Easter Spritz Cookies Recipe

Easter Spritz Cookies are a delightful treat that brings festive charm to your holiday celebrations. These buttery, lightly sweetened cookies are pressed into fun shapes using a cookie press and decorated with pastel sprinkles for a colorful touch. Perfect for Easter gatherings, these cookies are easy to make and have a crisp, melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone will love.

What Are Easter Spritz Cookies?

Spritz cookies are classic butter cookies that get their name from the German word spritzen, meaning “to squirt” or “to press.” They are made with a soft dough that is extruded through a cookie press to create beautiful shapes. These Easter-themed spritz cookies are enhanced with pastel sprinkles, making them a festive addition to your holiday dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – Uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together quickly.
• Festive and Fun – The cookie press allows you to create unique shapes perfect for Easter.
• Buttery and Crisp – These cookies have a delicate texture with a rich, buttery flavor.
• Great for Gifting – Package them in a decorative tin for a thoughtful homemade Easter gift.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (226g) butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Pastel sprinkles (for decorating)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.

4. Shape the Cookies

1. Load the dough into a cookie press fitted with a festive Easter-themed disc.
2. Press the dough directly onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 1 inch apart.
3. Sprinkle pastel decorations over the cookies before baking.

5. Bake the Cookies

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
2. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
3. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy these cookies with a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of milk.
• Arrange them on a platter with other Easter desserts like sugar cookies and chocolate eggs.
• Serve them as part of an Easter brunch or holiday dessert spread.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.

Freezing Instructions

• For Baked Cookies: Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• For Cookie Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using in a cookie press.

Recipe Variations

• Almond Flavor – Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty twist.
• Chocolate Spritz Cookies – Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the flour mixture for a chocolate version.
• Lemon Easter Cookies – Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for a fresh citrus flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

FAQs

Why isn’t my dough pressing out properly?
If the dough is too stiff, let it soften slightly at room temperature. If it’s too soft, chill it briefly before pressing.

Can I make these without a cookie press?
Yes! You can roll the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly with a fork for a simple design.

How do I keep my spritz cookies from spreading?
Ensure your baking sheets are cool before pressing the dough onto them. If needed, chill the shaped cookies for 10 minutes before baking.

These Easter Spritz Cookies are a festive, buttery delight that’s perfect for the holiday season. With their delicate texture, easy preparation, and endless decorating possibilities, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. Try them out for your Easter celebrations and enjoy a batch of homemade holiday joy!

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