Effortless Spritz Cookies
Delight your family and friends with these Effortless Spritz Cookies, a charming treat that combines the buttery richness of cookies with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Originating from the classic Mirro Cookie & Pastry Press booklet, this easy-to-follow recipe eliminates the need for refrigeration, ensuring that you can whip up a batch quickly whenever the craving strikes. Ideal for holiday baking or casual gatherings, these cookies can be decorated with colorful sprinkles or drizzled with chocolate for an added festive touch. Share them with loved ones or enjoy them with a cup of tea – the possibilities are endless!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flour
2 1/4 cups (sifted)
Sugar
3/4 cup (granulated)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (fine)
Baking Powder
1/4 teaspoon
Butter
1 cup (refrigerator temperature or slightly softened)
Egg
1 (large)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare ungreased cookie sheets, preferably aluminum, for optimal baking results.
2
In a large mixing bowl, sift together 2 1/4 cups of flour, 3/4 cup of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder until well combined.
3
Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut 1 cup of butter (softened to refrigerator temp) into the flour mixture until it resembles fine crumbs, similar to pie crust or biscuit mix.
4
In a separate small bowl, crack an egg. Measure it into a liquid measuring cup; a large egg should equal approximately 1/4 cup. If it falls short, add enough water to reach the 1/4 cup line.
5
Add the measured egg, any additional water, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the flour mixture. Beat everything together until you achieve a smooth dough.
6
Fill your cookie press with the dough and pipe out desired shapes onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are just set and lightly golden around the edges. Check them at the 10-minute mark and extend the baking time by 1-2 minutes if necessary.
8
Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them immediately to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Effortless Spritz Cookies?
Effortless Spritz Cookies are a buttery treat with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture that can be quickly prepared without refrigeration.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe originates from the classic Mirro Cookie & Pastry Press booklet.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
Do I need to grease the cookie sheets?
No, you should use ungreased cookie sheets for this recipe.
What type of cookie sheets are best for baking these?
Aluminum cookie sheets are preferred for optimal baking results.
How much flour is required for this recipe?
You will need 2 1/4 cups of sifted flour.
How much sugar is used in Effortless Spritz Cookies?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of granulated sugar.
What temperature should the butter be when mixing?
The butter should be at refrigerator temperature or only slightly softened.
How should I combine the butter and the dry ingredients?
Use a pastry blender or two knives to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles fine crumbs.
What is the correct way to measure the egg?
Measure the egg in a liquid measuring cup; it should equal approximately 1/4 cup.
What should I do if the egg does not reach the 1/4 cup mark?
If the egg is short of 1/4 cup, add enough water to reach the 1/4 cup line.
What type of extract provides the flavor for these cookies?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Does the dough need to be refrigerated before piping?
No, this recipe eliminates the need for refrigeration, allowing for immediate piping.
How do I create the cookie shapes?
Fill a cookie press with the dough and pipe out your desired shapes onto the cookie sheet.
How far apart should the cookies be spaced on the sheet?
Space the cookies about 1 inch apart on the ungreased sheets.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes.
How can I tell when the cookies are finished baking?
The cookies are done when they are just set and lightly golden around the edges.
What is the immediate next step after baking?
Remove them from the oven and transfer them immediately to a cooling rack.
Can I decorate these cookies for the holidays?
Yes, they can be decorated with colorful sprinkles or drizzled with chocolate for a festive touch.
Is salt included in the ingredient list?
Yes, the recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of fine salt.
Is baking powder used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder is sifted in with the dry ingredients.
How many main ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
Are these cookies suitable for a tea party?
Yes, they are described as a perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea.
What is the texture of the cookie dough before piping?
The dough should be beaten until it is smooth.
Can I use two knives if I don't have a pastry blender?
Yes, two knives can be used to cut the butter into the flour mixture.
What should the butter and flour mixture resemble?
It should resemble fine crumbs, similar to a pie crust or biscuit mix.
What should I check at the 10-minute baking mark?
Check if they are set; if not, you can extend the baking time by another 1-2 minutes.
Why is this recipe called effortless?
It is called effortless because it uses simple steps and eliminates the time-consuming refrigeration stage.
What are some of the suggested tags for this recipe?
Suggested tags include spritz cookies, easy cookie recipe, holiday baking, and buttery cookies.
Are these cookies good for gifts?
Yes, their charming appearance and festive decoration options make them ideal for sharing with loved ones.