margarine...I loved watching my mom fill up her old cookie press with dough and then proceed to squeeze out intricate little shapes. It fascinated me! The cookies were so delicate, and the shapes so unique. Truly an art form all in the press of a hand. My favorite shapes were the Christmas Tree and Christmas Wreath...my mom always put food coloring in the dough too and it amazed me! Just like food coloring in milk...something about it makes kids want to drink it!


I actually tried to do some research on these cookies, but have had a hard time. I think I remember hearing stories from my mom about these cookies being a German tradition. I have a very German background, and my mom actually taught and lived there for several years. I am going to continue my searches and try to find out more information about these cookies, because
I am really fascinated (yes lol still as an adult!) about these beauties!


Ok enough already...I know on to the cookies! Well it's been raining a lot in Tennessee here lately, and being stuck inside seems to "force" you into your kitchen more! So I got to thinking about these cookies and all the shapes and thought to myself..."I should make umbrellas and butterflies in lieu of all this weather". A couple of months ago I hosted a Pampered Chef Party. The only thing I was set on getting that day was my cookie press!! I have always wanted one and the Pampered Chef version looked like a good one!

So I bought it and anxiously awaited the perfect time to make my first attempt at Spritz Cookies! And I am pleased to report...it WILL NOT be my last! They cookies turned out fantastic, and I can't wait to make them again...and yes I used butter! ;o)

Classic Spritz Cookies

(from Pampered Chef)

1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) butter or margarine, softened

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Colored sugar or sprinkles (optional, but HIGHLY recommended!)

Preheat oven to 375°F.

In Classic Batter Bowl (aka-a mixing bowl), beat butter on medium speed of electric mixer until creamy. Add sugar, egg and vanilla; beat well. Add flour, 1 cup at a time; mix well. Dough will be soft; do not refrigerate.

Fill Cookie Press, fitted with disk of your choice. Press dough onto ungreased cookie sheet 1 inch apart. Decorate cookies with colored sugar or sprinkles, if desired.

Bake 10-12 minutes or until firm but not brown. Cool 2 minutes on cookie sheet; remove to cooling rack. Repeat with remaining dough.

I really hope you guys get the chance to try these cookies out. They are so soft and so delicious!

I gave my friend Kristen cookies to take home and she generously came back with these lovely pictures!! She is too good to me! I do have a birthday coming up so maybe I will get a new camera then!! In the meantime, thanks Kritsen, you are a great photographer!