Are you looking for a quick and easy recipe that delivers big on flavor and festive cheer? Look no further! These cream cheese spritz cookies are the perfect answer. They’re delightfully buttery, subtly tangy, and incredibly fun to make. Perfect for holiday baking, gifting, or simply enjoying a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea, these homemade cookies are guaranteed to become a family favorite. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, yet satisfying enough for experienced cooks looking for a delicious, classic dessert. Let's get baking!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous baking session.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Sprinkles or other decorations (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Magic in the Kitchen
Follow these simple steps to create these delicious cream cheese spritz cookies:
- Cream Together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer works best, but a hand mixer will also do the job.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually Add Dry to Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for easier piping and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Fill a Cookie Press: If you have a cookie press, fill it with the chilled dough. If not, you can use a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
- Pipe the Cookies: Pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. Make them small, about 1-2 inches long.
- Sprinkle (Optional): Add sprinkles or other decorations to the tops of the cookies before baking.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Spritz Cookies
- Softened Ingredients are Key: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are truly softened to achieve a smooth and creamy dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chill Time is Important: Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest for a unique twist. You could also add chocolate chips!
Variations: Beyond the Classic
These cookies are incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas to customize your batch:
- Chocolate Spritz Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
- Cinnamon Spritz Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
- Holiday Spritz Cookies: Use festive sprinkles or colored sugars for a holiday touch.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 80-100
- Fat: Approximately 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-12g
- Protein: Approximately 1g
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)
These easy, delicious cream cheese spritz cookies are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process of making them and the delightful taste of your homemade creation! They make a great gift, too. Happy baking!