Spritz Cookies

Spritz Cookies: The sweet and delicate treat that will brighten your days

When we think of a cookie recipe, warm childhood memories come to mind, when the sweet aroma of cakes and pastries filled the whole house. Spritz cookies are an ideal choice for those moments when you crave something sweet, light, and quick to prepare. These delicate cookies, with a light texture and fresh lemon flavor, are perfect to enjoy alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Total preparation time: 60 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 30 cookies

Ingredients:
- 600g of flour
- 300g of lard
- 100g of sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 packet of baking powder (about 10g)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Zest of one lemon and its juice
- Warm milk, as needed

Preparing Spritz Cookies

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients on your work surface. Make sure the lard is at room temperature for easier incorporation into the dough. The lemon zest should be fresh, so choose an organic lemon if possible.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Mix well with a fork or whisk to ensure the ingredients are well blended.

3. Adding the wet ingredients: Make a well in the center of the flour and add the lard, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Mix with a spatula or by hand to achieve a homogeneous mixture. Then, add the whole eggs, lemon zest, and its juice.

4. Kneading the dough: Use your hands to knead the dough, gradually adding warm milk. Add the milk little by little, so you achieve a soft and moldable dough. Avoid adding too much milk, as the cookies will become sticky.

5. Preparing the cookie press: Here comes the fun part! Prepare your cookie press and make sure you have attached the special device for cookies. If you don’t have a cookie press, you can use a piping bag or even a plastic bag with a cut corner.

6. Shaping the cookies: Pass the dough through the cookie press (or use the piping bag) and form cookies of the desired size. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them, as they will expand during baking.

7. Baking the cookies: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the tray with cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges.

8. Cooling and decorating: Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on a rack. When they are warm, dust them with powdered sugar or decorate them according to your preferences – you can add melted chocolate, chopped nuts, or even colored icing.

Helpful tips:
- Storing the cookies: Spritz cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Vegan option: You can replace the lard with margarine or coconut oil for a vegan version.
- Extra flavor: Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon for a richer taste and warm aroma.
- Serving: This sweet treat is perfect alongside a cup of herbal tea or aromatic coffee. You can also serve them with vanilla ice cream for a more sophisticated dessert.

Nutritional benefits:
These cookies, although sweet, also contain essential nutrients from eggs and lemon. Eggs are a good source of protein and vitamins, while lemon provides a boost of vitamin C, essential for a healthy immune system. However, moderation is key, as the cookies also contain sugar and fats.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but you will need to adjust the amount of liquid, as whole wheat flour absorbs more water.
2. What can I use instead of lard? You can use butter or margarine for a richer flavor.
3. How can I make the cookies crunchier? Bake them a little longer, but be careful not to burn them.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Spritz cookies will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones and fill your home with delicious aromas. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: -600 g flour-300 g lard-100 g sugar-3 eggs-1 packet baking powder-1 packet vanilla sugar-grated zest of one lemon + juice of the lemon-milk