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Let me share my favorite holiday cookie recipe that brings back so many sweet memories! These chocolate spritz cookies have become a tradition in my kitchen. Every time I pull out my cookie press I think about making these with my grandmother. The way they melt in your mouth with that perfect chocolate flavor and those pretty designs it's pure holiday magic.
What Makes These Extra Special
You know what I love about these cookies? They're not just delicious they're gorgeous too! Those intricate designs catch everyone's eye and when you add festive sprinkles they become little works of art. Plus they're easier to make than you'd think. I always get asked for this recipe at holiday cookie exchanges.
Everything You'll Need
- The Basics: - 1 cup butter softened to room temp it has to be just right - 2/3 cup sugar makes them perfectly sweet - 1 fresh egg for structure
- The Flavors: - 3/4 teaspoon vanilla I use pure not imitation - 1/3 cup cocoa powder the good stuff makes a difference
- The Structure: - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour measured carefully - 1/4 teaspoon salt to balance the sweet
- The Pretty Part: - 10 ounces candy melts white or dark your choice - Lots of festive sprinkles they make everything special
Let's Start Baking
- First Things First
- Get your oven warming to 350°F and line your baking sheets. I always use parchment it never fails me.
- Make That Dough
- Start by creaming your butter and sugar until it's light and fluffy. Then mix in your egg and vanilla. Add the dry ingredients just until they're combined don't overmix!
- The Fun Part
- Fill up your cookie press and start creating those beautiful shapes. Don't worry if the first few aren't perfect that's just practice!
- Into The Oven
- These little beauties only need about 5-7 minutes. Watch them carefully they're done when they're just set.
- Time To Decorate
- Once they're completely cool dip them in melted candy coating and shower them with sprinkles. This is where they become truly magical!
My Best Cookie Tips
Want to know my secrets for perfect spritz cookies every time? Keep that dough room temperature - if it's too cold it won't press through nicely. Don't try to chill it thinking that'll help it actually makes things harder! When you're melting your candy coating do it in short bursts in the microwave stirring between each one. And have all your sprinkles ready to go they need to go on while the coating is still wet.
Keeping Them Fresh
Let me tell you how to make these last though they disappear pretty quickly at my house! Store them in an airtight container and they'll stay perfect for about five days. Want to make them ahead? You can freeze the undecorated cookies for up to three months. I love serving them with hot cocoa on cozy winter evenings or adding them to holiday cookie platters they always steal the show.
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A Little Cookie History
You know what's fun about these cookies? The name 'spritz' comes from the German word 'spritzen' which means to squirt or spray. That's exactly what we're doing with our cookie press! These have been a holiday tradition for generations making memories in kitchens just like yours and mine.
Mastering Your Cookie Press
Let me share what I've learned about working with a cookie press over the years! It's such a fun tool once you get the hang of it. Think of it like a fancy cookie stamp with all those different design discs. The key is getting your dough just right not too soft not too firm. When I'm teaching friends how to use it I tell them to practice on one corner of their baking sheet until they get the perfect press!
Making Them Your Own
Here's where you can let your creativity shine! Sometimes I'll add a tiny drop of peppermint extract to the dough for holiday flair. Try different sprinkle combinations maybe gold and silver for New Year's or pastels for spring. One time I mixed some edible glitter into my white chocolate coating and wow did those cookies sparkle!
Why Everyone Loves These
You know what makes these cookies so special? They're beautiful enough for a fancy holiday party but so comforting they feel like home. The way they just melt in your mouth with that rich chocolate flavor gets everyone asking for the recipe. Plus they're one of those cookies that look impressive but aren't actually hard to make once you know the tricks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why won't my cookies stick to the baking sheet?
- Use ungreased baking sheets. The dough needs to stick to the surface to release from the cookie press properly.
- → Can I freeze these cookies?
- Freeze them before dipping in chocolate. Once decorated with candy coating, they don't freeze well.
- → What if I don't have a cookie press?
- While a press is traditional, you can pipe the dough with a sturdy piping bag and large star tip.
- → Why did my candy melts get too thick?
- Add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to thin the coating if it becomes too thick. Heat in short bursts to avoid overheating.
- → How do I store these cookies?
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place wax paper between layers.
Conclusion
These chocolate spritz cookies are a delightful holiday treat that combines rich chocolate flavor with festive decorations.Pressed into unique shapes using a cookie press, these cookies are then dipped in candy coating and adorned with colorful sprinkles, making them a perfect addition to any holiday cookie platter.