When the festive season arrives, there’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of homemade Christmas treats to fill the home with joy and delicious scents. Today, we have a delightful German Christmas baking recipe for Orangen Spritzgebäck, also known as Orange Spritz Cookies. These buttery, citrus-infused cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or as a sweet gift for friends and neighbors. Let’s dive into the recipe and bring a touch of traditional German holiday cheer to your kitchen.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2/3 cup granulated sugar
– Zest of 2 oranges
– 2 large egg yolks
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Powdered sugar for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the orange zest, egg yolks, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix well until everything is combined.
3. Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth, cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Fill a cookie press or piping bag fitted with a star-shaped tip with the dough.
6. Press the dough onto the prepared baking sheet in desired shapes, such as swirls or wreaths. Leave a bit of space between each cookie as they will spread slightly while baking.
7. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be cautious not to overbake to keep the cookies tender.
8. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once the cookies have cooled, dust them with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
These Orangen Spritzgebäck cookies are not only visually appealing but also bursting with the delightful aroma and flavor of fresh oranges. Whether you enjoy them alongside a cup of hot cocoa, share them with friends at a holiday gathering, or package them beautifully as gifts, these cookies are sure to be a hit this Christmas season.
Capture the essence of German holiday traditions with this recipe and create lasting memories as you bake and share these delightful Orange Spritz Cookies with those you hold dear. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!
