German Christmas Almond Spritz Cookies
These delightful German Christmas Almond Spritz Cookies have been a cherished tradition in my family for generations. From my childhood memories of baking alongside my mom and mother-in-law, every holiday season was filled with the sweet aroma of these cookies in the oven. The joy of shaping the cookies into festive forms—like rings, 'S's, and horseshoes—adds to the fun and creativity of baking. Whether dressed in icing or left plain, these cookies bring a joyful touch to any holiday gathering. With their rich almond flavor and delicate texture, they are sure to become a staple in your home as well, offering a delightful treat for family and friends all season long.
50
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
1 1/3 cups (softened)
sugar
1 1/4 cups
large egg
1
large egg yolk
1
ground almonds
1 1/3 cups (blanched)
bitter almond oil
3 drops (see note)
all-purpose flour
4 cups
baking powder
2 1/2 teaspoons
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your baking trays or line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is fluffy and pale in color.
3
Beat in the egg and egg yolk until well combined and foamy.
4
Stir in the ground almonds and add the bitter almond oil, mixing well until evenly incorporated.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder.
6
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough is elastic but slightly rough; do not overmix.
7
Transfer the dough to a cookie press fitted with a large star nozzle, or use a meat grinder with the same type of nozzle.
8
Press the dough into shapes about 2 to 3 inches long, such as rings, 'S's, horseshoes, or your own creative designs, and place them on the prepared baking trays with space in between.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 12 minutes, or until the cookies are light in color; be careful not to overbake them.
10
Allow the cookies to cool on the trays for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11
Serve plain or embellish with icing and decorations of your choice for the holiday spirit.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are German Christmas Almond Spritz Cookies?
They are traditional holiday cookies with a rich almond flavor and delicate texture, often shaped into festive forms like rings and horseshoes.
What is the primary flavor of these spritz cookies?
The primary flavor is almond, achieved through the use of ground blanched almonds and bitter almond oil.
How many cookies does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 50 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
The cookies should bake for approximately 12 minutes until they are light in color.
What kind of butter is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/3 cups of softened unsalted butter.
Do I need to grease the baking trays?
Yes, you should grease the baking trays or line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
How should the almonds be prepared?
The recipe requires 1 1/3 cups of blanched ground almonds.
What is the purpose of the egg yolk in this recipe?
Adding an extra egg yolk along with a whole egg helps create a richer flavor and more tender texture.
How much bitter almond oil should I use?
The recipe specifies using exactly 3 drops of bitter almond oil.
Can I use a meat grinder to make these cookies?
Yes, you can use a meat grinder fitted with a large star nozzle to shape the dough.
What are the traditional shapes for these cookies?
Traditional shapes include rings, 'S' shapes, and horseshoes.
How do I know when the cookies are finished baking?
The cookies are done when they are light in color; be careful not to overbake them.
What is the best way to cream the butter and sugar?
Cream them together in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is fluffy and pale.
Can I decorate these cookies?
Yes, you can serve them plain or embellish them with icing and decorations for a festive look.
What is the ideal texture for the dough?
The dough should be elastic but slightly rough; it is important not to overmix it.
How should the cookies be cooled?
Allow them to cool on the trays for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 cups of all-purpose flour.
Is there a specific way to add the flour?
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
How much baking powder is needed?
The recipe requires 2 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder.
What nozzle should be used for the cookie press?
A large star nozzle is recommended for shaping these cookies.
How large should the cookies be?
Press the dough into shapes that are about 2 to 3 inches long.
Is this a traditional German recipe?
Yes, this is a cherished family recipe passed down through generations in Germany.
Can I leave these cookies plain?
Yes, these cookies are delicious when served plain without any additional icing.
What sugar is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of regular granulated sugar.
Can I make these for other holidays?
While traditional for Christmas, their classic almond flavor makes them suitable for any holiday gathering.
What category of food does this fall into?
These cookies are categorized as a dessert.
How should the egg and yolk be added?
Beat them into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until well combined and foamy.
Why shouldn't I overmix the dough?
Overmixing can lead to a tougher cookie rather than the desired delicate and elastic texture.
Are these cookies good for gifting?
Yes, their festive shapes and long-standing tradition make them a perfect treat for sharing with family and friends.