Who Says You Need a Press for Spritz Cookies?

Spritz cookies are a delightful holiday treat that can bring warmth and joy to any gathering. Traditionally, these buttery delights are made using a cookie press, which shapes the dough into intricate designs. However, who says you need a press to enjoy these scrumptious cookies? For the past ten years, I’ve been making spritz cookies in a simpler way—rolling them into balls, pressing them with a fork, and adding colorful sprinkles on top. This method not only makes baking accessible to everyone but also adds a fun twist to the classic cookie-making process.

The Joy of Simplicity

The beauty of cooking and baking lies in the ability to adapt traditional recipes to fit your lifestyle and preferences. Using a cookie press can be intimidating for beginners or those who may not have the gadget readily available. Instead, rolling the dough into balls is a simple and enjoyable alternative that can be done with minimal effort. Everyone, from young children to seasoned bakers, can participate in the fun of shaping cookies.

A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

To start making your spritz cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Colorful sprinkles for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, combining until smooth.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until well combined.

5. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the lined baking sheet. Using a fork, gently press down on each ball to flatten it slightly, creating a fork-tine pattern on top.

6. Add Sprinkles: Before baking, sprinkle your favorite colorful sprinkles on top of each cookie for an extra touch of delight.

7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Celebrate and Share

These simple spritz cookies are perfect for any occasion, not just the holiday season. They can be enjoyed at family gatherings, parties, or simply as a sweet treat to brighten your day. Their bright colors and festive appearance make them a hit with kids, too!

Baking is an activity meant to be shared. Whether you’re making these cookies alone or with family and friends, the joy of creating something delicious is what truly matters. So the next time you’re in the mood for some spritz cookies, remember—who says you need a press? Embrace the simplicity and fun of rolling, pressing, and sprinkling your way to cookie happiness!

Conclusion

In the end, baking should be an enjoyable and stress-free experience. By breaking away from tradition and finding your own methods, you can create delightful treats that are every bit as tasty. So put on your apron and get ready to roll out some fun—who knows, your version of spritz cookies might just become a new favorite tradition!