Sprint into the Holidays with Spritzgebäck

“Spritzgebäck” or just “spritz” are a traditional German cookie, baked around the holidays. The cookies consist of flour, butter, sugar and eggs. My mom has always added almond extract for an added touch and a distinct twist on the classic cookie. For as long as I can remember, I’ve helped my mom baked these cookies, just as she helped my grandmother. The recipe itself is quite simple; it’s the work making perfectly “pressed” cookies that can be the challenge. While the recipe isn’t healthy, it’s a holiday recipe worth sharing — spritz are delicious. These Spritz Cookies are light, crunchy, buttery and bite-size, so it’s ok to indulge in one or two. Happy Holidays!

Ingredients (makes about 75 cookies).

• 1 egg white equivalent
• 1 t vanilla extract
• 1/4 t almond extract
• 1 c butter
• 3/4 c sugar
• 2 ¼ c flour
• 1/2 t sea salt
• 1/4 t baking powder
• Colored decorative sugar (optional)

Directions.

1. Preheat the oven to 375ºF.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together. Add in vanilla and almond extracts and egg whites. Mix well.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt.
4. Gradually add in dry ingredients to large bowl and blend well until dry ingredients are all mixed in and batter forms.
5. Fill your cookie press and form cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet (see pictures of the cookie press below). No cookie press? Form small, 1/2 inch balls and place on cookie sheet.
6. Sprinkle cookies with colored sugar before baking (optional).
7. Bake for 8-10 min. or until firm and barely golden.
8. Let cool on a wire rack.
9. Enjoy!

Family recipe baked every holidays by me, by mom, by her mom, by her mom’s mom . . .

My grandmother’s cookie press.

 The detailed plated to create spiraled or wreath-like cookies.