Do you love baking cookies that are not only delicious but also look beautiful on a holiday dessert platter? If so, you’re in for a treat with our Almond Creme Spritz Cookies recipe. These delicate and buttery cookies are perfect for special occasions, afternoon tea, or just a sweet indulgence with your favorite hot beverage. With a hint of almond and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
### Almond Creme Spritz Cookies
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– Slivered almonds or colored sugar for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. **Prepare the Cookie Press:** Fit your cookie press with the desired decorative disk. This recipe works well with various shapes, so feel free to choose your favorite.
3. **Cream the Butter and Sugar:** In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. **Add the Egg and Almond Extract:** Beat in the egg and almond extract until well combined.
5. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
6. **Mix the Batter:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
7. **Load the Cookie Press:** Fill the cookie press with the dough, making sure it’s packed in tightly for the best results.
8. **Press the Cookies:** Press the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each cookie. If desired, decorate the cookies with slivered almonds or colored sugar before baking.
9. **Bake the Cookies:** Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. **Cool and Enjoy:** Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, these Almond Creme Spritz Cookies are ready to be enjoyed!
These Almond Creme Spritz Cookies are not only a delight to make but also a joy to share with family and friends. Their delicate appearance and delightful almond flavor make them perfect for a festive cookie exchange, afternoon tea party, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. The buttery texture and subtle almond essence will have everyone reaching for more, so be sure to bake a double batch!
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is a great way to add a touch of elegance to your baking endeavors. So, grab your cookie press, put on your favorite apron, and get ready to create a batch of these irresistible Almond Creme Spritz Cookies that are sure to impress with their taste and beauty.
