When the holiday season arrives, it’s time to whip up some delightful treats that embody the warm spirit of the festivities. Enter Caramel Spritz Cookies—creamy, buttery goodness with a hint of caramel that will have your home smelling like a cozy bakery in no time. These delightful cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones over a cup of tea or for packaging up as homemade gifts. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your baking essentials, and let’s get started on creating these irresistible Caramel Spritz Cookies!
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 large egg
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup store-bought caramel sauce
– Sprinkles for decorating (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Your Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Cream the Butter and Sugars:** In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or a stand mixer.
3. **Add in Vanilla and Egg:** Mix in the vanilla extract and egg until well combined.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. **Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
6. **Fill the Cookie Press:** Transfer the cookie dough into a cookie press fitted with a star-shaped disc.
7. **Press the Cookies:** Press the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in desired shapes and sizes, leaving space between each cookie.
8. **Bake the Cookies:** Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. **Cool the Cookies:** Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. **Add Caramel:** Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the tops with store-bought caramel sauce. You can also create a crisscross pattern or any design of your choice.
11. **Sprinkle Some Magic:** If desired, decorate with sprinkles while the caramel is still slightly sticky to ensure they adhere.
12. **Let the Caramel Set:** Allow the caramel to set before serving or packaging the cookies.
These Caramel Spritz Cookies are a must-have for any festive gathering or a cozy evening at home. Their buttery flavor combined with the rich caramel topping creates a harmonious blend that is sure to please both kids and adults alike. Whether you enjoy them with a warm beverage or serve them as an elegant dessert, these cookies are bound to become a holiday favorite in your household. So, gather your loved ones, put on some festive music, and indulge in the delightful experience of baking and savoring these delectable treats together.
