Mandelspritzgebäck Almond Spritz Cookies

Are you looking to add a touch of Austrian tradition to your Christmas baking this year? Mandelspritzgebäck, or Almond Spritz Cookies, are delicate, buttery treats that are perfect for the holiday season. These cookies are not only delicious but also beautiful with their intricate shapes that add a festive touch to any cookie platter. Grab your cookie press and almond meal, and let’s get baking this delightful Austrian Christmas treat!

*Mandelspritzgebäck Almond Spritz Cookies*

**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup almond meal
– 1/4 teaspoon salt

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. **Add Egg and Almond Extract:** Beat in the egg and almond extract until well combined.

4. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, almond meal, and salt.

5. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.

6. **Fill Cookie Press:** Fill your cookie press with the dough, choosing a decorative disk for shaping the cookies.

7. **Form Cookies:** Press the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, forming cookies in desired shapes and sizes. Space them about an inch apart as they won’t spread much during baking.

8. **Bake:** Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.

9. **Cool and Store:** Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, store the Mandelspritzgebäck in an airtight container at room temperature.

These beautiful Almond Spritz Cookies are not only a delight to look at but a joy to eat. Their delicate texture and rich almond flavor make them a perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. These cookies are great for sharing with loved ones or gifting in festive tins or boxes. Enjoy the magic of the Austrian Christmas tradition with these lovely Mandelspritzgebäck!