Hey guys! Today, we're diving into the delightful world of cream cheese spritz cookies. These aren't your run-of-the-mill cookies; they're buttery, tender, and have a slight tang from the cream cheese that makes them absolutely irresistible. If you’ve ever wanted a cookie that melts in your mouth and looks beautiful on a holiday cookie platter, you’ve come to the right place. We're going to cover everything from the ingredients you'll need to step-by-step instructions, plus some tips and tricks to ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time. So, grab your apron, and let’s get baking!

What Makes These Spritz Cookies Special?

Let's talk about why these cream cheese spritz cookies are about to become your new favorite. First off, the addition of cream cheese changes the whole game. It adds a tenderness and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly. Unlike some cookies that can be overly sugary or dry, these are moist, flavorful, and have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that's hard to beat. Furthermore, the spritz cookie method allows for beautiful shapes and designs, making them ideal for holidays or special occasions. You can use a cookie press to create intricate patterns or simply drop them onto the baking sheet for a more rustic look. The versatility of these cookies is part of their charm. You can customize them with different extracts, sprinkles, or even a light glaze to suit your tastes. For instance, a little lemon zest can brighten them up, or a dash of almond extract can add a nutty depth. Decorating them with festive sprinkles makes them perfect for Christmas, while pastel colors are great for Easter. The possibilities are endless! Finally, these cookies are surprisingly easy to make. While they look fancy, the dough comes together quickly, and the baking process is straightforward. Even if you're not a seasoned baker, you'll find this recipe approachable and rewarding. Imagine the smiles on your friends' and family's faces when you present them with a batch of these delightful treats. They'll think you spent hours in the kitchen, but you'll know the secret: it’s all thanks to the magic of cream cheese!

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we get started, let's gather all the ingredients you'll need for these delectable cream cheese spritz cookies. Having everything measured out and ready to go will make the baking process much smoother. Here's what you'll need:

• All-purpose flour: 3 cups. This forms the base of our cookies. Make sure to measure it accurately; spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off is the best way to avoid using too much.
• Unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened. Softened butter is crucial for a smooth, creamy dough. If you forget to take it out of the fridge ahead of time, you can microwave it in short bursts, but be careful not to melt it.
• Cream cheese: 4 ounces, softened. This is the star ingredient! It adds moisture, tenderness, and a slight tang to the cookies. Again, make sure it's softened for easy mixing.
• Granulated sugar: 1 cup. For sweetness and to help create a tender crumb.
• Egg: 1 large. It binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon. Enhances the flavor of the cookies. You can also experiment with other extracts like almond or lemon.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon. Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• Optional: Sprinkles, sanding sugar, or glaze for decorating.

Make sure all your ingredients are at the right temperature, especially the butter and cream cheese. This will ensure they blend together seamlessly, creating a smooth and uniform dough. Trust me, taking the time to prep your ingredients properly will make a big difference in the final result!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let's get to the fun part – baking these amazing cream cheese spritz cookies! Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you'll be enjoying a batch of delicious cookies in no time.

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your oven rack is in the middle position. Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Cream together butter, cream cheese, and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, cream cheese, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer) for this step, or do it by hand if you're feeling ambitious. Beat the mixture for about 3-5 minutes until it's pale and creamy. This is an important step because it incorporates air into the dough, which helps create a tender cookie.
3. Add egg and vanilla extract: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
4. Gradually add flour and salt: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is fully incorporated and the dough forms a cohesive ball.
5. Load the dough into a cookie press: If you're using a cookie press, load the dough into the press according to the manufacturer's instructions. Choose your desired disc shape. If you don't have a cookie press, you can skip this step and simply drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheets.
6. Press out the cookies: Press the cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart. If the dough is sticking to the press, try chilling it in the refrigerator for a few minutes. If you're dropping the dough, use a small cookie scoop or spoon to create uniform-sized cookies.
7. Decorate (optional): If desired, decorate the cookies with sprinkles, sanding sugar, or other toppings before baking. Gently press the decorations into the dough so they adhere during baking.
8. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on the cookies, as they can burn easily. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking them at the 8-minute mark.
9. Cool: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from breaking while they're still soft.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cookies

To ensure your cream cheese spritz cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips and tricks:

• Use softened butter and cream cheese: This is crucial for a smooth, creamy dough. If the butter and cream cheese are too cold, they won't blend properly, resulting in a lumpy dough.
• Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
• Chill the dough (if needed): If the dough is too soft to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats: This will prevent the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and make cleanup a breeze.
• Bake in batches: Baking the cookies in batches ensures even baking. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheets.
• Watch the baking time: Keep a close eye on the cookies, as they can burn easily. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking them at the 8-minute mark.
• Let the cookies cool completely: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent them from breaking while they're still soft.

Variations and Add-Ins

One of the best things about these cream cheese spritz cookies is how versatile they are. Here are some fun variations and add-ins to try:

• Lemon zest: Add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Almond extract: Substitute almond extract for vanilla extract for a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.
• Chocolate chips: Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
• Sprinkles: Add sprinkles to the dough or sprinkle them on top before baking for a festive look.
• Nuts: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added texture and flavor.
• Glaze: Drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.
• Food coloring: Add a few drops of food coloring to the dough to create colorful cookies for holidays or special occasions.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors and add-ins to create your own unique version of these delicious cookies!

How to Store Spritz Cookies

Proper storage is key to keeping your cream cheese spritz cookies fresh and delicious. Here's how to store them:

• Airtight container: Once the cookies are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will prevent them from drying out and becoming stale.
• Layering: If you're stacking the cookies in the container, place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

If stored properly, these cookies will stay fresh and delicious for several days. But let's be honest, they probably won't last that long!

Perfect for Any Occasion

These cream cheese spritz cookies are truly perfect for any occasion. Whether you're baking for a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just a cozy night in, they're sure to be a hit.

• Holidays: Their festive shapes and decorations make them ideal for Christmas, Easter, and other holidays.
• Parties: They're a great addition to any party platter and are always a crowd-pleaser.
• Gifts: Package them in a cute box or bag and give them as a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Snacks: Enjoy them as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea.

No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these cookies are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. So, go ahead and bake a batch today!

Conclusion

So there you have it – everything you need to know to make perfect cream cheese spritz cookies. With their tender texture, delightful flavor, and beautiful appearance, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your household. Remember to use softened butter and cream cheese, avoid overmixing the dough, and have fun with different variations and add-ins. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some magic. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!