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The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to spread cheer than with a batch of delightful Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies? These charming little treats bring together the rich, creamy flavor of cream cheese with a light and tender texture that’s perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply indulging in by the dozen yourself. Growing up, my family made these cookies during the holidays, adorning them with vibrant colored sugars and sprinkles. The process of pressing them into festive shapes was always a highlight, turning a simple cookie into a fun activity. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to brighten your day with sweet treats, these cookies are a delicious way to do it.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

There are countless reasons to whip up a batch of Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies! First and foremost, they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. The unique blend of cream cheese and shortening creates a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to resist. They are not only perfect for holiday celebrations, but their versatility makes them a delightful treat year-round.

"These cookies are not just delicious; they’re the highlight of our holiday cookie platter! Everyone loves their shape and colorful decorations!" – Happy Baker

Preparing Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies

Making these cookies is a straightforward and fun process that yields delightful results. You’ll begin by creaming together the fats and sugars, then adding the egg yolk and vanilla for that signature flavor. Once you mix in the dry ingredients, you’ll be ready to use your cookie press to create beautiful designs. It’s a perfect recipe for bakers of any skill level, and you’ll find that the whole family can get involved in pressing and decorating the cookies!

What You’ll Need

Gather these essential ingredients to get started:

1 cup shortening
3 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest
Colored sugar, sprinkles, red hots, jimmies (for decoration)

Feel free to substitute the shortening with butter for a richer flavor, though the texture will vary slightly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Freshly baked cream cheese spritz cookies on a plate with colorful sprinkles.

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350ºF (177ºC).
Cream the Mixture: In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to combine the shortening, softened cream cheese, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until incorporated.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add this mixture to the creamed mixture, stirring until just combined. Then, fold in the orange zest.
Prepare the Cookie Press: Spoon the dough into your cookie press fitted with your desired disk shape.
Shape the Cookies: Press the dough onto ungreased baking sheets, placing them about 2 inches apart. Feel free to decorate them with colored sugar, sprinkles, red hots, or jimmies before baking.
Bake: Place the cookies in the oven and bake for about 6-8 minutes or until set.
Cool Down: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Repeat the process with any remaining dough.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

These Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Serve them on a festive platter for gatherings, pop them into decorative bags for gifts, or even use them for a cookie swap! They pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or a classic holiday punch. You can also serve them alongside a selection of other cookies for a delightful treat table.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep your Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to save them for later, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature.

Pro Chef Tips

Chill the Dough: If your dough becomes too soft to work with, consider chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before using the cookie press.
Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to diversify the decorations. Use crushed nuts, or drizzled chocolate to give your cookies a unique spin.
Uniform Shapes: Use a cookie press for uniform cookies, which not only look appealing but also bake evenly.

Creative Twists

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations you can try with this recipe:

Substitute lemon zest for the orange for a zesty twist.
Add chocolate chips or nuts for a different texture and taste.
Use flavored extracts such as almond or peppermint to give your cookies a seasonal flair.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare these cookies?
From start to finish, you can expect about 30 minutes of preparation and baking time.

Can I use a different kind of flour?
All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, but you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, keeping in mind the texture may differ.

What’s the best way to prevent cookies from spreading?
Make sure your dough is well-chilled, and do not skip on the creaming process as it contributes to the cookie’s structure.

Dive into your baking adventure with these Cream Cheese Spritz Cookies; they’re sure to bring warmth and joy to any occasion!