Spritz and Cookies Across America



Mom’s Almond Spritz with Frosting

As part of the Allrecipes Allstars/Brand Ambassador program, we were asked to participate in Cookies Across America. Cookies Across America is a program to make a difference in your community by donating cookies. While I didn’t have time to host a cookie decorating party, I was able to make a few different cookie recipes last week, some old ones and some new ones. I brought them to my husband’s Multiple Sclerosis support group meeting and they were very well recieved and appreciated. I also gave some to my family members that I saw this past weekend, as well as sending some to my parents.

Iced Big Soft Ginger Cookies

This season’s cookie haul includes Buckeye Balls, Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies, Iced Big Soft Ginger Cookies and last, but not least, Spritz. Spritz are my husband’s favorites and the only request he ever makes, so I love to make them for him. I use my mom’s recipe (shared below) and then a simple butter frosting. Frosting Spritz cookies is something new to me. You see, Spritz are made by using a cookie press, which gives them a pretty shape and design. My mom always sprinkled some colored sugar on them before baking and called them good to go. But then I found out that my husband’s grandma always frosted them and he loves them like that, so I gave it a try. So good! Just a dab of frosting on top and you can still see the pretty design the cookie press makes. I add a little almond extract to the frosting, like the cookies, and they are delicious.

Just makes sure you have a cookie press that actually works! Mine is crapping out on me, so for the past few years, I’ve only been able to get the diamond shape to work. This year I got a few trees and a couple of flowers, but ultimately I got too frustrated and went back to the diamonds. I’m thinking it’s time to invest in a new press (this one looks awesome). I had some fun with the leftover dough and made a snowman. His hat got a little toasted, but I think he’s pretty cute. I wish you success in your cookie baking endeavors this year and have a Merry Yule!

Mom’s Almond Spritz with Frosting
(This is not a low-FODMAP recipe)

Cookie Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp. almond extract
2 eggs
3 cups flour
1/4 tsp. salt

Frosting Ingredients:
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 1/2 Tbsp. cream or milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. almond extract
2 cups confectioners’ sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400º F.
2. To make cookies, cream together butter, sugar and almond extract. Add eggs and beat well. Add flour and salt and mix until blended. Using a cookie press, press out cookies onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until light golden brown on the bottoms. Remove to cooling rack.
3. To make frosting, combine melted butter, cream or milk and the extracts in a mixing bowl. Slowly add confectioners’ sugar while beating. Beat until fluffy and smooth. Frost cooled cookies. Sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles if desired.