Hazelnut Spritz Cookies

Hazelnut Spritz Cookies Recipe from Germany

Region / culture: Germany | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 12 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Introduction

Hazelnut Spritz Cookies are a delightful treat that are perfect for any occasion. These buttery cookies are infused with the rich flavor of toasted hazelnuts, making them a favorite among cookie lovers. With a delicate texture and a hint of sweetness, these cookies are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

History

The origins of Spritz cookies can be traced back to Germany, where they are a popular Christmas treat. The name "Spritz" comes from the German word "spritzen," which means "to squirt" or "to spray." This refers to the method of using a cookie press to create intricate shapes and designs with the dough. Hazelnut Spritz Cookies are a modern twist on this classic recipe, adding a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery cookie base.

Ingredients

0.67 cup of chopped hazelnuts, toasted
2 cups of flour
0.75 tsp of baking powder
0.13 tsp of salt
2 sticks of unsalted butter
0.75 cup of sugar
1 egg
1 tsp of vanilla

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a food processor, pulse the nuts and 0.25 cup of flour until finely ground.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the ground nuts, remaining flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, beat the butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla until fluffy.
Gradually beat in the flour mixture until a soft dough forms.
Divide the dough into fourths, without chilling it.
Using a cookie press, press out the cookies onto ungreased baking sheets.
Sprinkle the cookies with sugar and nonpareils.
Bake for 12 minutes or until the edges turn golden.
Allow the cookies to cool completely.

Variations

For a chocolate twist, add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dough.
For a citrus flavor, add 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough.
For a festive touch, sprinkle the cookies with colored sugar or edible glitter before baking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Toasting the hazelnuts before adding them to the dough will enhance their flavor and give the cookies a rich, nutty taste.

- Be sure to use a cookie press to create uniform shapes and designs with the dough. This will ensure that the cookies bake evenly and look beautiful.

- Sprinkling the cookies with sugar and nonpareils before baking adds a touch of sweetness and a festive flair to the finished cookies.

Serving Suggestions

Hazelnut Spritz Cookies are perfect for serving with a cup of hot tea or coffee. They also make a great addition to a holiday cookie platter or gift basket.

Cooking Techniques

Using a cookie press is essential for creating the intricate shapes and designs of Spritz cookies. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific cookie press to achieve the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have hazelnuts, you can substitute almonds or pecans in this recipe. You can also use almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for Hazelnut Spritz Cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply let the dough come to room temperature before using a cookie press to shape the cookies.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange Hazelnut Spritz Cookies on a decorative platter or cookie tin for a beautiful presentation. You can also package them in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a thoughtful gift.

Pairing Recommendations

Hazelnut Spritz Cookies pair well with a variety of beverages, including hot tea, coffee, or milk. They also go well with fruit compote or ice cream for a sweet treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Hazelnut Spritz Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place the cookies in a 350°F (177°C) oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hazelnut Spritz Cookies contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hazelnut Spritz Cookies contains approximately 12 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Hazelnut Spritz Cookies contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Hazelnut Spritz Cookies contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Hazelnut Spritz Cookies are a good source of iron, with each serving containing approximately 1 milligram of this essential mineral.

Alergens

Hazelnut Spritz Cookies contain hazelnuts, wheat, and eggs. They may also contain traces of other nuts.

Summary

Hazelnut Spritz Cookies are a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and provides a small amount of essential nutrients like iron. However, they should be enjoyed in moderation due to their high fat and sugar content.

Summary

Hazelnut Spritz Cookies are a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion. With a rich nutty flavor and a buttery texture, these cookies are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delicious snack that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy little cottage in the countryside. Margaret was known for her delicious baked goods, and she had promised to teach me a new recipe that day.

As we sat in her sunny kitchen, surrounded by the sweet scent of vanilla and cinnamon, Margaret began to gather the ingredients for her Hazelnut Spritz Cookies. She explained that this recipe had been passed down in her family for generations, and she was thrilled to share it with me.

I watched intently as Margaret measured out the flour, sugar, and butter, adding a generous handful of chopped hazelnuts for a nutty crunch. She then showed me how to load the dough into a cookie press, forming delicate shapes on the baking sheet. The cookies would bake to a golden perfection, ready to be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.

As the aroma of the cookies filled the kitchen, Margaret shared with me the story of how she had learned this recipe herself. She recounted how her grandmother, a skilled baker, had taught her the art of making these delicate treats when she was just a young girl. Margaret had cherished the memory of those baking lessons, and she had since made it a tradition to pass on the recipe to her friends and loved ones.

I listened with rapt attention, absorbing every detail of the recipe and the heartwarming story behind it. Margaret's passion for baking was infectious, and I couldn't wait to try making the Hazelnut Spritz Cookies in my own kitchen.

When the cookies were finally ready, we sat down at Margaret's kitchen table to enjoy them with a pot of steaming tea. The cookies were light and buttery, with a hint of sweetness and a satisfying crunch from the hazelnuts. As I savored each bite, I knew that this recipe would become a beloved staple in my own baking repertoire.

After saying goodbye to Margaret and returning home, I wasted no time in recreating the Hazelnut Spritz Cookies in my own kitchen. I followed the recipe with care, remembering Margaret's guidance and the joy she had imparted to me that day.

As the cookies baked in the oven, filling my home with the comforting aroma of warm butter and toasted hazelnuts, I felt a sense of connection to the generations of bakers who had passed down this recipe before me. I imagined Margaret's grandmother teaching her the same techniques, instilling in her a love for baking that she had passed on to me.

When the cookies emerged from the oven, golden and fragrant, I knew that I had captured a piece of Margaret's legacy in my own kitchen. The Hazelnut Spritz Cookies were a triumph, a delicious reminder of the bond between friends and the joy of sharing recipes and traditions.

Since that day, the Hazelnut Spritz Cookies have become a favorite among my family and friends. I often bake them for special occasions and gatherings, savoring the memories of that summer day with Margaret and the simple pleasure of a homemade treat.

As I sit here now, writing down this recipe and the story behind it, I feel grateful for the friendships and traditions that have enriched my life. The Hazelnut Spritz Cookies will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing food, stories, and love with those we hold dear.