Lemon Spritz Cookies

Lemon Spritz Cookies are light, buttery, and packed with bright citrus flavor. These delightful bite-sized cookies are easy to make, perfect for holiday baking, and great for gifting. With their delicate texture and refreshing lemon taste, they’re sure to become a family favorite.

Essential Ingredients

To make these zesty cookies, you’ll need:

• Butter: 1 cup, softened, for a rich, tender texture.
• Cream Cheese: 3 ounces, softened, adding a slight tang and extra creaminess.
• White Sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness.
• Egg Yolk: 1, for structure and moisture.
• Lemon Zest: 1 1/2 teaspoons, finely grated, for a bright citrusy kick.
• Lemon Extract: 1 teaspoon, enhancing the lemon flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, for a warm, balanced taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 1/2 cups, forming the cookie base.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, to balance the sweetness.

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Make the Dough:

• In a bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until creamy.
• Mix in sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the egg yolk, lemon zest, lemon extract, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
• Gradually add flour and salt until fully incorporated and dough forms.

3. Shape the Cookies:

• Shape dough into small logs and place into a cookie press.
• Press cookies onto ungreased cookie sheets, leaving space between them.

4. Bake:

• Bake for 12-14 minutes until cookies are lightly browned around the edges.
• Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Health Benefits

While these cookies are a treat, they offer some benefits:

• Lemon zest adds antioxidants and vitamin C.
• Homemade cookies have no artificial preservatives or additives.
• Cream cheese provides a slight calcium boost.
• A small serving size allows for mindful indulgence.

Serving Suggestions

• Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
• Drizzle with a lemon glaze for extra citrusy sweetness.
• Serve with tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
• Pair with fresh berries for a refreshing dessert platter.

Creative Variations

• Lemon-Poppy Seed: Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds for a crunchy twist.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over cooled cookies.
• Almond Lemon Spritz: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty depth.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks for longer freshness.
• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Pro Tips

• Use room temperature ingredients for the best dough consistency.
• Chill the dough slightly if it’s too soft for the cookie press.
• Test a few cookies first to ensure the press pattern holds its shape.
• Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even browning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies without a cookie press? Yes! Roll the dough into small balls and flatten slightly with a fork.

Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of extract? Lemon extract provides a stronger flavor, but you can use 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice instead.

Why did my cookies spread too much? If the dough is too soft, chill it for 15-20 minutes before pressing the cookies.

Enjoy your Lemon Spritz Cookies, a perfect blend of buttery richness and zesty citrus flavor!

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