Hazelnut Spritz Cookies with Colored Sugars

Hazelnut Spritz Cookies with Colored Sugars Recipe | Traditional German Cookies

Region / culture: Germany | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 12 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

Introduction

Hazelnut Spritz Cookies with Colored Sugars are a delightful treat that are perfect for any occasion. These buttery cookies are flavored with toasted hazelnuts and topped with colorful sugars, making them both delicious and visually appealing.

History

Spritz cookies have been a popular holiday treat in many European countries for centuries. The name "spritz" comes from the German word "spritzen," which means to squirt or spray. These cookies are traditionally made by pressing the dough through a cookie press to create intricate shapes.

Ingredients

1 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted
3 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
0.25 tsp salt
3 sticks unsalted butter
1 and 0.25 cups sugar
1 egg
1 and 0.5 tsp 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

Substitute almonds or pecans for the hazelnuts for a different flavor.
Use different colored sugars or sprinkles to customize the cookies for different occasions.

Notes

This recipe makes 160 hazelnut spritz cookies

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to toast the hazelnuts before using them in the recipe to enhance their flavor.

- Be sure to use a cookie press to create the classic spritz cookie shapes.

- Sprinkle the cookies with colored sugars and nonpareils before baking to add a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hazelnut Spritz Cookies with Colored Sugars with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful snack.

Cooking Techniques

Using a cookie press is essential for creating the classic spritz cookie shapes in this recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have hazelnuts, you can substitute another type of nut, such as almonds or pecans.

Make Ahead Tips

The dough for these cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cookies on a festive platter and sprinkle with additional colored sugars for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Hazelnut Spritz Cookies with Colored Sugars pair well with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hazelnut Spritz Cookies with Colored Sugars contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hazelnut Spritz Cookies with Colored Sugars contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

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

Proteins

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

Vitamins and minerals

Hazelnuts are a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and copper, which are important for overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains hazelnuts, butter, and eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Hazelnut Spritz Cookies with Colored Sugars are a delicious treat that are relatively low in carbohydrates and calories. They are a good source of fats and proteins, as well as important vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Hazelnut Spritz Cookies with Colored Sugars are a delicious and festive treat that are perfect for any occasion. With their buttery texture, nutty flavor, and colorful decorations, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a simple yet elegant recipe for Hazelnut Spritz Cookies with Colored Sugars that caught my eye in an old cookbook that I stumbled upon at a yard sale many years ago.

I have always had a passion for cooking and baking, and I love experimenting with new recipes and flavors. This particular recipe intrigued me because of its unique combination of hazelnuts and colored sugars. I had never tried anything quite like it before, and I knew I had to give it a try.

I brought the cookbook home and eagerly read through the recipe, taking note of the ingredients and steps involved. The recipe called for basic ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, and eggs, but it also included finely ground hazelnuts and a touch of almond extract for flavor. The colored sugars were used to decorate the cookies and give them a festive and eye-catching appearance.

I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in my kitchen, following the recipe instructions carefully. I creamed the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, then added in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. I then folded in the flour, ground hazelnuts, and almond extract, forming a smooth and slightly sticky dough.

I loaded the dough into a cookie press and began to press out the cookies onto a baking sheet, shaping them into delicate swirls and rosettes. I sprinkled each cookie with a different colored sugar, creating a rainbow of hues that sparkled in the light. The cookies looked so beautiful and inviting, I couldn't wait to taste them.

I popped the cookies into the oven and waited with bated breath as they baked to golden perfection. The sweet aroma of hazelnuts and almond filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. When the timer finally dinged, I pulled the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

I took a bite of one of the cookies and was immediately transported to a world of flavor and texture. The cookies were buttery and crumbly, with a rich nutty flavor from the hazelnuts and a hint of sweetness from the colored sugars. They were absolutely delicious, and I knew I had found a new favorite recipe.

I made another batch of the Hazelnut Spritz Cookies with Colored Sugars to share with my family and friends, and they were a huge hit. Everyone raved about how beautiful and tasty they were, and they couldn't believe that I had made them myself.

Since that day, the Hazelnut Spritz Cookies with Colored Sugars have become a staple in my baking repertoire. I love making them for special occasions and holidays, as they never fail to impress and delight. I am grateful for the serendipitous discovery of this recipe, and I will continue to cherish it for years to come.