Sprits

Sprits Recipe from Sweden: A Delicious Butter and Vanilla Sugar Treat

Region / culture: Sweden | Servings: This recipe makes approximately 30.

Introduction

Sprits are a classic buttery and crumbly cookie that originated in Sweden. These delicious treats are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

The recipe for sprits dates back to the 18th century in Sweden. These cookies were traditionally made during the Christmas season, but they are now enjoyed year-round. The name "sprits" comes from the Swedish word "sprit" which means alcohol, as the original recipe called for a small amount of alcohol to be added to the dough.

Ingredients

250 g of butter or margarine
150 g of sugar
2 sachets of vanilla sugar
2 egg whites
3 tbsp of milk
375 g of flour

How to prepare

Cream the softened butter with the sugar and vanilla sugar.
Beat the egg whites until stiff and fold them into the butter mixture, along with the milk.
Finally, blend in the flour.
Put the dough into a piping bag and pipe the dough into waves of 6 or 7 cm length onto a greased baking sheet.
Bake the sprits in the middle of a preheated oven at 180°C until golden.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a warm and spicy flavor.
Dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure the butter is softened before creaming it with the sugar to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.

- Use a piping bag with a star-shaped tip to create the classic wave shape of sprits cookies.

- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving to ensure they are crisp and crunchy.

Serving Suggestions

Sprits cookies are perfect for serving with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a great addition to a holiday cookie platter.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is essential for a tender cookie.

- Folding in the egg whites gently will help to keep the cookies light and airy.

- Using a piping bag with a star-shaped tip will give the cookies their classic shape.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- If you don't have vanilla sugar, you can use vanilla extract instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for sprits in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Simply let the dough come to room temperature before piping and baking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the sprits cookies on a decorative platter and dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch. You can also serve them in a cookie tin lined with parchment paper for a more rustic presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Sprits cookies pair well with a hot cup of coffee or tea. They also go well with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the sprits cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place the cookies in a 300°F oven for a few minutes until warm and crisp.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of sprits contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of sprits contains approximately 15g of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of sprits contains approximately 10g of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of sprits contains approximately 2g of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Sprits cookies are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Sprits cookies contain dairy and gluten.

Summary

Sprits cookies are a delicious treat that is relatively low in calories and contains a moderate amount of fats and carbohydrates.

Summary

Sprits cookies are a classic Swedish treat that is perfect for any occasion. With their buttery and crumbly texture, these cookies are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a cool autumn day and I had just finished baking a batch of cookies when my dear friend Marie stopped by with a small tin of delicate, buttery cookies called Sprits. I had never heard of them before, but as soon as I took a bite, I was in love.

The cookies were light and crispy, with a perfect balance of butter and sugar. They practically melted in my mouth, leaving behind a lingering sweetness that I couldn't get enough of. I begged Marie for the recipe, but she simply smiled and told me that it was a family secret passed down through generations.

Determined to recreate these delicious cookies, I set out to learn the recipe on my own. I scoured cookbooks, searched online, and even asked around town for anyone who might know the secret behind Sprits. But no matter where I looked, I couldn't find a recipe that matched the taste and texture of Marie's cookies.

Frustrated but undeterred, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I spent hours in the kitchen, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques until I finally stumbled upon a recipe that came close to Marie's Sprits. I made batch after batch, tweaking and adjusting until I had perfected the recipe to my liking.

The key, I discovered, was in the butter. I used only the finest European butter, unsalted and at room temperature, to achieve that rich and creamy flavor that made Marie's cookies so irresistible. I also added a touch of almond extract for a subtle nuttiness that complemented the sweetness of the dough.

But the real secret to making Sprits, I soon realized, was in the shaping. Marie had taught me that the traditional way to make these cookies was to pipe them into delicate S-shaped swirls using a pastry bag fitted with a star tip. It took some practice to get the hang of it, but soon enough, I was churning out perfect Sprits in no time.

As I baked batch after batch of these delicious cookies, I couldn't help but think of Marie and the joy she had brought into my life with her gift of Sprits. I knew that I had to share this recipe with others, so that they too could experience the simple pleasure of biting into a buttery, crispy cookie that was made with love and care.

And so, I began to pass on the recipe for Sprits to my friends and family, just as Marie had done for me. I shared the joy of baking these cookies with my grandchildren, teaching them the art of shaping and piping the dough into perfect swirls. It was a tradition that brought us closer together and filled our home with the warm, comforting scent of freshly baked cookies.

Years passed, and I continued to make Sprits for special occasions and holiday gatherings. Each time I pulled out my trusty recipe card and set to work in the kitchen, I was reminded of the bond that had been forged between me and Marie over a simple tin of cookies. And as I watched my loved ones enjoy each bite of these buttery delights, I knew that the spirit of Sprits would live on for generations to come.